Dove Award nominee list includes familiar names, songs by Terry DeBoer

Perennial favorites Chris Tomlin and Natalie Grant are in familiar positions among Christian music artists in the running for the 2009 Dove Awards, sponsored by the Gospel Music Association.

Tomlin, winner of three consecutive Doves as the industry's top male vocalist, is nominated in the same category once again.

The worship music singer-songwriter, who performed last month in Van Andel Arena, is the lead nominee with six other nominations, including overall top artist, song of the year and for top CD and song in praise and worship groupings.

Grant, also a three-time female vocalist winner, is up for the same award. Her CD "Relentless" and one of its songs, "I Will Not Be Moved," also are in line for honors.

Grand Rapids native Marvin Sapp repeated last year's nomination as top male vocalist, but has also broken through with a nod for artist of the year.

Sapp, pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, won seven Stellar Awards last month in connection with his CD "Thirsty" and its smash hit "Never Would Have Made It."

In line to reprise his 2008 Dove as artist of the year is pop-rock hip-hopper tobyMac (Toby McKeehan), who performs as part of "Winter Jam" on March 12 in Van Andel Arena.

"It's unexpected and quite the honor," Toby, 44, said when reached by phone Friday before a concert date in Columbia, S.C.

"I think it's a testimony to how gospel music in general continues to stretch and cross boundaries ... it's a good day."

Earlier this month, he won a Grammy Award for his latest release, "Alive and Transported."

Nominees in 42 music and related categories were announced Friday during a Nashville news conference.

A newcomer making a splash this year is singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli. The rookie artist netted five nominations, including female vocalist and top new artist. Her hit, "I'm Letting Go," is nominated for two awards. Battistelli is joining tobyMac on the March 12 concert bill in Grand Rapids.

Artists with several nominations include Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Fireflight, Third Day and Michael W. Smith.

The Gaither Vocal Band, which performs March 14 in Holland, is in the running for two Dove Awards.

For the first time, music fans will have a part in voting for two categories: artist of the year and new artist of the year. Online ballots from fans will account for a third of the vote totals; the remainder are cast by members of the Gospel Music Association, mostly industry-connected professionals. Online voting begins Thursday and concludes April 23, the day of the Dove ceremonies at the Grand Ole Opry.

See voting details and a complete list of nominees at doveawards.com.

The award ceremonies, with hosts to be announced, return to live television this year on the Gospel Music Channel.