Steven Curtis Chapman, the contemporary Christian musician who has won more Gospel Music Association Dove Awards than anyone else, was named artist of the year in Thursday’s Dove Awards ceremony in Nashville, Tenn.
During the show, which aired live on the Gospel Music Channel, he performed his hit “Cinderella,” which he wrote in honor of his daughter Maria, who died last year at age 5 in an automobile accident in her family’s driveway.
“There’s a lot of reasons that are unique this year, probably why I’m standing here,” said Chapman, standing with his wife, Mary Beth, as he accepted the artist of the year honor.
“This last year, we’ve been given opportunities we never, ever would have signed up for or asked for to communicate the hope that we have.”
Other Dove Award recipients in general categories were:
New Artist of the Year: Tenth Avenue North
Song of the Year: “Give Me Your Eyes,” written by Brandon Heath and Jason Ingram
Songwriter of the Year: Steven Curtis Chapman
Male Vocalist of the Year: Brandon Heath
Female Vocalist of the Year: Natalie Grant
Group of the Year: Casting Crowns
(Photo credit: Gospel Music Association)