NASHVILLE, TN (CelebrityAccess) — Christian rock group MercyMe had a big night at the 48th annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards on Tuesday night, winning the award for Artist of the Year.
The band's accolades also included wins for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for their latest release, “Lifer,” and for frontman Bart Millard, who took home the trophy for Artist Songwriter of the Year.
“We’ve been a band for 23 years…yay for old people!” Millard told the audience during the awards ceremony. “I can’t say enough that Christian music saved my life. It means the world to us.”
Other winners for the night included newcomer singer-songwriter Zach Williams, who won the award for New Artist of the Year and veteran country artist Reba McEntire, whose album Songs of Faith and Hope” won the award for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year.
Hosted by Jobe & Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the Dove Awards took place at Nashville's Allen Arena and will be broadcast via the Christian-oriented Trinity Broadcasting Network on Oct. 22nd.
2017 Dove Awards top winners
Artist of the Year: MercyMe
Song of the Year: “What A Beautiful Name” (writers) Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing
Songwriter of the Year (Artist): Bart Millard
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist): Bernie Herms
Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year: Casting Crowns, Provident Label Group
Southern Gospel Artist of the Year: Gaither Vocal Band, Gaither Music Group
Gospel Artist of the Year: CeCe Winans, Pure Springs Gospel
New Artist of the Year: Zach Williams
Producer of the Year: Bernie Herms
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: The Waiting Room – Trip Lee
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year: Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith And Hope – Reba McEntire
