Most people snub the Dove Awards because they hear “Christian music,” but the industry has changed dramatically in the past decade. Major record labels have subsidiaries that focus just on Christian music, thus bringing in top producers and musicians, and ultimately raising the bar — and that’s a synopsis from a legendary Christian musician. And it’s the only music awards that includes all genres of music from traditional Gospel to hip-hop, bluegrass, heavy metal to alternative rock.
If you like music, I dare you to watch the Dove Awards on the Gospel Music Channel, which is re-airing the event Saturday, April 28 at 9 p.m. MDT.
Former Denver resident and hip-hop artist LeCrae performs along with Tedashii, another rapper. LeCrae, who has become friends with mainstream rappers, won a Dove Award for his song “Hallelujah.”
Rocker Michael Tait, a former member of DCTalk –the band that changed the face of Christian music, sings a duet with Group 1 Crew’s Blanca Callahan. There’s even a set by former “American Idol” finalists, Ruben Studdard, Phil Stacey, Mandisa and Danny Gokey. And then there is Natalie Grant, who won Female Vocalist of the Year for the fifth time.
Bluegrass fans will get a treat when The Isaacs perform “Walk On” and traditional Gospel fans have Jason Crabb, who won Male Vocalist and Artist of the Year Awards this year, and a tribute to legend Russ Taff.
Below is a taste of The Isaacs, but this video doesn’t compare to the band’s Dove appearance. And there’s a video from Grant and Crabb.