A Note from the Executive Director:
GMA Announces Dove Balloting Changes & Submissions Starting May 1
Dear GMA Members and Friends,
At the Gospel Music Association, one of our objectives is to best represent the Christian/Gospel music industry to both our immediate community as well as the culture at large – exposing our music and Message to a broader audience. Part of this strategy requires that we consistently evaluate the tools we use as well as opportunities for innovation that will propel growth for the genre.
Most recently, we have applied this desire to the GMA Dove Awards – our annual awards show celebrating its 44th year by examining our voting process and procedures as well as category representation. Through this process we’ve made a variety of improvements that we hope will ensure the integrity of the event and also raise its credibility.
To best assess, we worked closely with our industry leaders along with the Awards and Criteria Committee – giving much time and thought to vet the final plan. This plan was then presented to the GMA Executive Committee who in turn voted for approval.
Please take the time to review the changes carefully; noting that the submission process begins May 1, 2013. You can find details for the entire balloting and submission process on www.DoveAwardsVoting.com. Below are highlights of the most notable changes taking place.
- Addition of three new categories to division one:
– Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year
– Southern Gospel Performance of the Year
– Gospel Performance of the Year. - Addition of film category in division five, honoring their artist excellence and impact on culture:
– Inspirational Film of the Year - In an effort to place increased emphasis on our musical genres and broaden inclusion as well as meet industry standards the following categories have been removed:
– Male Artist of the Year
– Female Artist of the Year
– Group of the Year - The following categories have been combined due to a lack of submissions:
– Urban Recorded Song of the Year & Contemporary Gospel
Recorded Song of the Year have been merged to create:
– Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year
– Urban Album of the Year & Contemporary Gospel Album of the
Year have been merged to create:
– Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year. - Revision of criteria for the Artist of the Year category. In a best effort to most accurately reflect artists that have quantifiably had an impact on our culture the following criteria have been added to the voting process for this specific category:
– Artists included on the first round ballot shall be determined to be
the top 20, highest-selling artists according to SoundScan plus TEA sales.
While we know that these categories and processes will continue to evolve over the coming years, our greater goal is to create an excellent event that celebrates community and brings awareness to the hope that we possess. If you’re interested in participating in the submission and voting process click here to learn about GMA membership and qualifications (http://www.gospelmusic.org/membership/apply-now/)
Lastly, I invite you join us on October 15, 2013 at Allen Arena in Nashville, TN as we celebrate another year of God’s goodness to us at the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards. I look forward to seeing you there!
Blessings,
Jackie Patillo, Executive Director
Gospel Music Association
Jackie@gospelmusic.org
Questions & Comments Regarding GMA Dove Award Balloting visit: www.DoveAwardsVoting.com or contact us at service@gospelmusic.org / 615-277-1376.
GMA Dove Awards Rules & Definitions Categories 1-7
ELIGIBILITY PERIOD: November 1, 2011 – April 30, 2013
CATEGORIES:
Category 3 – Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year NEW*
– Recognizes a superior vocal and/or instrumental performance (captured via audio or visual formats) by a soloist or group in the Contemporary Christian genre whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music. Submission must have been included on a release within the current eligibility period. (includes: Pop/Contemporary, Inspirational, Rock, Worship, Rap/Hip Hop)
Category 4 – Southern Gospel Performance of the Year NEW*
– Recognizes a superior vocal and/or instrumental performance (captured via audio or visual formats) by a soloist or group in the Southern Gospel genre whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music. Submission must have been included on a release within the current eligibility period. (includes: Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country)
Category 5 – Gospel Performance of the Year Category NEW*
– Recognizes a superior vocal and/or instrumental performance (captured via audio or visual formats) by a soloist or group in the Gospel genre whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music. Submission must have been included on a release within the current eligibility period. (includes: Traditional, Contemporary/Urban)
Category 6 – Artist of the Year REVISED*
– An Artist is a soloist or group whose preponderance of music performances and recordings are in gospel music.
– Determined to be among top selling artists based on SoundScan sales during eligibility period of up to two albums released within last three years. One of which has to be released during current eligibility period.
-The top 20 artists determine by SoundScan will appear as an eligible entries on the first ballot.
Categories 17. Urban Recorded Song of the Year & 19. Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
– MERGE to create: Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year
Categories 29. Urban Album of the Year & 31. Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
– MERGE to create: Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year
Category 44: Inspirational Film of the Year
– All films must be certified as Dove Foundation Family Approved.
– Titles will be feature films. Not shorts, preaching or teaching videos
– The top 20 feature length DVD’s will be compiled within the eligibility period according to SoundScan
– Top 5 Nominees will be selected by “craft committee”. The Craft committee will be made up of film professionals, including a Dove Foundation representative. The committee will be selected by GMA with input from the Dove Foundation.
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About the Gospel Music Association (GMA)
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615-277-1376. Follow the GMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation.
