by Allyson O'Bryant, Student Public Relations Writer
The 56th annual GMA Dove Awards, one of the biggest Christian and Gospel music events of the year, is set to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, at Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 7. The Dove Awards gives the nominees, presenters and the audience a chance to praise the Lord while celebrating musical achievements.
鈥淚 love how the GMA brings all different styles of Christian music together for one unforgettable night each year,鈥 said Joseph Habedank, Dove Award nominee for Southern Gospel Album of the Year. 鈥淚t shows unity, and I think it鈥檚 a lot like what Heaven will look like.鈥
To stage such a large event, Gospel Music Association relies on volunteers to help behind the scenes. Since 2017, Cedarville University worship students have been part of that effort, escorting performers and presenters from backstage to the red carpet. This year, 16 Cedarville students will arrive on Monday afternoon and prepare for Tuesday鈥檚 16-hour workday.
鈥淭here鈥檚 so much going on behind the scenes, backstage and in the halls and corridors under the arena. It鈥檚 stressful but also organized, exciting and fun. You never know what you鈥檙e going to do until you get your assignment,鈥 said John Chilcote, associate professor of worship at Cedarville University.
Tauren Wells will host the evening and perform, joining other artists like Gaither Vocal Band, Josiah Queen and Leanna Crawford. Fifteen presenters, including Jason Crabb, John Crist and Sadie Robertson Huff, will also take the stage, making the night a cross-genre celebration of worship and artistry in the Christian music industry.
This year, there are over 2,800 nominations across 37 categories. For many artists, being nominated is a meaningful milestone.
鈥淚 am so honored to be nominated for Southern Gospel Album of the Year for my album, 鈥業鈥檓 Free: Songs That Wrote My Story鈥,鈥 said Habedank. 鈥淚 recently found out this was my 20thDove Award nomination, and I could not be more grateful.鈥
Cedarville students apply Cedarville鈥檚 core values as they work hard behind the scenes. From those who are serving to those who sing, the Dove Awards exemplify a unified Christian community.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation鈥檚 top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.