42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards Garnered Unprecedented Viewers On gmc television network and Quickly Sold Out The Fabulous Fox Theatre As Atlanta Welcomed This Year’s Honors to the City

The GMA Dove Awards offer recognition in a variety of genres making it the most comprehensive awards show celebrating Christian music will again air on gmc

NASHVILLE, TN (June 29, 2011) – THE GMA Board of Directors and the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will again take place in Atlanta in 2012 and will be aired on gmc. The awards, slated to take place in April 2012 offer the most comprehensive platform of music celebrating Christian and Gospel music.
 
The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards quickly sold out this past April at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre garnered its highest ratings on gmc. With more than 1.5 million viewers turning in to catch host Sherri Shepherd and such artists as Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, Male Vocalist of the Year Chris August and other superstars Third Day, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant, Chris Tomlin, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Kenny Rogers and many others perform unique collaborations and take home honors at the annual awards show.
 
“We’re excited for the Dove Awards to return to Atlanta,” says William Pete, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO. “There was a buzz throughout the city surrounding the show and the excitement was contagious. We look forward to making the 43rd Annual Dove Awards another success.”
 
This year’s awards marked many firsts for the iconic awards. With its move to the culturally diverse city of Atlanta, the gmc airing, numerous promotions with radio, TV and area churches, coupled with the location being home to so many of the genres artists and the international TV star and comedian Sherri Shepherd bringing her uniquely apropos hosting duties to the show made for a complete facelift for “Gospel Music’s Biggest Night.”
 
Mitchell Solarek, chairman of the GMA board states, “Our experience this past year in Atlanta exceeded our expectations. How exciting to have the Governor of Georgia personally there to welcome our artists, and guests of the show. The City of Atlanta made us feel so welcomed from the city and state leaders to the multitude of local and international media that covered the awards. We are thrilled with the results of the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards and are looking forward to another amazing outcome in 2012.”
 
Charley Humbard, gmc CEO adds, “The GMA Dove Awards is one of the preeminent events in the world of Christian, Gospel and Inspirational music. Our relationship with the GMA and the Dove Awards is an important part of our strategy. We are pleased with the increasing numbers we are garnering with awards show. And, having the awards in Atlanta, the home of gmc, makes it doubly sweet.”