March NewsCast 2010

March NewsCast - 2010

The Dove Awards nominations were one of the biggest events last month, with surprise heavy hitters like Mat Maher, Jars of Clay and the new group MIKESCHAIR both taking several appiece. Tenth Avenue North took two noms with a "Song of the Year" and "Group of the Year" event, and this will be their first ceremony since their out of the water win for New Artist of the Year last April. Here are my favorites for some big categories:

Artist of the Year:

Will Win: Casting Crowns
Should Win: Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay has had one of their best years in a long time, and truly beats out every other artist on the list in my opinion, but Casting Crowns will put up a contest with their populatity, especially now with the fan voting in action once again. Also, nominee Fransesca Battistelli has had a good year and could possibly have shot by a small margine.

New Artist of the Year:

Will Win: Johnny Diaz
Should Win: Johnny Diaz

Another fan voting category, Johnny Diaz has had a great year with the success of his single "More Beautiful You" on the radio and across the web. Sidewalk Prophets has done well, but overall I'd say Johnny will take it by a good bit.

Song of the Year:

Will Win: I Will Rise
Should Win: By Your Side or Two Hands

Chris Tomlin doesn't have too many categories in his favor this year, but this one could easily be his. I Will Rise is a nice tune with plenty of radio publicity, and he certainly has the best chance. But both Tenth Avenue North's and Jars of Clay's tunes are up there as well. It is going to be tough to name a winner off the top of my head, but Chris has a popular sound and it will be an upset for him to get rejected in this one.

Group of the Year:

Will Win: Casting Crowns
Shoud Win: Jars of Clay or Tenth Avenue North

Do you notice a theme here? It seems my favorite artists and songs aren't getting the best chance, but to tell you the truth, they almost never do. Casting Crowns has been successful this year and have plenty of talent to take home another win here, but Tenth Avenue North and Jars of Clay again, have both had exceptional years and are on the same level musically. Casting Crowns will do it again, but there are several teams who could take it just as well in my opinion.

Thanks for taking a look, and I hope you like this new feature to my site!

Christian Lingner