Young artists take spotlight at Dove Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A new wave of Christian artists dominated the 34th annual Gospel Music Association Awards, with MercyMe, Switchfoot, Stacie Orrico and Jeremy Camp among the big winners Wednesday night.

MercyMe won a Dove Award -- gospel music's version of the Grammy -- in the coveted artist of the year category, and also took home honors for top group and top pop/contemporary recorded song for "Word of God Speak."

"Word of God Speak" also won song of the year, giving band leader and songwriter Bart Millard and co-writer Pete Kipley each a pair of Doves.

"None of this overshadows what Christ has done for us," Millard said in accepting the group of the year award.

Switchfoot lead singer and songwriter Jonathan Foreman captured the most awards. The band won rock song of the year for "Ammunition," rock/contemporary song for "Meant to Live," and rock/contemporary album for "The Beautiful Letdown."

Awards were given in 44 categories for recordings released between Nov. 1, 2002, and Oct. 31, 2003.