As gospel music's biggest night of the year, the GMA Music Awards presented top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows gospel music's highest honor – the Dove Award. Hosted by Rebecca St. James and Kirk Franklin, the awards show will air in national syndication April 15 to May 21, 2006.
Artist/songwriter Chris Tomlin was named the 2006 Dove Award Artist of the Year, while earning
four other Doves. Tomlin was one of 37 different artists who won Dove Awards, including Steven Curtis Chapman, who received his 50th trophy. Tomlin’s co-writer and producer Ed Cash was one of the evening’s other big winners, earning four Doves including Producer of the Year. David Crowder Band and lead member David Crowder were three-time winners along with their producer Tedd T.
"There were many spirit-filled and joyful moments during this year's GMA Music Awards, and it is always great to see new faces emerge alongside already established artists, linking the past to the present and offering a glimpse into the future of gospel music," said John Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the GMA Music Awards. "Nowhere was that more apparent than in the poignant symbolism of Chris Tomlin's arriving into the spotlight as this year's most honored artist in gospel music on the same night that Steven Curtis Chapman reached the newer artists as he did when he invited Chris to tour with him last year. The storyline of these two artists has now been forever connected by their achievements tonight."
In the "overall" categories, Dove Awards were presented:
