Matt Redman wins big at 2013 Dove Awards

Matt Redman

British artist Matt Redman picked up multiple accolades at the 2013 GMA Dove Awards on Tuesday.

For those who are unacquainted with the Gospel Music Association awards, they are the Christian equivalent to the Grammys and are hosted each year in the US.

The awards honour various Christian music styles, from rap, R&B, and pop, to rock and country, with awards across 42 categories up for grabs.

The 44th annual Dove Awards were held in Nashville, hosted by Grammy award winner Amy Grant and gospel singer Kirk Franklin. Guests included Joyce Meyer and the Tankard family.

The night belonged to current US resident, Matt Redman, who walked away with six wins.

Redman won Songwriter of the Year against Ben Glover, Benji Cowart, Toby McKeehan and Wayne Haun.

His hit, "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)", won him the Song of the Year as well as the Contemporary Christian Performance of the Year, Pop Contemporary Song and Praise & Worship Song.

Redman music was also featured on the Special Event Album winner, Passion: Let the Future Begin, alongside Chris Tomlin among others.

TobyMac opened Tuesday night's show and won a total of four awards, bringing him 18 Dove Awards to his name in total.

He won Artist of The Year, beating off competition from Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Lecrae and Tamela Mann. He already has this award under his belt, last winning it in 2007.

Michael W Smith came away with the Instrumental Album award for his work, Glory, whilst the acclaimed Hillsong won the Spanish Album award and Hillsong United scored the Long Form Video award for their contemporary album, Live in Miami.

Other winners included King & Country for New Artist of the Year and Ed Cash for Producer of the Year.

All in all Redman led the awards, scoring the highest number of wins on the night.

Highlights of the evening included touching tributes to Billy Graham and the surprise 'Uplift Someone' award for gospel singer, Mandisa, in recognition of "her music, message and humanitarian heart, all of which (individually and collectively) have inspired others".

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