Battistelli is top gospel artist

Associated Press

ATLANTA

Francesca Battistelli continues her strong surge as Christian music’s biggest star.

Battistelli won artist of the year at the 42nd annual Dove Awards in Atlanta for the first time Wednesday night. She also went home with two more awards — best female vocalist and pop-contemporary recorded song.

Battistelli, 25, has surged recently with her second major-label album, “Hundred More Years,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart last month.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said Battistelli after the awards show, which airs today on GMC, formerly known as the Gospel Music Channel. “I’m standing here ... speechless. This is totally humbling.”

The awards show for gospel and Christian music left Nashville, Tenn., for the first time in its history.

Organizers expected the new production in Atlanta to be just as successful.

The show’s new location seemed to fit.

“I like having it in Nashville, too, but we’re definitely cool to have it right here in Atlanta,” said Casting Crowns’ frontman Mark Hall.

“There’s a lot going on here.”

Other winners included Chris August, who was new artist of the year, best male vocalist and earned another award for pop-contemporary album.

Singer Jason Crabb and the group Point of Grace also joined Battistelli in claiming three Doves apiece.

Crabb won song of the year for his heartfelt single “Sometimes I Cry.” He also won inspirational recorded song and traditional gospel recorded song. His father, Gerald Crabb, won songwriter of the year.

“Who knew both of us would’ve come away with an award,” Gerald Crabb said. “This was a big night for us.”

Point of Grace took home country album of the year, Christmas album of the year and country recorded song of the year. The all-female trio comprised of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones and Leigh Cappillino took the stage with legendary country singer Kenny Rogers to perform his newest inspirational country melody, “The Rock of Your Love.”

The show opened with Chris Tomlin standing in a black leather jacket and blue jeans as he performed his hit single “Our God” before Christian comedian Chonda Pierce took the stage.

Host Sherri Shepherd of ABC’s “The View” followed Pierce’s short comedy act and demanded attendees to repeatedly chant, “I love Jesus, I love Jesus.”

Hall, Third Day and Steven Curtis Chapman — who has won more Dove Awards with 56 than any other artist — performed together.

Legendary singer Sandi Patty, who showed up to the awards 75 pounds lighter, was honored for her lifetime achievements. Several singers, including Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Audrey Assad, Kerri Robert, Janet Paschal, Brit Nicole and Laura Story, each gave a rendition of Patty’s past hit songs. Actress Tamala Mann, who is known for her role as Cora in Tyler Perry’s plays, movies and TV show “Meet the Browns,” won in the traditional-gospel album-of-the-year category.