And the Dove award goes to . . .

Every year I've got to go . . .

We never had cable growing up, but there was one very important show I had my Grammy record for me year after year. The GMA Dove Awards!! I loved it and I would watch them over and over. It thrilled me that so many awesome artists where in one building all in one night!!

Call me stupid, but when I moved to Nashville, I didn't put two and two together and completely forgot about this star-studded event being held right here . . . . guess I was too busy packing up everything I own, changing addresses, hugging necks and leaving behind everything I ever knew including the televised Dove Awards. If I would've remembered, it might have moved me a little faster . . . . just kidding!! :)

This is my 3rd year attending the live event and equally as exciting!! First thing I did upon meeting Mysty, Kim and Scot was nearly plow Aaron Shust over. He was outside doing some XM Radio thing, but I guess he was in my way before my brain could figure out what had happened. I was flipping out to Mysty. "Yeah." She said. Golly, can't get her too excited about anything! I thought it was pretty cool!

Kim and Scot Robbins met Mysty and I there. I think they solely went because Sis. Twila's song "Orphans of God" was nominated for Southern Gospel Recorded Song. But for me that's just the icing on the cake!! Unfortunately her nominated category was up quite early in the pre-televised show and kinda' put a damper on our spirits, since "Get Away, Jordan" by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound took the lead. :( Hopefully next year. Scot & Kim actually left to get something to eat and were back before the televised portion at seven. You can get your money's worth of music that's for sure!

We did end up heading out a little early. I attribute that to Mysty's age . . . just kidding!! (I love razzing her!!) But it was all good, because Mysty, Mike & Twila and I headed over to Romano's Macaroni Grill! Yum, yum!! I love it but I didn't need it in the least. But I guiltlessly enjoyed my absolutely, scrumptious Chicken Parmesan. Theirs is the best I've ever, ever had. I also am madly in love with their Chocolate Ravioli, but resisted!!

Saw Nirva and her husband walking across the parking lot as we were driving off. Nirva sings backup with lots of people. Tonight she accompanied Natalie and Wynonna. But my favorite artist that she assists is Tobymac!!! If we would have just left a couple minutes later, I could have chatted. I just met her in December. She went to Frisk with my good friend, Marcia and they also go to the same church. Nirva is whom I owe my gratitude for getting Marcia and I our backstage pass to meet Tobymac at Winter Wonder Slam. I love that girl!! Marcia & Nirva!!

In all it was a great night with "the best Gospel" music, entertainment and friends. I was inspired by Twila's positive attitude despite not winning for her 2nd year in a row. She's remains so positive. I think we all get more upset than her!! She's just thrilled to be nominated, which I can definitely understand. What an awesome achievement! And since she took home a BMI award for Top 25 Songs Played on Radio and 2 Harmony Awards for top Southern Gospel hits this week, she's got good reason not to be down! And me too, just to say I know someone so talented!!

Here's a couple of my favorite performances of the evening (I'll save ya' $60!):
The Clark Sisters




Natalie Grant & Wynonna