DOVE AWARDS NOMINATE FIRST-TIME NOMINEE FIREFLIGHT FOR “ARTIST OF THE YEAR”

Fireflight (Nashville, Tenn.) Feb. 20, 2009—Nominations were announced today for the Gospel Music Association’s 40th Annual Dove Awards. Orlando-based rock band, Fireflight sent waves through the industry with its recognition in the prestigious category of Artist of the Year, a huge accomplishment for any artist, but even more for a modern rock band, and first-time Dove nominee. After eight years together as a band, these nominations cap off an overwhelmingly successful 2008, launched by the debut of its hit song, “Unbreakable,” on the NBC network promos for “Bionic Woman.” Over the last 12 months, Fireflight has scored two No.1 singles at Christian Rock radio and was named Taco Bell’s “Best of the Beat” winner by the restaurant’s fan-voted contest.
Fireflight was recognized in three additional categories— Unbreakable, the band’s second major label release, was nominated for Rock/Contemporary Album, and its two chart-topping Rock radio singles were recognized; “Unbreakable,” the project’s title track and first single is up for Rock/Contemporary Song, and “The Hunger” received a nod in the Rock Recorded Song category. As the writers of these two nominated songs, the five individual band members are additionally honored with the opportunity to take home Dove statues for their writer contributions in these categories.
Lead singer Dawn Richardson, reacted to the news from the inside of the band’s mini-bus. She said, “Two words, BLOWN AWAY! We are just so honored to be nominated for the first time, and we are completely floored to have been chosen in 4 categories, especially Artist of the Year! We’re in great company, and really amped to represent ROCK this year in the Artist of the Year category.” She adds, “We thank God, He was our true source of strength for this album.”
John Styll, President of the Gospel Music Association, commented on Fireflight’s outstanding showing in this year’s nominations. “To be included in the Artist of the Year category means they had to be overwhelmingly excellent. It’s
a testament to the band’s hard work this past year. Not only musically, but also connecting with and mobilizing its fans.”
For the first time, fans have an opportunity to vote for the winner of Artist of the Year along with New Artist of the Year. Fan voting, which will be conducted through the Gospel Music Channel website (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) and at www.doveawards.com, will open on Feb. 26, the same day online voting opens for GMA members. The cumulative fan vote, which will continue through the live Dove Awards broadcast, will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories.

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