|PIC1|NASHVILLE, USA - Chris Tomlin and Aaron Shust garnered multiple Dove awards last night at the 38th Annual GMA Music Awards, Christian music's biggest night of the year.


Held traditionally at the Grand Ole Opry House, the GMA Music Awards presented top artists from every style of gospel music as they came together for a night of music and celebration.

Tomlin went home with six awards last night, adding onto the five trophies from last year. His Dove Awards included Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year - two honours he repeats for the second year.

"I'm overwhelmed by all this," Tomlin said as he held his awards. "I feel like King David when he was a shepherd kid. His brothers were more talented than he was... yet somehow God has put his hand on him...and on me."

He continued: "I'm just always reminded that God must increase, and I must decrease. At the end of the day, it's all about worshipping God."

Meanwhile, newcomer Shust grabbed three Dove Award trophies for Songwriter and New Artist of the Year, as well as being honoured for writing "My Saviour My God", which was named Song of the Year.

Asked by a journalist backstage whether things will change for him tomorrow since garnering the accolades, a teared-up Shust confessed, "I'm a sinner today, and I'll still be a sinner tomorrow."

"It's just an honour to be here," he said. In addition, Shust thanked his mom for letting him hold a turkey baster and sing as a kid.

John W. Styll, president and CEO of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and executive producer of the GMA Dove Awards commented: "Chris Tomlin and Aaron Shust deserve their moment to rejoice in the recognition their community has bestowed on them with their multiple Dove Awards and it is evident they will be impacting gospel and Christian music for some time to come."

Besides Tomlin and Shust, more than 30 artists received Dove Awards, including Alan Jackson, Jars of Clay, Amy Grant, Andraé Crouch, Kirk Franklin, Casting Crowns, The Crabb Family, The Oak Ridge Bows, Lewis Family and even Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber from VeggieTales.

Hosted by artists Natalie Grant, Brian Littrell and Donnie McClurkin, the show opened with a dynamic performance by TobyMac, Kirk Franklin and Mandisa. Other performers included Take 6, The Crabb Family, MercyMe and Chris Tomlin, Brian Littrell, Mac Powell of Third Day, Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stellar Kart, The Crabb Family, Aaron Shust, MercyMe, Brian Free & Assurance, DecembeRadio, Leeland, Red, and Family Force 5.

For a complete list of winners, click here.

The GMA Music Awards also concludes the GMA Music Week, which kicked off 21 April this year.

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Christian/Gospel music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more. The GMA community consists of 4,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Music Week, GMA Music in the Rockies, and the GMA Academy.