Heath, Grant, early winners at gospel awards

"I have always considered myself to be a songwriter. I feel very much like I'm still finding my voice," said Heath, who won a Dove for best new artist last year. "To be standing in front of you tonight I'm humbled."

In "Give Me Your Eyes," a pop-styled contemporary song, Heath pleads to be given a deep love for humanity. The tune is also nominated for song of the year.

Grant thanked Christian radio for playing music by female artists.

"If I can make it, everybody can," Grant said. "To every young female out there watching this tonight: Keep writing your songs and keep blooming where you are planted because God always has the final word."

Perennial favorites Casting Crowns won group of the year. The band's Mark Hall praised Christian music for its depth.

"There is so much good, good music being made out there," Hall said. "What I love about Christian music is it doesn't point to itself. It points to something much bigger and that is that God loves you."

The duo Mary, Mary won best urban contemporary song.

Earlier, veteran Steven Curtis Chapman was honored as songwriter of the year. Chapman's 5-year-old daughter, Maria Sue, was killed last May when she was accidentally struck by a vehicle driven by her older brother in the driveway of the family's home.

"I just need to say thank you," a visibly shaken Chapman said in his brief acceptance speech. "Thank you for your prayers, your love and your support."

Chris Tomlin led all nominees with seven.

Musical performances were a big part of the show, which was broadcast live from the Grand Ole Opry House on the Gospel Music Channel.

Mary, Mary opened the show with their uplifting R&B song "Get Up" and shouted to the crowd "Put your hands together if you love Jesus."

Third Day performed "Revelation," which opened with a somber piano and built in intensity to a searing electric guitar solo.

A medley of new artists Daylight, Francesca Battistelli, Chris Sligh and others showed the diversity of gospel music, from rock to pop to traditional.

Sandi Patty and other artists paid tribute to gospel great Dottie Rambo, who died last year when the bus she was in ran off a road in southwest Missouri and struck an embankment. She was 74.

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