The 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards, the Gospel Music Association's (GMA) annual celebration of the inspirational message and artistry of Gospel and Christian music, was held last Monday in Nashville and hosted by superstars Amy Grant and Kirk Franklin. The awards show will make its television premieretonight, October 21 at 8 p.m. ET on UP, marking this the fifth year that UP has telecast the awards show. UP is found on Dish channel 188, cable and Direct on channel 388.

This year's event was headlined by all-new performances and collaborations by TobyMac with Britt Nicole, NEEDTOBREATHE, Gaither Vocal Band, Jason Crabb, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Tamela Mann, Capital Kings, Colton Dixon, for King & Country, Passion Band featuring Kristian Stanfill and Brian & Jenn Johnson, Rhett Walker Band, Tasha Cobbs, Trip Lee, KB, Andy Mineo, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Isaacs and Karen Peck. Presenters include Candace Cameron Bure, Rusty & Julie Bulloch, Pastor Rick Warren, Joyce Meyer, Brandon Heath, Chonda Pierce, David Mann, Isaac Carree, Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae, Bart Millard, Mandisa, Montell Jordan, Jon Foreman, Mark Lowry and Bone Hampton. 
 
"As a network dedicated to uplifting entertainment, we are proud to again partner with the Gospel Music Association to telecast this year's extraordinary 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards," said Charles Humbard, president and CEO, UP Entertainment LLC. "This year's event promises to be spectacularly entertaining and inspiring as all the biggest names in Christian and Gospel music come together to celebrate all the various styles of this genre. There is no other network dedicated to showcase this prestigious musical celebration than UP.  We promise an exhilarating evening of can't-miss performances, laughs, surprises and entertainment the entire family will enjoy."