Dove Award Nominations are in!

Some of your favorite bands and musicians are among those nominated for a Dove Award this year. Newcomer Francesca Battistelli, ec's editor's fave Remedy Drive, Tenth Avenue North, and Addison Road are all on the list of nominees released by the Gospel Music Association today.

Winners will be announced at the 40th annual Dove Awards on April 23 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. It will be broadcast live on the Gospel Music Channel from 8-10 p.m. on that night. Tickets are available at TicketMaster.

This year will mark a first for fans who will have the opportunity to vote for the winners in the Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year categories. Fan voting will be conducted through the Gospel Music Channel Web site and at www.doveawards.com. Voting opens on February 26 and will continue through the live broadcast. The fan vote will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories.

Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin leads the pack with seven total nominations, among them, Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Song of the Year. Natalie Grant and Francesca Battistelli aren't too far behind, each garnering five nominations. Casting Crowns is up for Group of the Year and received four other nominations, including Christmas Album of the Year and Short Form Video.

Other notable nominees: Steven Curtis Chapman, Fireflight, TobyMac, Brandon Heath, Laura Story, and Michael W. Smith.

For the entire list of nominees, go here.