Future Christian artists compete in Nashville

Aspiring songwriters and performers from across the country competed in Nashville this month for the Gospel Music Association’s Academy of Gospel Music Arts Regional Competition, with nine artist and songwriter winners to move on to the National Finals later this year.

Held at The People’s Church in Franklin, TN, February 7-8, more than 400 entrants competed in two competitions, the "Song of 2003" for songwriters and "Spotlight 2003" for performers. Each competition was broken down by genre and judged by various executives from the Contemporary Christian and Gospel Music industry. This same competition produced such best-selling artists as Jars of Clay and Nicole Nordeman.

The regional winners for "Song of 2003" are:

Pop-Adult Contemporary Song: "You Know Me Better Than I Do" Jonathan Jackson from Huntington, WV
Pop-Rock Song: "I Will Hang On" Jason Kennedy from Thompsons Station, TN
Urban Gospel Song: "You Are My Everything," Darin Allen from Pataskala, OH
Praise & Worship Song: "Let There Be Blessing," Heath Jarvis from Westerville, OH
Southern Gospel Song: "The Dash Between the Dates," Mark J. Thomas from Nashville, TN

The regional winners for "Spotlight 2003" are:

Contemporary Christian Vocal: Flyn from Columbus, OH
Contemporary Christian Band: Poor Man's Riches from Lawrenceburg, KY
Southern Gospel: Warren Hull from Euless, TX
Urban Gospel: Paula Payden-Champion from Bedford, OH

These regional winners will now travel to Estes Park, CO, to compete in the AGMA Spotlight and Song National Competition during the Seminar in the Rockies, July 27-August 2, 2003. Visit www.gospelmusic.org for more details and registration information.