The Oscars have come and gone, and so what awards show can you obsess about now? The Dove Awards, of course!

That's right, the Gospel Music Association's annual honoring of Christian music's best is just around the corner--Wednesday, April 20, taking place at Atlanta's historic Fox Theater. NRT will be reporting live from backstage at the event and the Doves will be broadcast Easter Sunday, April 24, at 7 p.m. (6 p.m. Central) on cable's Gospel Music Channel (gmc).

This week, we begin the first in a series of roundtable opinions regarding the various award categories. NRT Founder Kevin McNeese, Bill Lurwick (the voice of NRT), Senior Editor Marcus Hathcock, and writers Kevin Davis and Sarah Fine all weigh in on who should win and who will win in each category.

We start things off with a bang as the team tackles picks and predictions for six of the biggest categories in the Doves: Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Group of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Artist of the Year.

Feel free to weigh in with your own predictions by posting comments below.

SONG OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin McNeese: Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”
This is easily one of the toughest categories for me to comment on each year, but out of the fantastic list of 10 nominations, "Lead Me" by Sanctus Real stands above the pact as one of the most personally challenging songs written in a long time. Close calls include Francesca Battistelli's "Beautiful, Beautiful" and Chris August's "Starry Night," which found huge success at radio last year as the only No. 1 single from a new artist in 2010.

Bill Lurwick: Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”
It’s not too often that a song inspires thousands of radio listeners to pray for the artist who penned it, but that’s what happened with “Lead Me” by Sanctus Real's lead singer Matt Hammett, and his wife, Sara. The song “Lead Me” was written many months before they found out their soon-to-be-born child, Bowen, could be born with a serious heart defect that would threaten his life from birth (http://www.bowensheart.com/our-story). It was an anthem about being the best dad possible, an anthem that Matt Hammitt would faithfully test more than he ever could have imagined with the news they received about Bowen. Thousands continue to pray, and God continues to answer in an incredible way.

Marcus Hathcock: Chris Tomlin - “Our God”
In a time of difficulty and uncertainty, Tomlin and his co-writers have tapped into the kind of declaration that is profound and powerful. This song was infiltrating church worship lists even before And If Our God is For Us... hit shelves. The singable, congregational, uniting anthem declares God's goodness and power in every situation.

Sarah Fine: Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”
I don’t think it needs much explaining why this song has touched so many hearts in the past year. Other than sufficient radio play, which it has already well received, countless stories have poured in from families on the edge of divorce and brokenness who’ve heard this song and decided to come together and fight for their families. I think it would be a huge victory for this song, and for the guys of Sanctus Real, if they took this award home in 2011.

Kevin Davis: Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”
This is a very tough category. Based on my own preferences, I would have liked to see “What Love Really Means” by JJ Heller and “Born Again” by Newsboys at least get nominated. “Lead Me” is a musical response to Matt Hammitt's wife Sarah imploring him to be a better spiritual leader in their marriage and for their two young children. Having been married for 16 years and having three young daughters, this song moves me the most on the entire album. This song is a "must own" for all husbands, fathers and young men looking for an honest portrayal of the prayer of a Christian man asking God to lead their lives. The song is relevant, personal and Matt is an excellent and passionate vocalist.

Who Will Win

Kevin McNeese: Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”
“Lead Me” spent nine full weeks at No. 1 and became 2010’s No. 7 most downloaded Christian song and No. 8 most played song at Christian radio according to Billboard. Couple that with the challenging lyrics for dad's to lead their families while leaning on God to lead them and this 3:48 song is the one to beat.

Bill Lurwick: Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”
See my comments above (“who should win”).

Marcus Hathcock: Chris Tomlin - “Our God”
The church-wide appeal of this worship song is too much for the other competitors. The times we're in, the approachability and popularity of Tomlin, and the quality of the song make it a shoo-in. Close runner-up would be “Lead Me” by Sanctus Real.

Sarah Fine: Chris Tomlin - “Our God”
More than just another radio hit, this song has captivated the hearts of listeners from pews all over America and beyond, there is a good chance you even sang it in church this weekend. This is one of those powerhouse songs that you really can’t recon with. It’s ability to move the listener beyond the walls of the church is what makes this the song I think will walk away with the prize this year.

Kevin Davis: MercyMe - “All of Creation”
I am okay with best-selling band MercyMe winning this award and having previously won for “Word Of God Speak,” this is another great worship chorus written for the Church in the style of "You Reign" and "God With Us." MercyMe is a proven and deserving winner.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin McNeese: Chris August
Doug Anderson of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound doesn't have the name recognition. Israel Houghton had one of the weaker albums of the year, (even after his fourth Grammy win, which still puzzles me). Marvin Sapp is a power in the Gospel music community but against major CCM names like Chris Tomlin, (who is nominated more on the strength of his work with Passion than his solo album which released outside of this year's nomination deadlines), he doesn't have a chance. So that leaves Brandon Heath, who certainly has momentum, but again, his nomination comes from his radio single and not his new album that released last month, and Chris August, who was the most successful new artist of 2010, and for me, this category goes to Chris August, hands down. The dark horse though is Jason Crabb, who comes from a well respected and loved Southern Gospel family and enjoyed a highly successful solo debut, critically praised much off the strength of Jason's voice.

Bill Lurwick: Brandon Heath
The most notable thing about this year's Male Vocalist of the Year nominees may be the names that are not there: Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mac Powell of Third Day, Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, and a few other “usual suspects.” In my opinion, Brandon Heath should win this award. He has consistently built his fan base in 2010 with songs and shows that are easy to listen to and enjoy, with thought provoking lyrical content.

Marcus Hathcock: Chris August
Known for his single “Starry Night,” newcomer Chris August has the smooth vocal chops and the simple, artful, worshipful songs that should earn him his first nod as male vocalist of the year. NOTE: Had Leaving Eden been released within the consideration period, my vote would've gone to Brandon Heath.

Sarah Fine: Brandon Heath
The year 2011 has started off busy for Brandon Heath, still going strong off the success of his album What If We, he released the powerful Leaving Eden back in January, which quickly won the hearts of listeners with the first single, “Your Love.” Brandon really ought to take this award home this year.

Kevin Davis: Chris Tomlin
Pretty good list. I’m partial to Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North, Matthew West, Bebo Norman, Bart Millard of MercyMe, and Matt Hammitt of Sanctus Real, although none of them were nominated. I’m not Chris Tomlin's biggest fan because of how many cover songs he’s recorded recently, however he has several nominations and a great singing voice. On the strength of the live recording of “Our God” and also “I Will Follow,” he’s a worthy choice.

Who Will Win

Kevin McNeese: Chris August
Chris August has the most nominated material out of all the other nominees and enjoyed one of the most successful new artist launches in recent memory.

Bill Lurwick: Chris Tomlin
For Chris Tomlin, 2010 was a big year both musically and personally. He married his longtime girlfriend Lauren Bricken on Nov. 9, and the song “Our God” from the Passion: Awakening project was being sung in worship services across the world by spring of 2010. He’s always a favorite of voters, so this could be his year once again.

Marcus Hathcock: Brandon Heath or Chris Tomlin
Both of these guys have won the award before. Both of them had incredible first singles released from albums that came out after the consideration period (“Your Love” for Heath, “Our God” for Tomlin). Both have tremendous commercial success and a large following. One of them will walk away with it, and I wouldn't at all be upset with that.

Sarah Fine: Brandon Heath
This is the first year in a long time where there are some fairly new up-and-coming artists nominated in this category. Despite how talented they all are though, I do think Brandon is going to take the award for the second year in a row.

Kevin Davis: Brandon Heath
He doesn’t quite fit the timeframe as his last album was released in 2008 and his new album didn’t release until 2011. Brandon has deservedly won back to back awards and is the reigning male vocalist. It is time for the excellent male singers of bands to also start getting nominated in this category.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin McNeese: Francesca Battistelli
Kerrie Roberts has one of the strongest voices I've heard, but her debut did little to showcase that. Many music critics I know are gravitating to Audrey Assad, and while it's unique, I don't believe it will dethrone the reigning champion or overcome the power of Natalie Grant's dominance in this category. Francesca Battistelli gets my vote for the second year in a row.

Bill Lurwick: Britt Nicole
I sure hope voters get this one right. Britt Nicole should win. I know personally what a huge impact her music and testimony has had on my own two daughters' lives. Making music that is relevant sonically, and biblical lyrically for the next generation makes Britt well-deserving of this nod. When my daughters got to meet her this past June, she was the real deal, spending personal one-on-one time with them and ministering in the middle of a big concert day. Thanks Britt, from a dad who is glad you care.

Marcus Hathcock: Francesca Battistelli
Most of what we know about Francesca Battistelli occurred during the consideration period (November 2009-November 2010). Her last three big radio singles released then, including “It's Your Life”, “Beautiful, Beautiful” (which is up for Song of the Year) and “This is the Stuff.” She deserves the nod.

Sarah Fine: Francesca Battistelli
With her upcoming album, Hundred More Years already garnering her even more commercial acclaim, this would be a great boost for Francesca Battistelli’s carrier in 2011. It’s clear she loves what she does. She toured harder in 2010 than the year before, even when she was pregnant! Her determination and desire for the music she shares is what I think makes Francesca deserve to win this year.

Kevin Davis: Audrey Assad
It's a great group here--the best list of nominees ever and the hardest ever from which to choose. I’m happiest to see Audrey Assad, Kerrie Roberts and Britt Nicole nominated. I’m disappointed that Jenny Simmons of Addison Road, Dawn Michele of Fireflight, Adie and Meredith Andrews weren’t also nominated. Audrey Assad is my preference. She has a phenomenal singing voice which reminds me of the top female vocalists in the business, Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood, Christy Nockels and Adie, which is amazing company in my opinion.

Who Will Win

Kevin McNeese: Natalie Grant
It will be tough for anyone to overcome Natalie Grant, who won in this category 4 years in a row. Voters don't stray too far from the obvious with only 13 women taking home this award in its 31 year history! If it's not Natalie, Francesca will hold on to her title for a second year.

Bill Lurwick: Francesca Battistelli
She got married to Matthew Goodwin, son of Newsong's Billy Goodwin. She became a mom, and, oh yeah, toured with some of the biggest names around on Winter Jam, too. I think she makes it two in a row this year.

Marcus Hathcock: Francesca Battistelli
She's got some great competition in Britt Nicole and Natalie Grant, but neither has the body of work Francesca had in 2010. Francesca will walk away with it.

Sarah Fine: Natalie Grant
I think fans were surprised last year when Francesca Battistelli broke Natalie Grant’s three-year winning streak, which was a nice change, considering how hard Francesca worked in 2009. But this year, after releasing her brand new album Love Revolution to much acclaim, there is a very good chance Natalie will take this award home with her again in 2011. Time will tell...

Kevin Davis: Francesca Battistelli
I just have a feeling that this is her year, and she does have a great singing voice and four consecutive No. 1 hit songs. She has also been the best-selling new artist. I won’t even rule out that she could win song of the year with “Beautiful, Beautiful.” My 11-year-old daughter, Natalie, will be thrilled if she wins.

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin McNeese: MercyMe
First of all, where is Newsboys in this category, among others? What an incredible transition story of one of the most loved bands in Christian music, and Born Again is one of the best albums they've released. It's a shame they were totally ignored in the nominations and stands as my greatest disappointment with this year's list. And with the other surprising omission of Casting Crowns as well, who has dominated this category since their debut in 2005, winning 5 of their 6 Group of the Year nominations, this is an interesting category. MercyMe however, stands out with a career best album and multiple successful tours.

Bill Lurwick: MercyMe
This may be the toughest category to pick this year. NEEDTOBREATHE had a phenomenal year, and Tenth Avenue North was dynamic, too, with their latest release The Light Meets The Dark. However, I have to give it to MercyMe for the incredible The Generous Mr. Lovewell, and for the incredible tour they headline each spring: The Rock & Worship Roadshow. Add another to the trophy case, boys.

Marcus Hathcock: Tenth Avenue North
The powerful, moving release of The Light Meets the Dark, complete with singles “Healing Begins”, “You Are More” and others earns the Florida group their first Group of the Year award. That said the Newsboys really, really deserve to be nominated in this category! There should be a people's choice Dove award.

Sarah Fine: MercyMe
MercyMe had a fantastic 2010 with their newest album, The Generous Mr. Lovewell, garnering multiple radio hits and headlining a few major tours. The band has earned Group of the Year this year, and I’d love to see them win.

Kevin Davis: NEEDTOBREATHE
Glad to see MercyMe and NEEDTOBREATHE listed. Personally, I also would have nominated Sanctus Real, Jars of Clay and Third Day. NEEDTOBREATHE's The Outsiders is my top album of all time, and these guys are incredibly talented musicians. “Something Beautiful” also is my pick for Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year.

Who Will Win

Kevin McNeese: Tenth Avenue North
If voters don't gravitate towards the industry veterans, Tenth Avenue North will pick up this award. Lead singer Mike Donehey is one of the most engaging frontmen I've seen in a long time.

Bill Lurwick: MercyMe
See my comments above (“who should win”).

Marcus Hathcock: Tenth Avenue North
Nobody comes close to being as prolific, as powerful or as commercially successful as Tenth Avenue North among the nominees. They go home with a golden bird in this category.

Sarah Fine: Ernie Haas and Signature Sound
Every now and then the GMA likes to throw a curve-ball. The winner, among names such as Tenth Avenue North and MIKESCHAIR, is the one that seems like most unlikely. This has been the case the last few years with the Group of the Year award, and that is why I think a Southern Gospel group is going to take the prize this year.

Kevin Davis: MercyMe
I have a feeling that radio favorites MercyMe will win on the strength of “All of Creation,” which is fine with me.

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin McNeese: Chris August
Hands down, Chris August deserves it. No other artist in this category comes close.

Bill Lurwick: Kerrie Roberts
She came out of nowhere to radio with the song “No Matter What.” The South Florida native has been deeply impacted by her parents' counsel and love to those who were hurting. Her parents’ ministry instilled in her a desire to reach out to the broken and those searching for hope. She has a bright future. She should win in my opinion because she truly is a new artist. Never recorded a thing before her debut project, except a regional independent release in her home state.

Marcus Hathcock: John Mark McMillan
From his well-known, often-remade, raw worship song “How He Loves,” to the out-of-the-box, poetic, inspiring songs of his debut album, The Medicine, John Mark McMillan has truly brought new artistry to Christian music.

Sarah Fine: Chris August
Chris August made his debut into the Christian music world with a bang in 2010. Other than releasing an acclaimed album and having his song ‘Starry Night’ go to number one on several radio stations, he also jumped onto the 2011 Winter Jam Tour, entertaining crowds of 10,000+ a night. Chris is one to keep an eye on in the genera, and I think he should take the award.

Kevin Davis: Audrey Assad
It's a great list of nominees; I only wish that The Museum and Chris McClarney also were nominated. This is probably my favorite category and it's always tough competition. Audrey Assad has a phenomenal singing voice which reminds me of the top female vocalists in the business, Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood, Christy Nockels and Adie, which is amazing company, in my opinion. I haven't heard an album that has struck me like The House You’re Building since Albertine by Brooke Fraser.

Who Will Win

Kevin McNeese: Chris August
Word Records, Chris' label, is on a roll in this category. Francesca Battistelli was nominated, but ultimately robbed, in 2009, Sidewalk Prophets won last year and for the most successful new artist of 2010 to not cap his debut off with a Dove Award would be a shame. I'll be flipping tables over in the press room if August doesn't take this one home.

Bill Lurwick: Chris August
Nominated for five Dove awards this year, the former keyboardist and opening act for Ashlee Simpson has been all the buzz this year with his song “Starry Night,” and now “7 X 70.” Currently enjoying a spot on the Winter Jam tour, Chris August could be the next singer/songwriter we’ll be hearing about for many more GMA/Dove nominations to come.

Marcus Hathcock: Audrey Assad
The House You're Building received critical acclaim all the way around, and while her music is a clear step forward in terms of artistry in the industry, it's safer territory to the average Christian music fan than the sometimes raw and edgy John Mark McMillan.

Sarah Fine: Chris August
This is another group of artists that is going to be hard to pick from because they are all so talented and yet they are all so different, but in the end, I think Chris August will walk away with the award.

Kevin Davis: Chris August
The Dove Awards tend to miss it in this category, for example picking ZOEgirl over Sara Groves, Shaun Groves and Downhere in 2002. I’m fine with Chris winning, and he put out a great album. He's garnered song, album and vocalist nominations, which is why he’ll probably win.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Who Should Win

Kevin McNeese: tobyMac
TobyMac has had a smash hit fourth album, released a new DVD alongside a successful Christmas single, toured with industry A-listers Skillet as well as headlining the Make A Difference Tour with Third Day, Michael W. Smith and Max Lucado. He's the hardest working solo artist in Christian music and deserves this award for another incredible year.

Bill Lurwick: tobyMac
Toured with Skillet, Third Day & Michael W. Smith, and released a project that has had three consecutive No. 1s, and one that spent almost half the year there with “City On Our Knees.” We humbly bow before you Mr. McKeehan, and your incredible heart for ministry and being incomparably the best you can always be--the hardest working, most likeable guy, that everyone would love to work with in Christian music today.

Marcus Hathcock: tobyMac
Ten years after taking a “hiatus” (uh-huh) from dcTalk, Toby McKeehan continues to push the envelope musically and stylistically, and Tonight continues the development of the Diverse City. His stage shows are dynamite, and there's no indication he's slowing down.

Sarah Fine: tobyMac
There's no doubt 2010 was a great year for tobyMac, and after the huge success of Tonight, I think Toby is one to watch for Artist of the Year. GMA fans were surprised when he won in back 2008. (It had been the first time he'd won the award since dcTalk), and that was right after his Portable Sounds album. I think Toby has had such positive momentum this year, he could very well surprise people again.

Kevin Davis: Francesca Battistelli
I wasn’t surprised to see tobyMac and Chris Tomlin on this list. I had hoped to see JJ Heller, MercyMe, Sanctus Real and Jars of Clay on this list. I just have a feeling that this is Francesca's year, and she does have a great singing voice and four consecutive No. 1 hit songs. She has also been the best selling new artist, and “Beautiful, Beautiful” is a serious contender for Song of the Year.

Who Will Win

Kevin McNeese: TobyMac
Chris Tomlin and Francesca Battistelli certainly have the momentum to take this category, but with both having a relatively quiet year on the release front (remember, Chris Tomlin's And If Our God Is For Us... is not eligible this year), tobyMac, who shares the most nominations this year with Tomlin, should be able to add another Dove his growing collection.

Bill Lurwick: tobyMac
See my comments above (“who should win”).

Marcus Hathcock: TobyMac
There's only one “ShowStopper” who makes the “Funky Jesus Music” and will “Get Back Up” for another Dove, and that's TobyMac. Toby's been nominated all over the place this year, and has an advantage in that his album, Tonight, was released during the consideration period.

Sarah Fine: Chris Tomlin
This is an interesting group of nominees because it really could go any way and still surprise people. But if there is someone who would stand out as the frontrunner, it would definitely be Chris Tomlin. There is a very real chance Chris could take this award again for the first time since 2007.

Kevin Davis: Francesca Battistelli
She's up for four different Doves this year, and to me, she is the best choice on the list. Look out, because her best work is her current release, Hundred More Years. She already has firmly established herself as the premier female artist in all of Christian music.

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon covering the 2011 nominees for Rock Recorded Song Of The Year, Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song, Inspirational Recorded Song and Worship Song Of The Year.