In a press release Wednesday, the ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards announced the top five category finalists in 22 key categories. The awards ceremony will take place on October 28 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.
Members of the Inspirational Country Music Association voted on the Top Five ballot, which includes such major artists as Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Ronnie Dunn, The Roys, Josh Turner, Jeff Bates, Randy Travis, The Grascals, Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Point of Grace, Guy Penrod, The Isaacs, and George Strait.
Nashville’s Millennium Maxwell House Hotel will serve as the hub location of ICM Faith, Family & Country Week from October 24-28, and media and participants will take part in an appreciation luncheon at the Wildhorse Saloon. The week will culminate in the award show, which for the first time will take place at the opulent Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
“We feel this year’s presentation will bring the ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards to a new level of recognition within the industry, from the scripting of the show itself to the list of nominees, to the level of presenters, and special guests still to be announced,” said Jason Higgins, Executive Director of the Inspirational Country Music Association. “Working with our host charity, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, promises to offer a very compelling element of humanitarian importance to the event.”
Here are the Top Five nominees in each major category:
Entertainer
Chuck Day
Johnny Lee Cook
Ricky Skaggs
Steve Richard
Tommy Brandt
Male Vocalist
Chuck Day
Greg McDougal
Guy Penrod
Jeff Bates
Tommy Brandt
Female Vocalist
Kali Rose
Laura Dodd
Mary James
Nicole Hope
Sharon Parks
Vocal Duo
Amanda Fessant featuring Tommy Brandt
Branded
Bruce & Betsy Mullen
Joey+Rory
The Roys
Vocal Group or Band
Corey Brooks Band
Last Light Band
Point of Grace
Sunday Drive
The Springs
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
Bleed Red – Ronnie Dunn
I Won’t Let Go – Rascal Flatts
If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away – Justin Moore
That’s Important to Me – Joey+Rory
The Breath You Take – George Strait
Mainstream Country Artist
Buddy Jewell
Carrie Underwood
Jeff Bates
Joey+Rory
Josh Turner
Inspirational Country Song
I Wonder What God’s Thinking – The Roys
I’ll Stand Up And Say So – Chuck Day
Loves Gotta Go Somewhere – Steve Richard
Someday Soon – Ricky Skaggs
That’s What Freedom Costs – Russ Murphy
Songwriter (tie in category)
Chuck Day
Greg McDougal
James Payne
Paul Staggs of Branded
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt
Legend/Pioneer Award (This award has already been determined from these Top 5)
Fox Brothers
Melanie Walker
Oak Ridge Boys
Randy Travis
Ricky Skaggs
Video
Hello World – Lady Antebellum: Capitol Nashville, Director-Roman White
I Am Strong – The Grascals w/Dolly Parton: BluGrascal Records , Director-David Corlew
If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away – Justin Moore: Valory Music Co., Director-Peter Zavadil
If I Die Young – The Band Perry: Republic Nashville, Director-David McClister
Mama’s Song – Carrie Underwood: Arista Nashville, Director-Shaun Silva
New Artist
Aubree Bullock
Chuck Hancock
Kali Rose
Lucas Hoge
Renee Spencer
Musician
Dennis Agajanian
Doyle Lawson
Greg McDougal
Jayc Harold
Ricky Skaggs
Comedian
Barry McGee
Chonda Pierce
Jeff Treece
Johnny Lee Cook
LuLu Roman
Radio Personality
J.R. Pitsenbarger
Leon Joplin
Mona Faith
Rich Miller
Scott Perkins
Radio Station
Inspirational Country Radio Network
KABF-Little Rock, AR
WCWV-Summersville, WV
WSM AM 650 – Nashville, TN
WTYS- Marianna, FL
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Nathan Stanley
Ricky Skaggs
The Isaacs
The Roys
Youth In Music (tie in category)
Aubree Bullock
Hannah Faith
Matthew Wacaster
McDougal Kids
Renee Spencer
Voices of Glory
Music Evangelist
Corey Brooks
Greg McDougal
Johnny Lee Cook
Russ Murphy
Tommy Brandt
Faith, Family & Country Movie
Country Strong
Pure Country 2: The Gift
Secretariat
Soul Surfer
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Television Network
Daystar
Gospel Music Channel
Great American Country
TBN
TCT Networks
