MICHAEL W SMITH - GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED

Singer-songwriter MICHAEL W SMITH was named artist of the year for the second year in a row as he picked up six honours at the GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION's 34th annual DOVE AWARDS.

However, the biggest haul at Thursday night's (10APR03) ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, was NICOLE NORDEMAN's - who won seven awards, including female vocalist of year. Her song HOLY, from her WOVEN + SPUN album, was named song of the year.

THIRD DAY was named best group for the third consecutive year, while the PAUL COLMAN TRIO was named best new group.