The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards presentation was held on April 23, 2009 recognizing accomplishments of musicians for the year 2008. The show was held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Rebecca St. James, Matthew West, and Lisa Kimmey. Nominations were announced on February 20, 2009 by Lisa Kimmey, Dan Evans and Jackie Evans during a press conference at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Steven Curtis Chapman won two awards, including Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, while Tenth Avenue North won New Artist of the Year. Casting Crowns and Brandon Heath each won three awards. Other multiple winners include: Third Day, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Michael W. Smith. Performers Pre-telecast Meredith Andrews Downhere J.R. Telecast ceremony The following performed: Presenters Telecast ceremony The following presented: William Baldwin Chyna Vaughan (Chyna Phillips and Vaughan Penn) Sinbad A.J. Styles Mandisa Phil Stacey Casting Crowns Fireflight Michael W. Smith – introduced Steven Curtis Chapman Kirk Franklin Richie McDonald Ronnie Milsap Tye Tribbett Jeremy Camp Martha Munizzi Mary Alessi DecembeRadio GRITS Jason Crabb Kim Hopper The Afters Canton Jones Isaiah D. Thomas Marty Magehee Mark Harris Wayne Watson Damita Haddon Mac Powell – introduced the "Oh Happy Day" tribute Carrie Prejean – introduced MercyMe Awards General Artist of the Year Casting Crowns Steven Curtis Chapman Fireflight Marvin Sapp Third Day TobyMac Chris Tomlin New Artist of the Year Addison Road Francesca Battistelli Fee Jonathan Nelson Remedy Drive Chris Sligh Tenth Avenue North Group of the Year Casting Crowns David Crowder Band Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Mary Mary MercyMe Skillet Third Day Male Vocalist of the Year Jeremy Camp Jon Foreman Ernie Haase Brandon Heath David Phelps Marvin Sapp Chris Tomlin Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli Brooke Fraser Karen Peck Gooch Natalie Grant Mandisa Sandi Patty Laura Story Song of the Year "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" – Chris Tomlin Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, songwriters "Cinderella" – Steven Curtis Chapman Steven Curtis Chapman, songwriter "Empty Me" – Chris Sligh Chris Sligh, Clint Lagerberg, Tony Wood "Give Me Your Eyes" – Brandon Heath Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram, songwriters "I Will Not Be Moved" – Natalie Grant Natalie Grant, songwriter "I'm Letting Go" – Francesca Battistelli Francesca Battistelli, Tony Wood, Ian Eskelin, songwriters Mighty to Save – Hillsong Church Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan,