The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards presentation was held on April 21, 2010 recognizing accomplishments of musicians for the year 2009. The show was held at The Opry Entertainment Complex in Nashville, Tennessee, and was hosted by Bart Millard. Nominations were announced on February 18, 2010 during a press conference at Belmont University's Curb Café in Nashville, Tennessee. The announcement was hosted by a group of artists which included Francesca Battistelli, Jeremy Camp, Jason Crabb, Brandon Heath, Kari Jobe, Michael W. Smith, Ben Tankard and Lisa Kimmey. Casting Crowns won Artist of the Year, while Sidewalk Prophets won New Artist of the Year. Rock group Needtobreathe ended up winning the three awards it was nominated for. Other multiple winners include: Jennie Lee Riddle, Francesca Battistelli, and Jars of Clay. Performers Opening ceremony Voices of Glory Karen Peck & New River Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Collin Raye The Nelons with Karen Peck Telecast ceremony The following performed: Presenters Telecast ceremony The following presented: Tenley Molzhan – introduced Ricky Skaggs and Gordon Kennedy Bart Millard – Male Vocalist of the Year Franklin Graham – introduced the performance from "Come Together Now" David Mann Awards General Artist of the Year Francesca Battistelli Casting Crowns Jason Crabb Jars of Clay Mary Mary Skillet TobyMac New Artist of the Year Crystal Aikin Bluetree Jonny Diaz Kari Jobe Revive Sidewalk Prophets Brian Courtney Wilson Group of the Year Casting Crowns Gaither Vocal Band Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir Jars of Clay Needtobreathe Skillet Tenth Avenue North Male Vocalist of the Year Jeremy Camp Jason Crabb Michael English Brandon Heath Donnie McClurkin Smokie Norful Bebo Norman Mark Schultz Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli Karen Peck Gooch Natalie Grant Heather Headley Mandisa Dawn Michele Laura Story Song of the Year "Born to Climb" – Jeff & Sheri Easter Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, songwriters "By Your Side" – Tenth Avenue North Tenth Avenue North, songwriters "Free To Be Me" – Francesca Battistelli Francesca Battistelli, songwriter "God Is There" – Diamond Rio Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander, Bernie Herms, songwriters "I Will Rise" – Chris Tomlin Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Jesse Reeves, songwriters "Let The Waters Rise" – Mikeschair Sam Tinnesz, Mike Grayson, Ben Glover, songwriters "Revelation Song" – Phillips, Craig & Dean Jennie Lee Riddle, songwriter "Somebody Like Me" – Jason Crabb Neil Thrasher, Michael Boggs, songwriters "Two Hands" – Jars of