Chris Tomlin, TobyMac Lead Dove Award Nominations

ATLANTA (AP) - Chris Tomlin and TobyMac each got six nominations for the Dove Awards, the gospel and Christian music show that will be held in Atlanta for the first time.

Jason Crabb drew the second-most with five nominations and Francesca Battistelli received four for the 42nd annual show, which was traditionally held in Nashville, Tenn.

It will air on April 24, which is Easter Sunday, on the Gospel Music Channel. The awards show will be hosted by 'The View' co-host Sherri Shepherd from the Fox Theatre in midtown Atlanta.

Battistelli, who welcomed her first child last year, is looking for her second straight award for best female vocalist. She'll also compete for artist of the year against Tomlin, TobyMac, Tomlin, Crabb, Marvin Sapp, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and Natalie Grant.

"This has definitely been a whirlwind the last couple of years," said Battistelli after the nominee announcement. "With me being a mom and a wife, this just adds to the mix. It's very exciting and adds to the mix of my juggling life. I'm blessed."

Tomlin, who led all nominees and collected two awards in 2009, is up for best male vocalist and song of the year with "Our God." He'll seek his second career song of the year award. Other nominees are TobyMac, MercyMe, Sanctus Real, Triumphant Quartet, Crabb, Chris August and Battistelli.

TobyMac looks to claim the pop/contemporary song category for the second year in a row with "Get Back Up."

Gospel rapper Lecrae said he is focused on broadening the culture of hip-hop more within the gospel genre after being nominated for rap/hip-hop recorded song of the year and rap/hip-hop album of the year.

"I represent a demographic, a culture of young people who are passionate about their faith," Lecrae said. "I want to show that God isn't just loving on one kind of sound. I just want to show how incredible he is."

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Online:

GMA Dove Awards: http://www.doveawards.com/