A short while after Natalie's visit with us, we welcomed one of the night's breakout winners to the press room. In the same way that thousands of fans who never liked country music connect with the rock & roll heart of Johnny Cash, many a modern Christian music fan can't help but dig The Crabb Family. Winners of four Doves this time around (Best Southern Gospel Album, Best Country Recorded Song, Best Traditional Gospel Recorded Song and Best Southern Gospel Recorded Song), The Crabb Family is more "SoGo" than Southern Gospel. When asked backstage who they'd like to collaborate with, the first two artists Jason Crabb mentioned were BarlowGirl and Smokie Norful. Come again? Exactly. And get this, dude wants J Moss (Destinys Child, Sisqo) to produce a song or two on their next album. (I love it! And apparently you do too, being that their CDs are selling like hotcakes.) Another thing the family beams is Southern charm. "We were kind of the family that was most likely not to succeed in Beaver Dam (Kentucky)," said Jason reflecting lightheartedly on their roots. A few moments later, his father, Gerald Crabb, concluded our Q&A by saying, "We almost had one of the funniest moments in Dove history."-holding up one of his pointy-tipped Doves--"I almost sat down on one of these a few moments ago."

When Israel (Israel & New Breed) stepped up to the podium after winning two Doves (Best Contemporary Gospel Album, Best Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song) we learned that he has re-signed a long-term recording and publishing deal with Integrity.

The rock band Skillet, who performed a driving rendition of their crossover hit "Savior," soon took the mic for some Q&A. Sporting an Underoath shirt, lead singer/bassist John Cooper said at one point, "We need more Christian rock stations. Can I get an 'Amen'?" He also announced that his wife is pregnant... Before saying goodnight, the animated Cooper told us a humorous childhood story about his parents who thought all rock music--including Christian rock--was Satanic. "When I was in sixth grade watching the Doves, all I wanted to see was Petra. And that was the year Stryper performed! My parents turned off the TV, sent me to my room and prayed over me to cast the demon of rock & roll out of me. And now look at me!"

Next up? Steven Curtis Chapman--the man who has won more career Doves than anyone... including Elvis. This night he added two more to his collection (one as the co-producer of a Casting Crowns winner and one for his contribution to "THE PASSION: SONGS" album). When asked if he had a word of advice to pass on to younger artists about staying humble, Chapman responded, "Hebrews 12:2--Fix your eyes on Jesus..." He explained that's the Scripture he sights most often when he signs autographs. And later, to his publicist's visible chagrin, Chapman tipped us off to something big. Apparently he's contributing to "a movie coming out in December about lions and witches and wardrobes..." Nice. Before heading off for more backstage chicanery, Chapman discussed his musical preferences. "I'm a fan of music--Christian music more than anything, but I'm a fan of everything from Keb' Mo' to Stevie Ray Vaughn..."

Two artists were noticeably absent during the evening's Dove festivities--big-gun winners Switchfoot, whose nods included Artist of the Year, among others and MuteMath whose "Control" was named Best Modern Rock Song.

On the positive side, having spent more than 10 Dove Awards shows backstage, this one marked the first year that I didn't feel prone to wander, which is good since the GMA encourages us media types to stay in our own section. It was a very busy, full night for us. And we stayed so busy, we had few chances to observe what was actually taking place out on stage. That being the case, I'm looking forward to watching the program when it's televised. I'm sure you'll want to also. This year's nationally syndicated GMA Awards will be broadcast during the month of June. Keep an eye on DoveAwards.com for forthcoming details.

Rock on,

Jay

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