Christian music’s annual Dove Awards will be handed out April 19 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

So it’s time for Hoosierlujah to make its feeble attempt at predicting winners in some of the biggest categories.

To find out the actual winners, watch the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. April 19 on GMC.

Song of the Year

Prediction: Laura Story’s Blessings will take the big prize. No other song in the past year has touched so many hearts. Add the personal back story of the health problems of Laura’s husband as the inspiration for the song and you have sure fire winner. Still, Hoosierlujah’s personal favorite is Casting Crowns’ adaptation of Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me).

Other nominees: Alive, Natalie Grant; Celebrate Me Home, the Perrys; Hold Me, Jamie Grace; I Smile, Kirk Franklin; I’ve Been Here Before, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Please Forgive Me, Gaither Vocal Band; Who Am I, Jason Crabb; Your Great Name, Natalie Grant.

Male Vocalist of the Year
Prediction: This is Jason Crabb’s year. It’s been a long, long time since the Doves have given this honor to a traditional southern gospel singer,  probably not since Michael English in 1994. But the strength of Crabb’s The Song Lives On, a live collection of hymns and classic southern gospel songs, has made him the leading Dove nominee this year, with 8 nods. Hoosierlujah’s favorite will forever be Steven Curtis Chapman. But hasn’t he won enough already?

Other nominees: Chris August, Chris Tomlin, Kirk Franklin, Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Vocalist of the Year

Prediction: Francesca Battistelli wins her third consecutive female vocalist award, carried to victory by her sophomore album, Hundred More Years and songs like This is the Stuff and Angel by Your Side.

Other nominees: Kari Jobe, Laura Story, Mandisa, Natalie Grant

Group of the Year

Prediction: Dove award voters will get all sentimental and give the award to the well-deserving David Crowder Band, which played their final show together earlier this year and released a fine album, Give Us Rest. Hoosierlujah’s favorite, though, is the hard-driving, hard-working NEEDTOBREATHE.

Other nominees: Casting Crowns, Gaither Vocal Band, the Isaacs.

Artist of the Year

Prediction: Jason Crabb wins again. No one project in the past year has a received a reception like his A Song Lives On concert album and DVD, which has brought southern gospel back to its rightful place of honor.

Other nominees: Casting Crowns, Laura Story, Lecrae, The Isaacs

New Artist of the Year

Prediction: The effervescent Jamie Grace can’t be denied. Her debut single Hold Me is an absolute assault on the brain. Once you hear it, you can’t keep from humming it and being transported to a very happy place. And her debut album is strong throughout with the guidance of mentor tobyMac.

Other nominees: Beyond The Ashes, Dara Maclean, Royal Tailor, The City Harmonic