The Dove Awards

Wow! What an amazing experience the Dove Awards were! I am beyond thrilled and honored to have been part of such a special night. I knew from the first rehearsal with Michael O'Martian (piano player) and the string quartet that the performance was going to be so much fun. They made "Beautiful Beautiful" sound, well…beautiful! Everything went smoothly from start to finish--even the quick change between the award and the performance! Winning two Dove Awards was truly an unforgettable experience. I went to the show without any expectations because I didn't want to worry or allow myself to be disappointed. How surreal it felt, walking up the stairs to give my thank you's for Female Vocalist of the Year. To follow in Natalie Grant's footsteps is truly an honor, as she is an inspiration to me in so many ways. Many of you may not have seen my acceptance speech (though you can find it online), but I was so nervous because I knew I was about to make a huge announcement. After thanking everyone, I got to tell the crowd that my husband and I are expecting our first child in October! I called it our "collaboration!" :) So needless to say, between winning Female Vocalist, announcing the news we'd been bursting to tell, and getting to perform one of my favorite songs on the record with incredible musicians, it was truly a night to remember. And let's not forget the touching finale to the night--singing in the choir for Michael W. Smith's "Come Together Now." It was amazing to be a part of the recording back in January that benefitted Haiti, and it was truly an honor to be a part of the live performance at the Dove's. And I was so excited for the Erwin Brothers (the guys who directed both of my music videos) when we won for Short Form Music Video of the Year for "Free To Be Me" in the non-televised pre-show. What a cool way to start the night off!

All in all, it was an amazing experience, and I wish I could have savored it even more. We hopped on a bus that night after the awards to drive to Iowa for the last weekend of the Rock and Worship Road Show with MercyMe and David Crowder and celebrated with Panera Bread in the front lounge of the bus! :)

Blessings to you all, and thank you for your support! You guys are the best!

Francesca