Coastal Media Group and SGNScoops is excited to announce that the 2013 Diamond Awards nomination period begins February 18, 2013! Everyone who enjoys Southern, Country and Bluegrass Christian music is encouraged to nominate a top artist who they feel is the finest talent in their category. The ten artists receiving the most nominations in each category will be voted upon to create a top-five artist list. The top-five artists will then be voted upon and the artist who achieves the most votes in their category will be awarded a Diamond Award at the gala ceremony to be held at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention on October 29, 2013 at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Vote here: Â http://www.sgnscoops.com/2013-diamond-awards/
The Diamond Award categories are determined by the following criteria:
Diamond Awards  Definitions 2013
J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD: A once-in-a-lifetime honor to recognize the
living performer who has made the greatest contribution to Southern Gospel music over a career spanning 25 years or more.
TRADITIONAL MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR: A group of any number with male and female vocalists. Must be full-time Southern Gospel artists.
TRADITIONAL QUARTET OF THE YEAR: A traditional male group, four vocalists featuring four-part harmony. Must be full-time Southern Gospel artists.
TRADITIONAL TRIO OF THE YEAR: A traditional group, three vocalists featuring three-part harmony. Must be full-time Southern Gospel artists.
TRADITIONAL DUET OF THE YEAR: A traditional group featuring two vocalists. Must be full-time Southern Gospel artists.
TRADITIONAL FEMALE SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: A full-time female Southern Gospel artist recording as a soloist.
TRADITIONAL MALE SOLOIST OF THE YEAR: A full-time male Southern Gospel artist recording as a soloist.
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY GROUP OF THE YEAR: A group of any number with male and female vocalists. Must be full-time Christian Country artists.
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: A full-time female Christian Country artist recording as a soloist.
CHRISTIAN COUNTRY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: A full-time male Christian Country artist recording as a soloist.
BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR: A solo artist or group of any number with male and female vocalists who are full-time Bluegrass Gospel artists.
SUNRISE AWARD: A new or developing full-time artist who has seen major growth in their career, as evidenced in airplay or personal appearances during the past year. Nominees in this category must have released their debut single only two years prior to the eligibility date of January 1, 2013. This award is also a once-in-a-lifetime honor. This award can be given to any artist in the Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music genres.
SONG OF THE YEAR – This song must have been recorded by a full-time Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music group or artist, released nationally as a single during the eligibility period of February 2012 to January 2013.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: This album must have been recorded by a full-time Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music group or artist, released nationally during the eligibility period of February 2012 to January 2013.
ANTHONY BURGER INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR: A full-time artist in Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music who plays any musical instrument.
DOTTIE RAMBO SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR: A nationally charting songwriter in Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music whose songs are recorded by Southern, Country or Bluegrass artists.
VIDEO/DVD OF THE YEAR: A short form video or a DVD released within the eligibility period of February 2012 – January 2013, featuring a Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music artist or group.
FAVORITE ARTIST WEBSITE: An independent, artist-owned website that showcases a full-time Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music artist.
FAVORITE INDUSTRY WEBSITE: A news, magazine, supporting business, or event that supports or promotes the Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music industry.
PAUL HEIL AWARD (Broadcasting): A disc jockey/radio or television host that supports or promotes Southern, Country or Bluegrass Christian music.
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About The Diamond Awards: The annual Diamond Awards recognize the best in Southern, Country and Bluegrass Christian music and are hosted by SGNScoops digital magazine and Coastal Media Group. Originating in 1991, they were the first Southern Gospel fan-based awards and are still open to all fans, no subscription required. For more information on the 2013 Diamond Awards: http://www.sgnscoops.com/2013-diamond-awards/
About Creekside Gospel Music Convention: Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be held at the Smokey Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, October 28-30, 2013. Presented by SGN Scoops and Coastal Media Group, the CGMC showcases The Diamond Awards and other special events. For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention: http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/
About SGNScoops: SGNScoops Digital is a fully-downloadable monthly magazine that exists to promote the gospel by unveiling what is intriguing and real about Southern Gospel and Christian Country music. SGNScoops offers music news, concert and book reviews, inspirational articles and features reaching beyond our gospel music world. SGNScoops is the host of the Diamond Awards and is always digital, always free. For more information: http://www.sgnscoops.com/
