Hello All,

As I write this, I’m backstage at the taping of the Dove Awards...uh I’m sorry, now they’re the GMA Music Awards. And I’ve been lying to my artist. Well, not lying really, fibbing... Yes, telling white lies I guess. Not lying so much as avoiding and withholding. AND IT IS KILLING ME.

Ya see, our friends at the Gospel Music Association wanted to do something very special for Steven on the broadcast this year. And it’s a surprise... I’ve had to keep it from him. He is the GMA’s most awarded artist and perhaps passing a bit of a milestone tonight. If you score these sorts of things along at home, or if you check the biography section of this site, you know that Steven Curtis Chapman has 49 Dove Awards to his credit going in to tonight’s award show (April 5, 2006) He is nominated in 3 times in 2 categories tonight. 50 Dove Awards would be quite a milestone. I don’t think I have 50 of anything. Let alone 50 of Christian music’s highest honor.

We’ve been busy with radio interviews and meetings yesterday, beginning at 5:30a and wrapping around 5:30p. Then, he and his boys went to some of the GMA week showcase late nights last night. And then this morning, back at again early, it was a chance for Steven to connect with some of the people who help make his albums available internationally, and do some additional interviews with outlets in Korea, Manila, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and China in support of his upcoming SE Asia tour.

So, I’ve avoiding him all day today. I couldn’t look at him and not crack up. I can’t wait for him... And for you all to see it. It’s going to be cool! We’ll see if he wins the 50th. But I know for sure a very special tribute with Mercy Me, Mac Powell, Mark Hall, David Crowder and Jeremy Camp is in store tonight. And... We’re not saying goodbye with this tribute... Steven’s “only getting started,” but of course you knew that.

By the way, Jeremy Camp’s wife had their baby yesterday... So “uh oh” we thought... Jeremy will have to bow out. Ah no. Jeremy went home to be with her yesterday and this morning, but is back here tonight to be a part of honoring SCC. Wow. That guy is gold. One of Steven’s label people, the amazing Leigh Ann Hardie decided that, “Jeremy is from a planet called, Heaven.” : )

Is anyone reading this? Is anyone interested? I am terrible at this aren’t I? For the record, lying is wrong. But white lies can be fun. Next blog... Did he win his 50th? And what he said in the press room...

Jim

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