Sign up for our free newsletter:

Starting on April 14, DirecTV will air Songs of Praise, an Easter special hosted by vocalist Nicole C. Mullen and NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip. The show takes viewers on a journey through the story of Easter with performances from several inspirational choirs, as well as special appearances from contemporary Christian artists, including Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace, and Rachael Lampa, who will be sharing Scriptures and Easter memories. The show premieres on Good Friday at 6 a.m. and will run throughout the Easter weekend.

Ready to watch the 37th Annual GMA Music Awards for yourself? The show will be broadcast in syndication beginning Easter weekend (April 15 and 16) through May 21. Check your local listings, or visit www.gmamusicawards.com for the latest information on broadcasts in your area.

According to a posting from Amy Lee at EVboard.com, Evanescence will finally make its return after a few years of inactivity. "We'll be done mixing [the new album] next week!" said Lee in the message. "I can hardly believe [ … ] we've been working on this album for so long. The stuff sounds so good … Wow, what a trip this has been." A spokesperson for Wind-Up Records confirmed that the album is slated for a fall 2006 release. Evanescence first made its mark in 2003 with its multi-platinum smash, Fallen.

Upon tying with Amy Grant for Inspirational Album of the Year at the 37th Annual GMA Music Awards, Bart Millard (of MercyMe fame) cracked, "I called Amy and challenged her to an arm wrestling contest to determine an all-out winner. She has not called me back yet. Pound for pound, I think I can take her. So Amy, if you read this, you know where to find me—2006 Inspirational Showdown! Can we get this on Pay-Per-View?"

Acclaimed folkster Sufjan Stevens will take a second trip to the Land of Lincoln on July 25 with the release of The Avalanche, a collection of 21 outtakes from last year's critically lauded Illinois. The set is comprised of several musical interludes, instrumentals and complete songs that necessitated "substantial editing, new arrangements or vocals," according to Stevens' label, Asthmatic Kitty Records.

On April 13, Great American Country will air a special gospel concert featuring country superstar Alan Jackson. Recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium, the show will feature selections from Jackson's latest chart-topper, the hymns collection Precious Memories.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers named Jeremy Camp Songwriter of the Year for his single "Take You Back" at the 28th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards. More than 200 music industry professionals, artists and songwriters convened at the gala, which sought to honor the most performed songs in the genre. During the ceremony, the late Keith Green was presented with the ASCAP Crescendo Award, while Switchfoot's Jon Foreman received the ASCAP Impact Award for his band's contributions to mainstream music.

Singer/songwriter Mat Kearney is currently being spotlighted in AOL Music's "Breakers" program, which seeks to bring attention to promising, up-and-coming artists.

This Friday, April 14, EMI Gospel recording artist LaShun Pace will be recording her upcoming live album, Complete, at Wings of Faith Church in Atlanta. Slated for a January 2007 release, this free event is Paces first live album in eight years, one that her label says will showcase the vocalists more traditional side. Doors open at 6:00pm for those wanting to attend.

© Andree Farias, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

				Try an Issue of Today's Christian RISK-FREE! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Today's Christian coming, honor your invoice for just $17.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issues are yours to keep, regardless. Give Today's Christian as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!