Chris Tomlin wins five Doves

Chris Tomlin took home artist of the year, male vocalist and song of the year honors at Wednesday’s 37th annual Dove Awards for Christian performers.

“I tried out in college for the singing group, and the director said, ‘You’ll do anything in life but sing, Chris.’ … So this is pretty cool,” Tomlin said.

He led all nominees with 10 and ended up winning five awards. His song “How Great Is Our God” won in both the song of the year and worship song categories, and his fifth Dove was for collaboration on the special event album, “Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

David Crowder was a three-time winner, as was his David Crowder Band. Crowder won for his production and songwriting credits, while his band won for the “Chronicles of Narnia” project, rock/contemporary album for “A Collision,” and rock contemporary recorded song for the album’s lead single, “Here is Our King.”

Natalie Grant was named top female vocalist, her first Dove after several nominations.

“I was Susan Lucci there for a while, wasn’t I?” she cracked, referring to the TV soap opera actress’ longtime losing streak at the Daytime Emmy awards.

Steven Curtis Chapman won his 50th award, the most of any artist in gospel music history, for the “Chronicles of Narnia” project.

Secular artists also were represented. Reigning “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood won her first Dove, for best country recorded song, for her No. 1 hit “Jesus Take the Wheel.”

Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell won his first Dove for inspirational recorded song for “In Christ Alone.” And Alison Krauss & Union Station took home bluegrass recorded song honors for “Living Prayer.”

Awards were handed out in 42 categories, with winners chosen by members of the Gospel Music Association.