The Inspirational Country Music Association was excited to have a star-studded lineup for the 2014 ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Awards on Thursday, November 13 at Cornerstone Nashville. Grammy-winning artist Ray Stevens and Megan Alexander of “Inside Edition” hosted this prestigious event honoring artist songwriters, radio personalities and others in the genres of Christian and Inspirational Country Music. It was taped and broadcasted across multiple television outlets – expected to reach over 2 billion households worldwide. The ICM Awards will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary of the show, and this year’s performers included: the reigning Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent; “American Idol” finalist and BMG recording artist Danny Gokey; Grammy award-winning comedic Country artist Ray Stevens; Grand Ole Opry member and one of the most distinctive voices of our time, John Conlee; chart-topping, Bluegrass duo The Roys.
“Over two decades ago, my father acted on a creative vision, taking a ‘leap of faith’ of sorts to pursue his mission,” explained Jason Higgins, President of the Inspirational Country Music Association and Higgins Music Group. “Thanks to our television partners and the public’s growing interest in this genre, we continue our growth and will reach our largest potential audience to date! We are truly blessed.”
In addition to the main awards show, The Inn at Opryland hosted the ICM Faith, Family and Country Week leading up to the award show where festivities included an artist exhibit hall, music showcases, membership breakfast, seminars and much more. The conference also held nightly concerts at The Nashville Palace, and The Power Source #1 Party and Media Appreciation Luncheon to be held at the Wildhorse.
Nossi College of Art’s photo and video students are tasked each year with capturing the event as it unfolds. With over 50 positions available to photograph or video throughout the week, Nossi students must quickly learn what it takes to capture a high-caliber event. Student images will appear in the January 2015 issue of Power Source Magazine, available on the 16th of this month.
“Opportunities like this teach student patience and shows them how events work, so they can decide if event photography is something they want to get into,” said Libby Funke Luff – Student Activities and Marketing Director at Nossi. “The ICM Awards are very open and excited about using student photographers. Everyone wins because ICM gets photographers and in trade, students get to capture an amazing event.”
Winners from the mainstream category included Carrie Underwood for Country Female Artist, Alan Jackson for Country Male Artist and Lady Antebellum for Inspirational Country Song. Guy Gilchrist, “NANCY” comic strip illustrator/writer, who is also a die-hard Country Music fan and devoted Christian, presented co-host Ray Stevens with a one-of-a-kind artwork honoring his distinguished career and inspirational works.
Grand Ole Opry member John Conlee performed a moving tribute to the family of overseas servicemen and women with “They Also Serve.” This year’s Spotlight on Charity, BMG recording artist & “American Idol” finalist Danny Gokey gave a heartfelt performance of “Hope in Front of Me” and spoke about the loss of his first wife and the hope her life continues to provide through the charity founded in her name, Sophia’s Heart.
Awards were delivered by Miss Tennessee USA 2015 and Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2015, Kiara Young and Hannah Faith Greene, respectively.