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The 2005 GMA Week Journal -- Day 3

By Jennifer E. Jones
CBN.com Producer

CBN.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- It's the last day before the big night in Christian music, and the excitement in downtown Nashville is palpable. With the Gospel Music Awards ceremony looming, everyone is wondering who will take home the most coveted Dove awards on Wednesday night. As the culmination of GMA Week draws closer, more artists are arriving including Jonathan Foreman of Switchfoot, who is up for Songwriter of the Year for "Dare You to Move".

It was also another day of chatting it up with today's hottest Christian music stars.

Things kicked off with the talkactive and friendly Aussie, Paul Colman. Since the disbanding of his Trio, Paul has not been lacking things to do. His solo project Let It Go released in early March with a chart-topping single "Gloria (All God's Children)". We talked about how his new musical freedom has allowed him to focus more on ministry. "I see ministry as relationships -- one with God and one with people," he says. "I'm ministering no matter what I'm doing whether I'm on a plane or doing a show or talking to you. Our hearts are ministering to God."

I caught up with one of the buzz bands for this week, 4th Avenue Jones. Their undefinable, genre-defying music has finally brought them to the limelight after surviving years of setbacks and juggling record labels. "We had faith that whatever happened, it would work out for our good. We understood God was on our side," says frontman Ahmad Jones. "It turned into a blessing because we found our voice in that struggle."

I got behind the scenes with KJ-52. The rapper describes his latest album and the vulnerability of putting his personal life, including the divorce of his parents, on display. "I wouldn't have done it if I didn't feel that being transparent was worth it," KJ-52 says. "I knew there was a purpose behind it. You can say, 'God heals divorce' and you can say 'I've been through it and God healed my divorce.' People will always be able to relate to the second statement more than the first."

It wouldn't be GMA Week without all the inside industry info.

-- Newsboys are set to release a double disc album of 10 rock songs and 10 worship songs later this year.

-- Rocketown veteran Shaun Groves is ditching the sweet, piano days of Welcome Home for a more rock'n'roll sound on his next album. White Flag hits stores in July.

-- Another long-awaited summer release belongs to the hip-hopper in flip flops, Paul Wright. From Sunrise to Sunset brings listeners closer to the 20-something with everything from songs about fully giving up his life to God to his light-hearted ode to mexican food.

-- Nicole Nordeman is back with a brand new perspective on life since becoming a mommy last year. Her new album entitled Brave shows the way in which motherhood has made her stronger than she thought she was.

Tomorrow at this time, many artists will have brand new Dove Awards on their mantels. Look for a list of the winners here on CBN.com. Also, check back with the Music channel on CBN.com for full-length interviews from George Rowe, Out of Eden, KJ-52 and more, plus an exclusive devotional from Paul Colman.

2005 GMA Week -- Day 1
2005 GMA Week -- Day 2

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