Third Day Leads 'Gospel' Artists with 3 Grammy Nods

Dec 05, 2009 01:08 PM EST

The nominees for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards were announced Wednesday night and leading in the “Gospel” field this year is Christian rock band Third Day with three nods.

Out of the six categories within the “Gospel” field, Third Day was nominated in three – “Best Gospel Performance” for “Born Again,” “Best Gospel Song” for “Born Again,” and “Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album” for Live Revelations.

Other notable nominees this year include Smokie Norful, Kierra Sheard, Heather Headly, and Israel Houghton, each of whom has their hands on two Grammy-nominated projects.

"The nominations this year truly reflect the talented community of music makers who represent some of the highest levels of excellence in their respective fields," commented Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy, the voting members of which determine the nominees.

"Once again, the Grammy Awards process has yielded a well-rounded and diverse group of impressive nominees across multiple genres," Portnow added in Wednesday's announcement. "Coupled with the second year of our primetime nominations special, which featured stellar performances by past Grammy winners and nominees, the road to Music's Biggest Night and the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in January is off to an exciting start."

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will be held on "Grammy Sunday," Jan. 31, 2010, at Staples Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live on CBS 8 - 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.