Zach Williams, for King & Country, Kanye West get Dove nods

NASHVILLE – Christian artists Zach Williams and for King & Country are the leading artist nominees at this year’s Dove Awards, while rapper Kanye West and singer Gloria Gaynor earned their first ever nominations.

The Gospel Music Association announced on Thursday the nominations this year’s show, which will be aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network on Oct. 30.

Williams earned five nominations including artist of the year and song of the year. For King & Country, a brother duo made up of Luke and Joel Smallbone, also earned five nods including artist of the year and contemporary Christian artist of the year.

West, who is running as an independent presidential candidate in some states, earned three nominations stemming from his album “Jesus Is King,” including rap/hip hop album of the year, traditional gospel album of the year and rap/hip hop recorded song of the year for “Follow God.”

Disco-era icon Gloria Gaynor also scored two nominations following the release of her Grammy-winning gospel album “Testimony.”

Other top nominated artists include Hillsong Worship, Kirk Franklin and Jonathan McReynolds, who all have four nominations each. Hillsong Worship, Lauren Daigle and Tasha Cobbs Leonard are also nominated for artist of the year.

Among non-artists, writer and producer Jason Ingram leads with eight nominations.