April 24, 2000 – Ginny Owens took home the award for "New Artist of the Year" at the 31st Annual Dove Awards ceremony held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, April 20, 2000. The gifted singer/songwriter/pianist's debut project, Without Condition (Rocketown Records) also won the award for "Best Enhanced CD."

The prestigious "New Artist of the Year" honor is the latest accomplishment in a year filled with highlights for this talented young artist. Owens performed at the Lilith Fair and Sundance Film Festivals. Her songs have been placed in high-visibility television programs such as "Felicity," "Charmed" and "Roswell," and she recently performed on the national TV shows "Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee" and "The Ainsley Harriott Show." Owens will soon appear on CNN's "Worldbeat" in a feature that will provide worldwide exposure.

During the Dove Awards' live telecast, Owens performed at piano her powerful, self-penned ballad "If You Want Me To" (from Without Condition). When her name was announced as the winner in the "New Artist of the Year" category, the sold-out crowd responded with an emotional standing ovation.

"This just confirms what we saw in Ginny when we signed her," explains Rocketown Records president Don Donahue. "That her simple voice connects with a mass audience. We're thrilled with her victory and for what's to come in the future."

Serving as the longest running and most prestigious awards show in the gospel music industry, the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards recognizes vocalists, musicians, songwriters, producers and record companies for their contributions to gospel music. For more information about the 31st Annual Dove Awards syndicated telecast, please visit http://www.doveawards.com or check local listings.