Del Way Wins Entertainer of the Year
with Josh Turner Winning Mainstream Country Artist

Contact: Kim Dettwiller, Power Source, 615-330-5656, kimdet@comcast.net; photos available

NASHVILLE, Nov. 4 /Christian Newswire/ -- Alan Jackson's Precious Memories wins the Inspirational Country Album of the Year and Josh Turner was selected as the Mainstream Country Artist of the Year at the 13th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show (ICM awards). Other big winners include, Del Way, winning Entertainer of the Year with Sonya Isaacs taking home Female Vocalist of the Year and Tommy Brandt receiving Male Vocalist of the Year for the second straight year.

The annual award show was held tonight at the historic Acuff Theatre and was taped with a live audience to be aired on several broadcast networks. The show will be seen on four major networks, TCT Networks, NRB Network, FAITH Television, and CTS Television Canada reaching over 180 million subscribers in the United States, Canada and over 170 nations throughout the world. Please visit www.icm-awards.com for show schedule.

Award winning comedienne, author and AKA "The Queen of Clean", Chonda Pierce and multi-award winning Christian artist and TBN radio host, Del Way, spilt the hosting duties. Both brought their warmth, intelligence and observational humor to the microphone for one of the most inspiring nights of music and awards.

Show highlights include, Midas Records artists, Emerson Drive opening the show with a heart-touching, inspirational performance of their #1 song "Moments," a song dedicated to the band's former bass player who passed away last month, Patrick Bourque. In addition, Richie McDonald made his first TV performance since leaving the group, Lonestar, singing the hit single he penned, "Hey GOD," about a simple prayer of thanks.

Award-winning country legend, Lee Greenwood, showed his gospel roots with his performance of "You'll Never Walk Alone" from the Curb Records' collection of Inspirational Songs as well the 2003 release Lee Greenwood: Gospel. And Tammy Cochran wowed the audience with her new single, "Where I Am," off her long awaited album with the same title that just hit the stores and is heading up the charts.

Additional star-studded performances included the 2006 Entertainer of the Year, Mike Hammock, who performed "Safe In The Arms of Love" and Brad Cotter performed his hit single, "GOD's Fingerprints;" In addition, Mike Manuel, Del Way, the Bellamy Brothers, Blue County, Brad Cotter, CrossCountry, Mary James, Corey Brooks, Sharene Spielman and Branded all performed their inspirational songs on the show.

Presenters included: Rhonda Vincent; Andy Griggs; Rich McCready; Trent Tomlinson; Jason Meadows; Margo Smith and Holly; the Fox Brothers; Lawrence Bishop; James Payne; Sandra Dee; Chunky Nelms; Barry McGee; Miko Marks; Russ Murphy; Laura Bryna, John Sines, Jr.; Greg McDougal; Tommy Brandt; Steve McGranahan; Mike Rimmey; and CMT Loaded host, Charla. Also, Miss Tennessee USA 2008, Hailey Brown and Miss Tennessee Teen USA, Natalie Phillips assisted in presenting the award trophies.

Entertainer of the Year

Del Way

Male Vocalist of the Year

Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist of the Year

Sonya Isaacs

Vocal Duo of the Year

Branded

Vocal Group of the Year

CrossCountry, The Band

Inspirational Album of the Year

Alan Jackson

Song of the Year

"Back In The Country Again" -Mike Manuel

Songwriter of the Year

Mike Manuel

Mainstream Country Artist

Josh Turner

New Artist of the Year

Russ Murphy

Musician of the Year

Dennis Agajanian

Comedy Act of the Year

Barry McGee

Radio Personality of the Year

Rich Miller

Radio Station of the Year

WCWV/ Summersville, WV

Video of the Year

"Moments"- Emerson Drive

Living Legend Award

James Payne

Inspirational Bluegrass Artist

Lawrence Bishop Band

Youth In Music Award

Matthew Wacaster

Music Evangelist of the Year

Bill Mullis

Television Network

Gospel Music Channel

The Inspirational Country Music Convention is a yearly event that draws music fans, broadcast media (radio, print, and TV) and the industries top artists to Nashville to showcase music and to discuss industry related issues. The member-voted ICM Awards Show is the keynote event of Inspirational Country Week, slated for October 31st through November 4th in Nashville, TN. The award show, held Sunday, November 4, 2007, will air on four major networks with over 180 million subscribers in the United States, Canada and to over 170 nations throughout the world and over 80 artists performing throughout the week at the Gibson Café in Opry Mills. The convention and show are presented by the 501C-3 not-for-profit corporation, The Christian Country Music Association. www.ccma.cc

For Photos and More Information, please contact:

Kim Dettwiller / Power Source / 615-330-5656/ kimdet@comcast.net