Artist/songwriter Shelly E. Johnson from Franklin, Tennesee (pictured: l to r John Mays, Centricity Music; Shelly E. Johnson; Chris Hamilton, Centricity Music; John W. Styll, president & CEO of GMA) and Jake Brothers from Indianapolis, Indiana, were among several aspiring artists and songwriters who were celebrated by music industry executives and leaders after winning multiple honors at the GMA Artist and Song of 2009 National Competition, part of the 2009 GMA Immerse conference.
The event, which was held in Nashville, was formerly known as GMA in the Rockies, and is regarded as Christian music’s premier training experience and talent competition. This year’s event drew more than 600 artists.
Shelly E. Johnson was named GMA’s Artist Solo 2009 for contestants in the 13-24 age category, and the 24-year-old also received a recording development deal from Centricity Records. The independent label is home to artists including Downhere, Andrew Peterson, Circleslide (previous GMA winner), and Jaime Jamgochian. Johnson’s deal with Centricity will include music and career advice and counsel, song consultation, demo recordings, and the potential for expansion into an exclusive recording or publishing contract.

This was Johnson’s second year in the GMA competition. In 2008, she won songwriting awards which included GMA Song of 2008 for “The Power of the Cross,” the song she performed at the Artist Finals this year.
Jake Brothers, from Indianapolis, Indiana, (pictured l to r: Brad Ross, Talent Booking Director, Walt Disney Entertainment; John Horton, Mktg & Business Development Dir, Walt Disney Park & Resorts Sales and Travel Industry Marketing; Jake Brothers; John W. Styll, president & CEO of GMA) performed as both as solo artist and with the Jake Brothers Band and won in both cases. Jake Brothers Band was chosen as GMA’s Band winner.
As a solo artist, Brothers was also the recipient of GMA’s “Disney’s Night of Joy Best of Show Award,” which means he will perform at Night of Joy at Walt Disney World, September 11-12, 2009 in Florida. Also on the bill are Jars of Clay, Chris Tomlin, P.O.D., Superchick, Newsboys, Kutless, Leeland and Flyleaf. The prize also includes a vacation package at Disney World.
Jared Salte of Alberta, Canada was the winner of GMA’s Artist Solo 2009 for contestants in the age category 25 and up.
Holly Starr, from Quincy, Wash., was recognized by Compassion International for the ministry emphasis of her music, and was the recipient of Compassion’s Music & Ministry Experience, which includes an all-expense paid ministry trip to a Compassion International destination.
Here is the list of winners:
GMA ARTIST 2009
GMA Vocal One (ages 13-26)
Winner – Shelly E. Johnson, Franklin, Tenn., http://www.shellyejohnson.com/
Runner-up – Matt Knutson, Longview, Texas, www.myspace.com/mattknutsonmusic
GMA Vocal Two (ages 27 and up)
Winner – Jared Salte, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada
Runner-up – Jake Brothers, Indianapolis, Ind., http://www.jakebrothersmusic.com/
GMA Band
Winner – Jake Brothers Band, Indianapolis, Ind., http://www.jakebrothersmusic.com/
Runner-up – T.C. Carter and the Musical Sensations, Martinsville, Vir.
GMA Group/Duet
Winner — Denwyler, Spokane, Wash., http://www.stevenwylie.com/ and http://www.evandenlinger.com/
Runner-up – Noelle, Raleigh, N.C., http://www.facebook.com/pages/Noelle/122594790016?ref=ts
GMA SONG OF 2009
GMA Amateur Class
“Solid Rock” by Tracey Barker, Round Rock, Texas
GMA Semi-Pro Class
“She Said” by Bev Herrema, Highland Ranch, Colo.
AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY SCRIPTURE SONG AWARDS
ABS Amateur Class
“Wait,” by Joshua Johnson, Los Angeles, http://www.myspace.com/joshuajohnson
ABS Semi-Pro Class
“Bless the Memories” by Marc Arthur Pierre-Louis, Charlotte, N.C., http://www.marcapl.org/
DISNEY NIGHT OF JOY
Jake Brothers, Indianapolis, Ind., http://www.jakebrothersmusic.com/
CENTRICITY MUSIC
Shelly E. Johnson, Franklin, Tenn., http://www.shellyejohnson.com/
COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL
Holly Starr, Quincy, Wash., http://www.hollystarrmusic.com/
GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL
TC Carter and the Musical Sensations, Martinsville, Vir.
Congratulations to all of the winners!
You can learn more about Immerse on the event website.
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