Congratulations to Steven Curtis Chapman as he took home an American Music Award this past week for favorite artist in Contemporary Inspirational Music. This is Chapman's second nomination and first win. He commented, "It's great to know we have a home at this awards show. Because of this genre still being new to the AMA's along with fellow nominees Third Day and MercyMe I feel this is more of a group win - and a wonderful way to represent Christian music."

Have a little extra time to browse the web? Be sure to check-out the recently re-designed websites for Stacie Orrico and the Tait Band. Begin your browsing now at www.stacieorrico.com and www.taitband.com.

A few weeks back we reported on the U2 cover album being released titled "In The Name of Love: Artists United for Africa." The date has been finalized and we will have to wait until January 27th, 2004. Some of contemporary Christian music's top artists will sing the songs of U2 to benefit the African AIDS crisis. Artists included on this project will be Jars of Clay, tobyMac, Tait, Nichole Nordeman and Delirious.

Rachael Lampa is hard at work on her third studio album and once again trying her hand at songwriting for the project. From what we hear, the sound will be a more live/earthy feel overall. Rachel will be combining the R&B/Urban feel along with Pop, Rock, Blues, and Gospel!

You know you've made it when the green slime comes pouring down on you. Congratulations to Bandon, Brittany, Chris, Lesley and Libby of Jump5 for their recent "Slime Time Live" appearance on Nickelodeon.

They're showin' us love...Jars of Clay is now offering a legal (yes, legal) download of their new single "Show You Love" at www.liquid.com. The single is available for only $1.04. That's cheaper than a latte!

With winter around the corner, we all need a little chicken soup on hand. And now, it's Christian Musics turn for the cover of Chicken Soup for the Souland YOU are encouraged to submit your story about how music has had or made an impact on your life. It can be inspirational, heartfelt or humorous. Story submission guidelines, sample stories and other information regarding the book can be found at www.christianmusiclovers.com. Story submission deadline is December 31st.

The Chris Tomlin Band just finished recording "Where the Streets Have No Name" for a eagerly anticipated tribute album: "In The Name Of Love: Artists United For Africa." The album contains a collection of U2 songs covered by Christian artists who are committed to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Africa along side D.A.T.A., an organization set up by U2's Bono. Other artists appearing with Tomlin on the recording include Delirious, TobyMAC, Sixpence None The Richer, Jars of Clay and more. We're hoping for a fall release of this project.

From Pop to Rock...Plus One has matured. Their new album, Exodus, takes the band to a harder edge and is showcased by their remodeled website, which is now up and running. Check out their modern design at www.plusoneonline.com. Whats more, you can see their changes LIVE when the guys come to town on November 21st, for SPIRIT 105.3 exclusive $5 concert!

Who would you like to see perform at Creationfest 2004? The Creation Festival wants your input. Visit www.creationfest.com and choose your favorite 10 artists.

ZOEgirl's latest album is titled "Different Kind of Free" and that's exactly what they are giving - something for FREE! The band is offering their #1 hit "You Get Me" as a free download for their fans - available at www.zoegirlonline.com.

Lullaby...and Goodnight....Lead singer of MercyMe, Bart Millard (along with his wife Shannon) have just recorded a song for their young son, Samuel, on a new compilation CD entitled "I Can Only Imagine: Lullabies for a Peaceful Rest." The song, which they wrote especially for this album, expresses their promise to always be by Samuels side. You can fall asleep to this album on November 11th.

Michael W. Smith sure has been busy lately! With the release of his latest album: "The Second Decade" (which features hits from the past 10 years and 2 new songs), Smitty has still found time to meet with President Bush in Nashville and U2's Bono in the past few weeks. Now those are some high-profile "friends."

P.O.D. and PlayStation 2? What more could a teen want? P.O.D.'s highly anticipated new album "Payable on Death" will include an exclusive bonus PlayStation 2 DVD featuring a custom video game track and an almost hour-long behind the scenes documentary "inside P.O.D. culture." This groundbreaking album is due in stores November 2nd.

tobyMac and Mac Powell of Third Day have more in common than part of their names... as they just announced their 2004 spring tour together. tobyMac tells attendees to prepare for a diverse night where people are fully engaged from hip-hop to rock and roll to worship...gumbo baby, straight gumbo." The 2004 tour will hit 75 cities...and yes, Seattle is one of them!