The following awards will be presented:

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD - to recognize the living performer for whom the fans feel has made the greatest contribution to Southern Gospel music over a career spanning 25 years or more. This award is a once-in-a-lifetime honor. PREVIOUS WINNERS: (No longer eligible for this award) Bill Gaither, Naomi Sego, Beb Speer, Dottie Rambo, and Connie Hopper.

GROUP OF THE YEAR - recognizes performing Southern Gospel groups with four or more vocalists.

TRIO OF THE YEAR - recognizes performing groups with three vocalists.

DUET OF THE YEAR - recognizes performing groups with 2 vocalists.

SOLOIST OF THE YEAR - recognizes male or female performers who record as a solo artist.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR and FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR - recognizes vocalists who record as part of a duo, trio or group.

SONG OF THE YEAR - recognizes the artist, songwriter, record company and publisher. A song may win only once.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR - nominees include short or long-form videos.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - recognizes the recorded works of solo artists, duos, trios, and groups.

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR - nominees have had at least one of their songs in the SGUSA/SGN SCOOPS Chart during the eligibility period.

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR - recognizes artistic achievement by a recording artist, session musician or touring band member.

SUNRISE AWARD - recognizes the new Southern Gospel artist of today who shows the most promise for maintaining and furthering his or her status. Nominees in this category have not released their debut single two years prior to the eligibility date (January 1, 2003) This award is also a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

ARTIST WEB SITE - recognizes the most outstanding artist web site in Southern Gospel Music.

INDUSTRY WEB SITE - recognizes the most outstanding industry (non-artist) web site in Southern Gospel Music.

CHRISTIAN COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR - recognizes the Christian Comedians in Southern Gospel.

BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR - recognizes performing Bluegrass Gospel groups, including two or more vocalists.

Failure to follow the rules will result in your ballot being voided. SGN SCOOPS MAGAZINE reserves the right to determine eligibility in all categories. All Southern Gospel fans are eligible to nominate.