NASHVILLE, TENN. - November 25, 2013 - Capitol CMG Label Group is proud to announce that singer/songwriter Matthew West was awarded the American Music Award for Best Contemporary Inspirational Artist. Held last night at Los Angeles' Nokia Theatre, the American Music Awards are determined by the fans through online voting. When the nominations were announced last month, Capitol CMG swept the category as West was nominated for this category along with labelmates TobyMac and Chris Tomlin. Attending the ceremony with his wife Emily, this was West's first time to be nominated for an AMA.

"What an honor to receive the AMA award this year!" West shares. "The fact that this is a fan voted award makes it even more meaningful, and I'm grateful for all of the people who have made my songs part of their lives."

"Capitol CMG is extremely proud of Matthew on receiving his first American Music Award," states Peter York, President, Capitol CMG Label Group. "We could not be more excited for Matthew, along with his fellow nominees Chris Tomlin and TobyMac, as they each represent such a vital part of the Christian music community. We are grateful for Matthew's hard work, unwavering commitment to always make the best possible music and for his relentless dedication to his fans, we send our thanks and congratulations to Matthew and to those who supported him with their votes."

Matthew West just wrapped his Into The Light fall tour and will appear on The Story Tour throughout this December. He is also set to join TobyMac's Hits Deep Tour the spring of 2014.

About Matthew West:
An ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner and lauded by The New York Times as "a vivid and compelling songwriter with impressive approaches to the familiar," four-time GRAMMY® nominee Matthew West's discography includes acclaimed releases: Happy (2003), History (2005), Something to Say (2008), The Story of Your Life (2010) and Into The Light (2012). His 2010 studio album, The Story of Your Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. The album garnered attention from CNN Online, Fox News, Billboard, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more. The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street week debut of his career, selling over 10,000 units the first week landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200. A multiple ASCAP "Song of the Year" winner, West has had four No. 1 radio hits including his latest GRAMMY®-nominated tune, "Strong Enough." His songwriting credits include cuts by Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more. Recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy® Award for Original Music & Lyrics for "The Heart of Christmas" from the film of the same name, West's fifth studio album, Into The Light, was released last fall and was nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Album for the 55th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. The new album features his most recent hit singles "Forgiveness" and "Hello My Name Is" (which was No. 1 on the National Christian radio chart for 17 weeks straight, officially breaking the record for the most weeks at No. 1), along with 10 other tracks inspired by 10,000 new letters submitted after West invited people to, once again, send him their stories. West spent much of late 2012 and early 2013 on a pre-headlining stint of the No. 1 Tour in the World (first quarter), the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular. He recently wrapped his headlining fall 2013 tour and will appear on The Story Tour this December.

About Capitol Christian Music Group:
Capitol Christian Music Group is the world's leading Christian Music company and market leader in recorded music, distribution, and music publishing. Part of Universal Music's Capitol Music Group, Capitol Christian Music Group operates several divisions including Capitol CMG Label Group (Sparrow Records, ForeFront Records, Credential Recordings, sixstepsrecords, Hillsong), EMI Gospel, Capitol Christian Distribution and Capitol CMG Publishing. Led by President and CEO Bill Hearn and a strong executive team of long-time Christian and Gospel music veterans, Capitol Christian Music Group is characterized by a strong commitment to artists and songwriters, one another, our customer and community service.

For more info on Matthew West visit the JFH Artists Database.

 

 

 

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