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There are plenty of viable contenders among the male vocalists, so let's start with the regulars. Jeremy Camp—a recurring champion among Dove voters and Reader's Choice surveys since 2001, though he had little to offer in 2008. Mark Hall of Casting Crowns—a popular singer with an underrated voice, but I'm not sure his band's most recent album distinguishes him enough. TobyMac—a favorite among fans, though some would say he's more a rapper and yeller than the industry's best singer. And David Phelps—an amazing vocalist with a devoted following, but his albums haven't impressed anyone beyond his fan base.

Chris Tomlin

This leaves Chris Tomlin as the favorite repeat winner of the last few years, and very possibly again for 2008; his vocals on Hello Love are as good as anything else he's done, so why not? Still, some feel his singing is overrated, and that he's needlessly dominating a category with so many other worthwhile choices.

Consider three veterans from classic bands. If Bart Millard hasn't proven time and again what a great singer he is with MercyMe, then also note the range and versatility he shows with his solo hymns projects. Third Day's Mac Powell remains one of Christian music's most recognizable and beloved voices, more for his tone than his technique, yet he demonstrates more nuance than usual on the band's recent release, Revelation. And Jon Foreman has earned nominations aplenty as the lead singer of Switchfoot, but his solo work throughout the last year revealed a more tender side to the rocker.

How about two of the biggest Christian music news stories from the past year? Early in 2008, Marvin Sapp broke the record for the longest running No. 1 single with "Never Would Have Made It"—a truly show-stopping performance. But then, the song is well past its prime now, having spent more than 40 weeks at the top, and he didn't win when he was nominated for a Dove for the same song last year.

Then there's Steven Curtis Chapman. This Moment released with disappointingly little fanfare late in 2007, but has since received considerable attention as a direct result of the tragic loss of his daughter last May. Still, would voters be awarding based on artistry or sympathy—and would the frequently awarded Chapman feel honored or uncomfortable as a result?

With all that, consider these four dark horse candidates. Marc Martel of Downhere has remained largely overlooked, but now that the band is building more of a following, perhaps he's finally due some recognition, ü ber-pop/rock vocalist that he is. Similar to Martel is Phil Wickham, whose incredibly dynamic and passionate tenor is becoming more commonplace to Christian radio. Also, Bebo Norman's vocals are as warm and engaging as they were last time he was nominated in this category five years ago.

But perhaps the most intriguing nominee would be Michael English, who gave back his Dove award 15 years ago due to personal controversy. With his comeback album earlier this year, he demonstrated that he's still not only one of the best male vocalists in the history of Christian music, but also reformed and redeemed from his past indiscretions. How poignant it would be to bring him full circle by winning new awards.

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