Christian Music Today Names Best Artists of 2003

CAROL STREAM, IL. - January 20, 2004 - Stacie Orrico is a double winner in Christian Music Today's first annual Best Artists of the Year lists, announced today. The talented teen R&B/Pop singer/songwriter won the Best Female Vocalist and Best Solo Artist awards for 2003.

Christian Music Today also named Mark Martel, lead vocalist of the Canadian rock band downhere, as Best Male Vocalist, and San Diego rockers Switchfoot as Best Band or Group. Awards were based on each artist's musical contributions from 2003.

"The Best Artists lists are a new addition to our end-of-year coverage, and a nice way to cap things off," says Russ Breimeier, Christian Music Today director. "Though some of it overlaps with our picks for Best Albums and Best New Artists lists, it allows us an opportunity to call attention to some established names and their contributions from the past year."

Orrico and Switchfoot both created a huge presence in mainstream radio and music television in 2003. Each of their current albums were co-released on mainstream record labels.

"We didn't plan it this way," continues Breimeier, "but the finalists are named just in time for the second round of voting for the Dove Awards. It gives our staff a chance to offer a 'For Your Consideration' segment."

The top five vote-getters for each award category are posted on the Christian Music Today website (ChristianMusicToday.com). The top three in each category will each receive a plaque to commemorate their achievement.

The awards list can be accessed directly at: http://ChristianityToday.com/go/bestartists

More information about each of these musicians can be found on their artist pages:

Stacie Orrico: http://ChristianityToday.com/music/artists/stacieorrico.html
Switchfoot: http://ChristianityToday.com/music/artists/switchfoot.html
downhere: http://ChristianityToday.com/music/artists/downhere.html

Christian Music Today, an online ministry of publisher Christianity Today International, is one of CTI's fastest growing online channels, averaging almost 300,000 page views per month from more than 130,000 visitors.

Christianity Today International, a communications ministry co-founded by Billy Graham in 1956, is committed to engaging, encouraging, and equipping the church worldwide. More than 2.5 million readers gain inspiration and relevant, Bible-based wisdom from CTI's 11 magazines, including Christianity Today magazine. CTI also produces church leader resources and co-publishes a variety of books and study Bibles.

For further information or interviews, please contact Michael Herman
mherman@christianitytoday.com
(630) 260-6200x4309