(Nashville, Tenn.) September 20, 2005 – Platinum selling artists Casting Crowns (Beach Street/Reunion Records) and Jars of Clay (Essential Records) were tapped as nominees for the 33rd annual “American Music Awards” in the Favorite Artist in the Contemporary Inspirational category, as announced today at a press conference in Los Angeles. The 21 awards will be presented during a three-hour special on the ABC Television Network, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, 8-11 PM (Eastern and Pacific Time). The special will emanate from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Calif. and be hosted by Cedric “The Entertainer.”

Winners of the annual “American Music Awards” are selected by the public. A national sampling of approximately 20,000, taking into account age, sex, geographical location and ethnic origin, have been sent ballots by the National Family Opinion, Inc. firm under the supervision of Broadcast Research and Consulting, Inc. Names of the nominees on the ballots were compiled from data supplied by the music industry trade publication, Radio & Records, and the SoundScan Inc., management information system. Results of the voting, tabulated by the Ernst & Young LLP accounting firm, are kept secret until envelopes are opened during the presentation ceremonies.

The “American Music Awards” special is a presentation of dick clark productions, inc., with Allen Shapiro serving as Executive Producer. Producer is Larry Klein, with Jeff Margolis directing. Writers are Barry Adelman and Fred Bronson. Executive in Charge of Production is Bob Bardo. Associate Producer is Don Harary. John Shaffner and Joe Stewart are the Production Designers. Talent Executive is Melissa Trueblood. Executive in Charge is Fran La Maina.