At the 37th Annual GMA Music Awards held Wednesday evening in Nashville, MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard won his first Dove Award as a solo act, and his tenth overall, in the Inspirational Recorded Album of the Year category for the widely-praised project, HYMNED (tying with Amy Grant's Rock of Ages...Hymns & Faith) . Millard has previously won nine Dove awards with MercyMe, including Group of the Year (2004), Song of the Year (2002, 2004), Artist of the Year (2004) Songwriter of the Year (2002) and more.

Not on hand at the awards due to the birth of his new son, Charlie, Millard's MercyMe bandmate Mike Scheuchzher accepted the award on his behalf. Following the show, however, Millard commented, "Wow! I am not sure what to say! This project is so very dear to my heart, and it is a huge honor to have it recognized in any way, shape or size. I just want to get back in the studio and start volume two! I heard it was a tie with Amy Grant. I called Amy and challenged her to an arm wrestling contest to determine an all out winner. She has not called me back yet. Between you and me, pound for pound, I think I can take her. So Amy if you read this...you know where to find me...2006 Inspirational Showdown! Can we get this on Pay-Per-View?"

The 37th Annual GMA Music Awards will air in national syndication starting on Easter weekend April 15 through May 21.