SHAWN McDONALD was hotly tipped for success at the Dove Awards, which celebrates artists in the Christian music industry, in April (06).

But he has been dramatically dropped from the shortlist just days after it was announced (01FEB06), because he has already released two recordings on Sparrow Records - SIMPLY NOTHING in August 2004 and LIVE IN SEATTLE in April 2005.

The releases invalidate his claim to be a newcomer under the Gospel association's rigorous guidelines.

McDonald has been replaced by MAT KEARNEY, who will join ERNIE HAASE + SIGNATURE SOUND, KRYSTAL MEYERS, STELLAR KART and THE AFTERS in the category at the Nashville, Tennessee, ceremony.