Gospel singer Yolanda Adams was named favorite contemporary inspirational artist at the American Music Awards this week, marking the first time Christian music has received such major on-air recognition during a secular awards show.
"Dick Clark, thank you for recognizing that gospel music definitely is a legitimate form of music," she said as she accepted her award, produced by Dick Clark Productions. Adams also performed her song "Open My Heart" during the three-hour ABC special, receiving a standing ovation.
