Coming off of one of the most successful years' for a new artist, Joy Williams garnered three nominations for the 34th Annual Dove Awards. Announced today at a press conference by the Gospel Music Association, Williams received a nomination for "Female Vocalist of the Year" and her sophomore project By Surprise is in the running for "Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year." Williams received another nomination as an artist in the "Special Event Album" category for her involvement on the Girls of Grace album. The Dove Awards will be announced on Thursday, April 10, 2003 at The Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tenn.

A 2002 New Artist of the Year Nominee, Joy released her sophomore project By Surprise on October 8, 2002. Her album has received global recognition and has evolved Williams into a true singer/songwriter, penning over half the song on the album. Williams recently claimed the No. 2 spot on the CHR radio chart with her first single "Surrender."

"I was in the middle of an interview from California when a barrage of calls suddenly came in on my cell phone. Unnerved by so many calls in such short a time, I thought something might be wrong! When I eventually called back, the first person who picked up the phone screamed "Omigosh, did you hear?." Only until she explained to me what all the commotion was about did I stop panicking. But then it was my turn to scream!" notes Williams. She adds, "It's a real privilege being voted in a category with such amazing people, both musically and personally. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. Either way, I'm leaving my cell phone at home."

Dean Diehl, Reunion Records sr. vice president and general manager notes, "These nominations usher Joy into another dimension as an artist. She's not just one of the new kids anymore...she is a talented artist who is finding her place among the best. I couldn't be more proud of her."

This past fall, Williams was out with Point of Grace on the Girls of Grace conferences. In only four dates, Williams performed before 25,000 girls. In April 2002, Williams was a New Artist of the Year Dove Award Nominee. She was recently named "Best New Artist" by the readers of CCM Magazine and was featured in the magazine's December 2002 issue, featuring all of the Reader's Choice Award winners. Williams will also be featured on the February cover of Focus on the Family's girl magazine's BRIO and BRIO & Beyond. Williams also presented and performed at the 10th Annual MOVIEGUIDE Awards in Los Angeles in March of this year.

Williams released her debut album in July 2001 and recorded the project while still attending high school. Since signing with Reunion Records, she performed on the 2000 "The Left Behind" tour, label-mate NewSong's 2000/2001 Summer and Winter Jam Tours and the fall 2001 and spring 2002 legs of the Avalon "Oxygen" tour.