The Gospel Music Association's annual Dove Awards are upon us, and it is interesting to note that four former contestants from "American Idol" are up for Dove Awards: this year Ruben Studdard from season 2, Mandisa from season 5, and Chris Sligh and Melinda Doolittle from season 6 have all been nominated for Doves. This has really piqued my interest in the connection between gospel music and "American Idol," so I have done a series of articles on different web sites looking at gospel artists who got their start on "American Idol." The Dove Awards and The American Idol Factor The Dove Awards are upon us, and this year four former contestants from "American Idol" have been nominated: Ruben Studdard from season 2, Mandisa from season 5, and Chris Sligh and Melinda Doolittle from season 6 have all been nominated for Dove Awards! This is not the first year where American Idol contestants have been evident. Last year, Phil Stacey, Mandisa and Chris...
