Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Season 11 American Idol finalist Colton Dixon has been nominated as best new artist for the 2013 Dove Awards.

The ceremony honors the best in Christian music, and the new artist nod is one of three Colton received.

He’s also nominated for best rock/contemporary album of the year for his post-Idol debut album “A Messenger,” which was released in January.

One of the singles from the album, “Never Gone,” is nominated as best rock/contemporary song of the year.

Colton’s competition for the best new artist award includes the Capital Kings, for King & Country, the Rhett Walker Band and Tasha Cobbs.

“A Messenger” debuted at number one on Billboard’s Christian album chart and landed at number 15 on the Billboard 20.

“Never Gone” reached number one on the Billboard Christian songs chart.

Colton, 21, placed seventh in Season 11. Yesterday, he tweeted: “Writing, writing, writing. I’ll post lyrics periodically. There’s some good stuff in the works. #album2.”

Two other Idols are also on the nomination list, under the same category — special event album of the year.

Mandisa is among the artists nominated for her involvement in “Jesus, Fire Foundation: Hymns of Worship.”

And Jennifer Hudson is among the artists who participated in another nominated album, “WOW Gospel 2012.”

For a complete list of nominees, head here.

The Dove Awards are set for Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville. The show will be televised live on UP TV.