Student wins Female Artist of the Year at annual Gospel Music Association conference

Liberty University junior Sydni Alexander won Female Vocalist of the Year for the reVIEWyou competition, part of the annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Immerse Conference, held June 12-14 in Nashville, Tenn.

Alexander is studying artist development and hopes to return to Nashville after completing her degree.

“I want to pursue my music in that city,” Alexander said. “I’m hoping to connect with a major label and start doing contemporary Christian music down there.”

The three-day GMA conference was a good start for her. It gave her an opportunity to network with professionals in the industry and other artists. Many well-known artists were speakers at the event, including Kari Jobe, Mandisa, and Bart Millard of MercyMe. It also offered classes on a variety of subjects for upcoming artists.

The GMA hosts Immerse each year to promote the growth of contemporary Christian music and to help attendees network in the industry. The reVIEWyou competition allows contestants the opportunity to perform in front of many panels of judges and receive feedback on their work. Awards are given for top male vocalist, female vocalist, male artist/writer, female artist/writer, and songwriter. After several cuts, the top three contestants from each category perform in front of a large panel of professionals and the conference attendees.

Alexander was surprised when her name was called as one of the winners.

“I was overwhelmed,” Alexander said. “I went into the whole thing very hopeful but not expecting to win. I was so grateful because the other competitors were amazing. It was just super overwhelming, and I barely made it off the stage without crying.”

Alexander’s prize package included recording time in a studio and several meetings with artist managers and record labels.

“I got to meet so many encouraging and incredible people, and it was a huge blessing to be able to learn from the industry professionals and hear their experiences,” Alexander said. “I would definitely go back and suggest it for other musicians.”