NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee State University's gospel choir is being recognized nationally.

The New Direction Choir won the National College Choir Explosion earlier this month in Louisville, Kentucky.

The group received a $15,000 prize for winning the coveted title and being recognized as the Nation's Best Gospel Choir.

It also won the People's Choice Award as the audience's favorite group, which earned it another $1,000 prize.

In addition to vocal presentation, participating choirs were judged on diction, intonation, tone quality, appearance, stage presence and audience appeal.