State Champ Radio Stellar Gospel Music Awards
Pastor Mike Jr. could set a record when the 2025 Stellar Gospel Music Awards ceremony is taped live from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Saturday, Aug. 16. He is currently tied with Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp as the only artists to win artist of the year three times. He’s nominated again this year. Should he win, he’ll pull ahead as the top winner in the top category.
Tamela Mann, who won in that category in 2014 and 2017, is also nominated again. Should she win, she’ll join Pastor Mike Jr., Franklin and Sapp as the only three-time winners.
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The other nominees in that category are CeCe Winans, Jason Nelson and Kenny Lewis & One Voice. None have ever won before in this top category.
Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson are the top nominees for the 40th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with nine nods each. Pastor Mike Jr., who has amassed 19 Stellar Awards, and Nelson, who is also a Stellar Award winner, each landed nominations for artist of the year, song of the year, male artist of the year and album of the year.
With eight nominations, Cece Winans is vying for artist of the year, song of the year, Albertina Walker female artist of the year, and album of the year.
Other artists earning multiple nominations include Mississippi Mass Choir, Adia, Deitrick Haddon, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kenny Lewis & One Voice, Micah Lee, Tamela Mann, Chandler Moore and FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, and Marcus Cole).
Public fan voting will take place in two categories this year – urban single or performance of the year and praise and worship song of the year. Fan Favorite voting runs from June 16 until July 18.
The Stellar Awards also announced nominees for the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards in six categories.
Tickets for the 40th Stellar Awards taping are available now at stellarawards.com.
“For 40 remarkable years, the Stellar Awards have been a beacon of excellence, celebrating the voices, vision, and victories of gospel music,” Don Jackson, founder of the Stellar Awards and chairman of Central City Productions, Inc., said in a statement. “We honor not just the genre of gospel music, but the legacy of our history, our faith, our culture, and our community that has inspired Black & African American generations for four decades.”
The 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer, and Daniel Moore as music director.
This year’s Stellar Awards caps STELLAR PLUS week, which is set for Aug. 14-16. Events include master classes and soundstages, fashion shows and comedy showcases and more. For more information, visit stellarplusexperience.com.
Here’s the full list of nominations for the 2025 Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
Artist of the Year
CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Kenny Lewis & One Voice; The Healing Project; PureSound Muzik Group
Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group
Tamela Mann; Live Breathe Fight; TillyMann
Song of the Year
“Amen,” Michael McClure Jr., Adia Andrews, Terrell Anthony Pettus, Andrea Crouch, & David “DLo” Outing; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
“Clap My Way,” Fred Jerkins III, Alvin Garrett, & Micah Lee; Micah Lee; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
“I Prayed for You (said a prayer),” Major Johnson Finley, Brunes Charles, & Jeshua Williams; MAJOR.; NowThatsMAJOR / MNRK
“That’s My King,” Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks, & Jess Russ; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
“Yahweh” ft. Melvin Crispell III; Danni Baylor, Jason Nelson, Jerome Baylor, & Johnnie Huntley Steele III; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Male Artist of the Year
Chandler Moore; Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; TRIBL
Deitrick Haddon; One Night in California; DH Visions
Doc McKenzie; Run On; Blockbuster Records/Milbert McKenzie Music Group
Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group
Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year
ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group
CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records
Karen Clark-Sheard; Still Karen; Motown Gospel
Lisa Page Brooks; The Grateful Chant; FlowNeeNee Music
Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart; Hold On 2 Your Faith; ManHaddon Ministries / Tyscot Records
FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten and Marcus Cole); Time Capsule – The Trilogy; 3Brothers/Dare Records
Ted & Sheri; You’ve Been So Faithful (Groove); Ted & Sheri LLC / Black Smoke Music Worldwide
The Group Fire; About Last Night; Jet Records North/East
New Artist of the Year
ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group
Bobbi Lane; Unmatched Grace; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group
Josh Bracy and Power Anointed; Favor; Josh Bracy Muzic
Micah Lee; Clap My Way; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale; The Faith Journey; Tisdale Nation Entertainment
Album of the Year
I Got Away EP; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
Live Breathe Fight; Tamela Mann; TillyMann
More Than This; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
The Healing Project; Kenny Lewis & One Voice; PureSound Muzik Group
You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Choir of the Year
Bishop S.Y. Younger; Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil; Ramp Records (exclusively distributed by Haus Records)
Chicago Mass Choir; Greater Is Coming; New Haven Records
Ricky Dillard; When I Think; Motown Gospel
The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records
Producer of the Year
Dana Sorey; Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole, Paul Wright III and Ray Hammond; FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten and Marcus Cole); Time Capsule – The Trilogy; 3Brothers/Dare Records
J. Drew Sheard; Karen Clark-Sheard; Still Karen; Motown Gospel
Michael McClure Jr., & David “DLo” Outing II; Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group
Stan Jones, Jerry Mannery, Jerry Smith, & David R. Curry Jr.; The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records
Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart; Hold On 2 Your Faith; ManHaddon Ministries / Tyscot Records
Red Hands; The Three (EP); Black Suit Music / Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records
Ted & Sheri; You’ve Been So Faithful (Groove); Ted & Sheri LLC / Black Smoke Music Worldwide
The Group Fire; About Last Night; Jet Records North/East
Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Brandon Camphor & One Way; Hymn Medley; Tomii Entertainment
Men Of Prayze; Live: in the Red; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
The Flint Cavaliers; The Fellowship (Psalms 133:1); The Flint Music Group
Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony; Try Me; Blackberry/Marxan Records
Contemporary Male Artist of the Year
Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Micah Lee; Clap My Way; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group
Vincent Bohanan; VBSOV Summer Jam; Independent
Traditional Male Artist of the Year
Bishop Calvin Norton; Hold Me Beyond Rear View EP; Blockbuster Records
Brent Jones; Live Your Best Life; JDI Entertainment
Earnest Pugh; Worthy Is the Lamb; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Kenny Lewis; The Healing Project; PureSound Muzik Group
Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group
Bobbi Lane; Unmatched Grace; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group
CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
DOE; Heart of a Human; RCA Inspiration / Provident Entertainment
Keyla Richardson; Home; Uncle G Records
Traditional Female Artist of the Year
Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records
Lasha Knox; Right There; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Lisa Page Brooks; The Grateful Chant; FlowNeeNee Music
Terri McConnell; He’ll Get Me Through This; Royal T Records
Contemporary Album of the Year
Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; Chandler Moore; TRIBL
Live Breathe Fight; Tamela Mann; TillyMann
Still Karen; Karen Clark-Sheard; Motown Gospel
You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Traditional Album of the Year
Determined; Dorinda Clark-Cole; Malaco Records
Live in Detroit, Pt 1; The Victorius Army ATL Feat. Vincent Bohanan; Independent
The Healing Project; Kenny Lewis & One Voice; PureSound Muzik Group
We Still Believe; The Mississippi Mass Choir; Malaco Records
Urban Single or Performance of the Year
Amen; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
Clap My Way; Micah Lee; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic
I Prayed for You (said a prayer); MAJOR.; NowThatsMAJOR / MNRK
Without You ft. Zacardi Cortez; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records
Music Video of the Year
“Amen,” Pastor Mike Jr., Tony “Mr.YNOT” Minifield, Drae Rudolph & Kevin “Krispy” Key/Moon Men; Rock City Media Group
“Deserve to Win,” David Mann; TillyMann
“For My Good,” Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
“Never Be the Same,” Deitrick Haddon & Terrance Church; DH Visions
Traditional Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir; Greater Is Coming; New Haven Records
Christopher L. Ervin & Abraham’s Descendants; Recover; CervinMusiq
Ricky Dillard; When I Think; Motown Gospel
The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records
Contemporary Choir of the Year
Alphaeus Anderson Presents The USC Upstate Gospel Choir; Already Done; Music2ChangeU
Charles Butler & Trinity; Live in Washington DC; Red Alliance Media
Johnny Sanders Featuring Faith on Full; Christmas Everyday; Third Century Development Corp/Johnny Sanders Presents, LLC
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; VBSOV Summer Jam; Independent
Traditional Artist of the Year
Bishop Calvin Norton; Hold Me Beyond Rear View EP; Blockbuster Records
Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records
Earnest Pugh; Worthy Is the Lamb; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records
Special Event Album of the Year
Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil; Bishop S.Y. Younger; Ramp Records (exclusively distributed by Haus Records)
Joyful, Joyful: A Christmas Album; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
Red & Green; Jonathan McReynolds; Life Room Label, Motown Gospel
The Gift Deluxe Edition; The Group Fire; Jet Records North/East
We Still Believe; The Mississippi Mass Choir; Malaco Records
Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year
Canton Jones and CAJO Records Presents the Free Life Experience; The Free Life Experience; CAJO Records
Let Go Let God: The EP; 1K Phew; Reach Records
Meet Me in Miami; Otis Kemp; Revive 5.0 Entertainment
Without You: There Would Be No Me; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records
Youth Project of the Year
AMG Kidz x Boston Arts Academy; The Kidz at North Station; Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records
Brent Jones presents The Fire; Brent Jones presents The Fire; JDI Entertainment
Janessa Smith; Sounds of Joy; Inspired Recording
Nina Symmone & Noah Alexander; God’s Way; The Big Moment / Anderson Music Group
Quartet of the Year
Blest By Four; Only Believe The EP; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Men Of Prayze; Live: in the Red; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
The Flint Cavaliers; The Fellowship (Psalms 133:1); The Flint Music Group
Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony; Try Me; Blackberry/Marxan Records
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Covered Vol. 1; Brianna Dowd & Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration, Provident Label Group LLC
Meet Me in Miami; Blair Monique; Revive 5.0 Entertainment
Red & Green; Jonathan McReynolds & Trent Nicholson; Life Room Label, Motown Gospel
Still Karen; Justin Foster; Motown Gospel
Praise and Worship Album of the Year
Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; Chandler Moore; TRIBL
More Than This; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
One; Jordan G. Welch; JordiG Music
You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Praise and Worship Song of the Year
“Light in a Dark Place,” Bobbi Lane; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group
“Overflow” ft. Todd Dulaney; Transformation Worship; Represent Records, Re: Think Music
“That’s My King,” CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
“Yahweh” ft. Melvin Crispell III; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records
Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year
“Amen,” Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group
“Blessings,” Otis Kemp; Revive 5.0 Entertainment
“Fa REAL… Fa Real,” Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records
“Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah” ft. Lisa Page Brooks; Dante’ Pride; iAmDantePrideMuzik
Top Market of the Year
WBBP 1480 AM, Memphis
WBGX 1570 kHz, Chicago
WFTB FM 104.1, Nashville
WGRB 1390AM, Chicago
WPZS 100.9, Charlotte, N.C.
Medium Market of the Year
WAGR 102.5 FM, Lexington, Miss.
WEUP Worship 94.5, Huntsville, Ala.
WJNI 106.3FM, Charleston, S.C.
WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington, Del.
Small Market of the Year
WBZF-FM 98.5, Florence-Myrtle Beach, S.C.
WHLH 95.5, Jackson, Miss.
WKTT 97.5 FM, Salisbury, Md.
WTSK – Praise 93.3/ 790 AM, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Internet Station of the Year
Black Gospel Radio, https://BlackGospelRadio.net
GODRadio1.com, https://godradio1.com
Hands Up Radio WHUR, https://handsupradio.org/
Power of Worship Radio, https://powerofworship.net
Syndicated Gospel Radio Show of the Year
“Early Morning Praise Party with Sherry Mackey,” Sherry Mackey
“Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell,” Erica Campbell with Griff & Cheryl Jackson
“The Big Redd Radio Show,” Big Redd
“The Tracy Morgan Show,” Tracy Morgan
Gospel Announcer of the Year
Destiny Diggs; WXHL – Reach Gospel Radio/ “Say So Radio Show with Destiny”
Melissa Wade; WNNL, The Light 103.9/ “Melissa Wade in the Midday”
Micha “ML6” Logan; WEUP, 103.1 FM/ “The Midday Shift”
Sherry Mackey; WHAL, 95.7 Hallelujah FM/ “Early Morning Praise Party with Sherry Mackey”
Less than six months after winning his third Grammy Award (best gospel album for All Things New: Live in Orlando), Tye Tribbett swept the 2024 Stellar Awards, winning six awards, including artist of the year and song of the year for “Only One Night Tho (Live).” The Motown Gospel artist also received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Icon Award.
The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show taped on Saturday (July 20) at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. TV personality and comedian Loni Love and radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley co-hosted the show.
Jekalyn Carr was runner-up in the awards count with four awards, including the Albertina Walker female artist of the year award. Melvin Crispell III, Ricky Dillard and Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers each won two awards.
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Despite his sweep, Tribbett did not win male artist of the year. That award went to Crispell, who also took traditional male artist of the year.
Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
Performers included Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann.
Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and Angel Taylor also made special appearances.
The two-hour show will premiere on the Stellar Network on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. and repeat at 11 p.m. ET. It will also air in broadcast syndication from Aug. 10-Sept. 8. In addition, BET will air the show on Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show was executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
Here’s a complete list of nominations for the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with winners marked:
Artist of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
WINNER: Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Song of the year
“Able” ft. Marvin Winans; Jonathan McReynolds, Major Johnson Finley, Marvin Winans & Demetrius Terrell Wilson; MNRK
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Marvin L. Winans, Juan Winans & William Weatherspoon; My Block Inc.
“It’s Morning”; Latrice Pace; Latrice Pace
WINNER: “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
WINNER: Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Albertina Walker female artist of the year
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Maverick City Music; The Maverick Way Complete; Tribl Records
WINNER: The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
New artist of the year
Adam Blackstone; A Legacy Christmas; BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire
Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; The Change Experience; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
WINNER: Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Rudy Currence; Stained Glass Windows; Mike Chek / MNRK
Album of the year
WINNER: All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Choir of the year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach; CHASing the Next Chapter; Mellie’s Boy Muzic Group
WINNER: Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Producer of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr. (Michael McClure Jr.) & Jevon Hill; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett, Joseph Bethea, and assisted by Shante Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
WINNER: Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Contemporary duo/chorus group of the year
WINNER: Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
Housefires; How to Start a Housefire (Pt. III); Housefires Music
Pastor Dalton Hill & The Tabernacle Singers; Rejoice (Live from Boston); Beulah Tabernacle/Bean House Productions
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
Traditional duo/chorus group of the year
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Kevin Vasser & BLVRS; I Believe; KTV Music
WINNER: Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Ron Summers; God Can; Emanuel Media Group/Ron Summers Music
Contemporary male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
WINNER: Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Traditional male artist of the year
John P. Kee; Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Kelontae Gavin; Testify; RCA Inspiration
WINNER: Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Contemporary female artist of the year
WINNER: Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Latrice Pace; Exodus: The Journey of Obedience, Vol 2; Latrice Pace
Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.
Naomi Raine; Cover the Earth; Tribl Records
Traditional female artist of the year
Eartha Edwards; It All Belongs to God; Blockbuster Records/Javel Music
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lucinda Moore; Lord, I Hear You; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Contemporary album of the year
WINNER: All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
I Love You; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Traditional album of the year
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
WINNER: JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
No Failure; Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration
Urban single or performance of the year
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
WINNER: “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
“Trusting God”; James Fortune & Monica; FIYA World/MNRK
“Witness”; Dexter Walker and Zion Movement; Indieblue Music
Music video of the year
“All Things”; West Webb and Jalen Turner; Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration
WINNER: “Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.
“I Will Wait”; Avery Henley; Tyscot
“Look at God”; Damien Sandoval; RCA Inspiration
Traditional choir of the year
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; Destined for Greatness; HezHouse Entertainment
WINNER: Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Traditional artist of the year
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Special event album of the year
Destined for Greatness; Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; HezHouse Entertainment
WINNER: Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
Joy Is Here; JJ Hairston; JamesTown Music/MNRK
Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Various Artists; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Rap/hip hop gospel album of the year
WINNER: Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment
His Glory Alone II; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
Pray for Atlanta; 1K Phew & Zaytoven; Reach Records
The Change Experience; Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Youth project of the year
AMG Kidz; The Kidz Interlude; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Nina Symmone; Just Smile; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Noah Alexander; Lots of Love; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
WINNER: Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music
Quartet of the year
WINNER: Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Paul Porter & The Christianaires; Miracle EP; Porterboy Music Group/Trin Records
The Williams Singers; Reel Quartet; Deznell Music Group/Anderson Music Group
Young Men 4 Christ; Our Testimony; Independent
Recorded music packaging of the year
Brand New; JP Designs Art; My Block Inc.
Choirmaster II; Nathan Blaine; Motown Gospel
WINNER: JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music
Lord, I Hear You; BMO Designs & Blair Monique Walker; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Praise and worship album of the year
Believe Again Vol II; JJ Hairston; Tribl Records
Chapter X: See the Goodness; VaShawn Mitchell; V Man Entertainment/Tyscot/FairTrade
WINNER: The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
The Maverick Way Complete; Maverick City Music; Tribl Records
Praise and worship song of the year
“Always”; Jovonta Patton; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
WINNER: “Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media
“I Just Wanna Praise You”; Maurette Brown Clark; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
“It’s Working ft. Hezekiah Walker”; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
Rap/hip hop song of the year
“Amen Right There” (ft. Canton Jones & Everett Drake); Emcee N.I.C.E.; Gypsy City Music
“MIA” ft. 1K Phew; Jor’Dan Armstrong; Jor’Dan Armstrong Music
“Miracles” ft. Lecrae; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
WINNER: “Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records
James Cleveland lifetime achievement award
WINNER: Tye Tribbett
Aretha Franklin Icon Award
WINNER: Kim Burrell
Top market of the year
WBGX 1570 AM, Chicago
WINNER: WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland
WPRS Praise 104.1, Washington, DC
WPZE – MyPraise 102.5, Atlanta
Medium market of the year
WINNER: KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport
KZTS 1380 AM, Little Rock
WEHA 88.7 & 100.3 FM, Atlantic City
WJYD JOY 107.1 FM, Columbus, OH
Small market of the year
WBZF-98.5 FM, Florence-Myrtle Beach
WWLD-HD2 98.3FM, Tallahassee
WINNER: WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington
WXOK 1460 AM, Baton Rouge
Internet station of the year
WINNER: GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen
Sound Gospel Radio, https://soundgospelradio.com/live/
Waycrosspraise/Power 89.1, https://www.waycrosspraise.org/
WVTC Gospel Radio Network, http://www.wvtcradio.com
Syndicated gospel radio show of the year
Early Morning Praise Party, Sherry Mackey & Dre Monie
WINNER: Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin
The Nightly Spirit, Darlene “McCoy” Jackson
Willie Moore Jr Show, Willie Moore Jr & Dwight Stone
Gospel announcer of the year
Destiny Diggs, – WXHL 89.1 FM
Neiko Flowers, WPZE – MyPraise 102.5
WINNER: Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1
Trey Nickelson, WBZF-98.5 F
Four months after winning his third Grammy Award (best gospel album for All Things New: Live in Orlando), Tye Tribbett is the leading nominee for the 2024 Stellar Awards, with eight nods. Tribbett will also receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Icon Award.
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Pastor Mike Jr. and Ricky Dillard each received six nominations; Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell each nabbed five.
Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
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The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is set to tape on Saturday, July 20 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. TV personality and comedian Loni Love and radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley are set to co-host. The two-hour show will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8 p.m. and repeat at 10 p.m. ET. It will also air in broadcast syndication from Aug. 10 – Sept. 8.
Tickets are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
This year’s Stellar Awards show is part of the Stellar Plus week, which offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. A full list of events and ticket information is available at stellarplusexperience.com. Stellar Plus event sponsors include Amazon Music, Compassion and The Recording Academy.
Here’s a complete list of nominations for the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards:
Artist of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Song of the year
“Able” ft. Marvin Winans; Jonathan McReynolds, Major Johnson Finley, Marvin Winans & Demetrius Terrell Wilson; MNRK
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Marvin L. Winans, Juan Winans & William Weatherspoon; My Block Inc.
“It’s Morning”; Latrice Pace; Latrice Pace
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Albertina Walker female artist of the year
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Maverick City Music; The Maverick Way Complete; Tribl Records
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
New artist of the year
Adam Blackstone; A Legacy Christmas; BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire
Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; The Change Experience; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Rudy Currence; Stained Glass Windows; Mike Chek / MNRK
Album of the year
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Choir of the year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach; CHASing the Next Chapter; Mellie’s Boy Muzic Group
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Producer of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr. (Michael McClure Jr.) & Jevon Hill; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett, Joseph Bethea, and assisted by Shante Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Contemporary duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
Housefires; How to Start a Housefire (Pt. III); Housefires Music
Pastor Dalton Hill & The Tabernacle Singers; Rejoice (Live from Boston); Beulah Tabernacle/Bean House Productions
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
Traditional duo/chorus group of the year
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Kevin Vasser & BLVRS; I Believe; KTV Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Ron Summers; God Can; Emanuel Media Group/Ron Summers Music
Contemporary male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Traditional male artist of the year
John P. Kee; Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Kelontae Gavin; Testify; RCA Inspiration
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Contemporary female artist of the year
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Latrice Pace; Exodus: The Journey of Obedience, Vol 2; Latrice Pace
Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.
Naomi Raine; Cover the Earth; Tribl Records
Traditional female artist of the year
Eartha Edwards; It All Belongs to God; Blockbuster Records/Javel Music
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lucinda Moore; Lord, I Hear You; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Contemporary album of the year
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
I Love You; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Traditional album of the year
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
No Failure; Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration
Urban single or performance of the year
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
“Trusting God”; James Fortune & Monica; FIYA World/MNRK
“Witness”; Dexter Walker and Zion Movement; Indieblue Music
Music video of the year
“All Things”; West Webb and Jalen Turner; Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.
“I Will Wait”; Avery Henley; Tyscot
“Look at God”; Damien Sandoval; RCA Inspiration
Traditional choir of the year
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; Destined for Greatness; HezHouse Entertainment
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Traditional artist of the year
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Special event album of the year
Destined for Greatness; Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; HezHouse Entertainment
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
Joy Is Here; JJ Hairston; JamesTown Music/MNRK
Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Various Artists; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Rap/hip hop gospel album of the year
Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment
His Glory Alone II; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
Pray for Atlanta; 1K Phew & Zaytoven; Reach Records
The Change Experience; Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Youth project of the year
AMG Kidz; The Kidz Interlude; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Nina Symmone; Just Smile; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Noah Alexander; Lots of Love; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music
Quartet of the year
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Paul Porter & The Christianaires; Miracle EP; Porterboy Music Group/Trin Records
The Williams Singers; Reel Quartet; Deznell Music Group/Anderson Music Group
Young Men 4 Christ; Our Testimony; Independent
Recorded music packaging of the year
Brand New; JP Designs Art; My Block Inc.
Choirmaster II; Nathan Blaine; Motown Gospel
JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music
Lord, I Hear You; BMO Designs & Blair Monique Walker; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Praise and worship album of the year
Believe Again Vol II; JJ Hairston; Tribl Records
Chapter X: See the Goodness; VaShawn Mitchell; V Man Entertainment/Tyscot/FairTrade
The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
The Maverick Way Complete; Maverick City Music; Tribl Records
Praise and worship song of the year
“Always”; Jovonta Patton; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
“Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media
“I Just Wanna Praise You”; Maurette Brown Clark; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
“It’s Working ft. Hezekiah Walker”; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
Rap/hip hop song of the year
“Amen Right There” (ft. Canton Jones & Everett Drake); Emcee N.I.C.E.; Gypsy City Music
“MIA” ft. 1K Phew; Jor’Dan Armstrong; Jor’Dan Armstrong Music
“Miracles” ft. Lecrae; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
“Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records
Top market of the year
WBGX 1570 AM, Chicago
WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland
WPRS Praise 104.1, Washington, DC
WPZE – MyPraise 102.5, Atlanta
Medium market of the year
KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport
KZTS 1380 AM, Little Rock
WEHA 88.7 & 100.3 FM, Atlantic City
WJYD JOY 107.1 FM, Columbus, OH
Small market of the year
WBZF-98.5 FM, Florence-Myrtle Beach
WWLD-HD2 98.3FM, Tallahassee
WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington
WXOK 1460 AM, Baton Rouge
Internet station of the year
GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen
Sound Gospel Radio, https://soundgospelradio.com/live/
Waycrosspraise/Power 89.1, https://www.waycrosspraise.org/
WVTC Gospel Radio Network, http://www.wvtcradio.com
Syndicated gospel radio show of the year
Early Morning Praise Party, Sherry Mackey & Dre Monie
Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin
The Nightly Spirit, Darlene “McCoy” Jackson
Willie Moore Jr Show, Willie Moore Jr & Dwight Stone
Gospel announcer of the year
Destiny Diggs, – WXHL 89.1 FM
Neiko Flowers, WPZE – MyPraise 102.5
Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1
Trey Nickelson, WBZF-98.5 F
CeCe Winans is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award at the 2023 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which will be presented at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 15.
Winans has won 15 Grammy Awards, just three shy of the number received by Franklin, who died in 2018. Though Franklin will forever be known as the Queen of Soul, she also made a lasting impression with her gospel recordings, including the 1972 classic Amazing Grace and the 1987 album One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Both of those live, double-disk recordings won Grammys for best soul gospel album.
Dr. Bobby Jones will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award. As previously announced, Rev. Dr. Milton Biggham will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Biggham is pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., and founder of several mass choirs – The Miami Mass Choir, The Mississippi Mass Choir, the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir and the Georgia Mass Choir.
The show will be hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs-Leonard for the second year in a row.
Performers set to appear on the show include Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Naomi Raine, Pastor Mike, Jr., Maranda Curtis, Tim Bowman, Jr. & Faith City Music, DOE, Dorothy Norwood and Zacardi Cortez. The emerging voices stage will showcase HLE and Lena Byrd Miles. Additional performers and presenters will be announced.
The Stellar Awards red carpet special pre-show will be televised on the newly launched Stellar TV Network on Sunday, July 30, at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards telecast at 6 p.m. ET. The Stellar Network can be found on Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios. Both shows will be available on-demand via Xumo Play at a later date. The ceremony will also air in national broadcast syndication from Aug. 7 through Sept. 10.
Tickets for the Stellar pre-show and main awards ceremony are now available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets range from $59 to $229.
In addition to the main awards ceremony, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards is introducing the Stellar+ Experience (Stellar+EXP), which will provide participants with a personalized experience, featuring concerts, discussions, master classes, and more. The Stellar+ Experience events will take place at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas from Wednesday, July 12, to Friday, July 14. Limited-edition passes are now available for purchase, ranging from $60 to $250, at www.eventbrite.com. For the full event schedule and more information, visit stellarplusexperience.com.
As previously reported, Pastor Mike, Jr. and Tye Tribbett are the leading nominees for the 2023 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with 10 and nine nods, respectively.
Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin received six nominations for their collaborative album Kingdom Book One. Cobbs-Leonard, Zacardi Cortez and DOE each received five nominations. Tamela Mann is nominated in four categories for her album Overcomer Deluxe.
The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as executive in charge of production and producer. Michael A. Johnson will produce and direct this year’s show.
For more information, visit www.stellarawards.com.
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