STELLAR AWARD WINNERS
The annual Stellar Awards represents the most coveted prize in Gospel Music, and the 36th anniversary kicked off over the weekend. The “Greatest Night in Gospel Music” was held in Nashville, Tennessee, at the elegant Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Tye Tribbett and Carr did an outstanding job hosting the event and also rocked their performances.
Pastor Mike Jr. was named artist of the year and won rap gospel album of the year off the strength of his album Big: Freedom Sessions. He also won urban/inspirational single or performance of the year for “I Got It” as well.
According to Billboard, The sisters racked up four awards throughout the night. They won duo/chorus/group of the year for The Return, traditional duo/chorus group of the year for Gospel According to P.J. and special event album of the year for The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack. Lastly, they took home one non-competitive award: the James Cleveland lifetime achievement award.
Notable performances came from Tamela Mann, Jonathan McReynolds, Yolanda Adams, JJ Hairston, Kierra Sheard, Pastor Mike, Jr., Maverick City Music, Avery Sunshine, Hezekiah Walker, CeCe Winans, the Clark Sisters, Jason Clayborn, our hosts Jekalyn Carr and more!
Check out the full list of this year’s winners below.
Artist of the year: Pastor Mike Jr.; Big: Freedom Sessions; Black Smoke Music Worldwide
Song of the year: “Something Has to Break” (Live) ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Kierra Valencia Sheard, J. Drew Sheard II, Jonathan Smith & Mia Fields; Karew / RCA Inspiration
Male vocalist of the year: Jonathan McReynolds; People; eOne Music
Albertina Walker female vocalist of the year: Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Royalty: Live at the Ryman; Motown Gospel
Duo/chorus group of the year: The Clark Sisters, The Return, Karew Entertainment/Motown Gospel
New artist of the year: Maverick City Music; Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1; Tribl Records
Album of the year: Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1; Maverick City Music; Tribl Records
Choir of the year: JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back; JamesTown Music / eOne Music
Producer of the year: Jonathan McReynolds, Darryl “LiLMaN” Howell & Rogest “Rosco” Carstarphen, Jr.; People; eOne Music
Contemporary duo/chorus group of the year: Anthony Brown & group therAPy; 2econd Wind: Ready; Key of A / Tyscot / Fair Trade
Traditional duo/chorus group of the year: The Clark Sisters; Gospel According to PJ; Morton Inspiration/Tyscot
Contemporary male vocalist of the year: Jonathan McReynolds; People; eOne Music
Traditional male vocalist of the year: Donnie McClurkin; A Different Song; Camdon Music / RCA Inspiration
Contemporary female vocalist of the year: Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Royalty: Live at the Ryman; Motown Gospel
Traditional female vocalist of the year: Jekalyn Carr; Changing Your Story; Lunjeal Music Group
Contemporary album of the year: Kierra; Kierra Sheard; Karew / RCA Inspiration
Traditional album of the year: Changing Your Story; JeKalyn Carr; Lunjeal Music Group
Urban/inspirational single or performance of the year: I Got It; Pastor Mike Jr.; Black Smoke Music Worldwide
Music video of the year: Something Has to Break (Live); James Hairston IV; Karew / RCA Inspiration
Traditional choir of the year: Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster; Motown Gospel
Contemporary choir of the year: JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back; JamesTown Music / eOne Music
Instrumental album of the year: My Tribute; Myron Butler; Major Mynor Productions / Sherman James Productions
Special event album of the year: The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack; Various Artists; Releve Entertainment
Rap hip hop gospel album of the year: Big: Freedom Sessions; Pastor Mike Jr.; Black Smoke Music Worldwide
Youth project of the year: Anthony White & Detroit Youth Choir; Glory; DYC Entertainment
Quartet of the year: Young Men 4 Christ; Elevation; B.R.A.T.T. Music Studio
Recorded music packaging of the year: Royalty: Live at the Ryman; Justin Foster & Drew Kellum; Motown Gospel
Praise and worship album of the year: Royalty: Live at the Ryman; Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Motown Gospel
James Cleveland lifetime achievement award: The Clark Sisters
Aretha Franklin icon award: Tramaine Hawkins
Thomas A. Dorsey most notable achievement award: Bishop Dr. Leonard Scott
Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones legends award: Pastor Shirley Caesar
Stellar honors hall of fame: Kerry Douglas; Dr. Teresa Hairston; Skip Barrett
