Entertainment

36th Stellar Awards Winners

(CHICAGO, IL) July 15, 2021 — The Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrated its 36th year honoring excellence in gospel music, featuring soul-stirring performances that will awe audiences who love sounds of inspiration. Hosted by gospel chart-toppers Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribbett, this year’s ceremony showcased an eclectic mix of gospel legends and industry standard-bearers along with the unstoppable force of young, contemporary artists who are spreading the good news in new ways. The annual celebration underscored the power of artists who boldly proclaim a Christ-centered identity, represent the unique sounds of their region, and display the rich diversity filling gospel music with a healing and uplifting energy that reaches the masses. 

A new generation of gospel artists showed up and showed out during the celebration as a testament to the genre’s staying power. Among them, Pastor Mike Jr., nominated for multiple Stellar Awards this year, performed “Big,” and host Jekalyn Carr belted her songs, “Change Your Story” and “Jehovah Jireh.” Maverick City Music treated audiences to the harmonious sound of “Jireh,” and various emerging artists such as JokiaTerrian, and Nia Allen were spotlighted as up-and-coming gospel talent. 

Big winners at the 36th Stellar Gospel Music Awards include Pastor Mike Jr., who was named Artist of the Year and won Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. Kierra Sheard was feted during the ceremony with Song of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, and Maverick City Music won both New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Other multiple Stellar Awards winners include Jonathan McReynolds, who was named Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and as part of a group that won Producer of the Year; and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose wins included Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year.  

Select categories and winners are featured on Instagram @TheStellars. Social media lit up during the event, generating more than two million impressions with posts featuring performances, winners, and other notable moments. The audience and performers were pleased to return to an in-person ceremony after the Stellar Awards went virtual last year due to pandemic lockdowns. COVID-19 safety protocols were enacted as part of the in-person event.   

Among many highlights from “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” Yolanda AdamsTamela Mann, and Avery*Sunshine joined together to deliver a powerful tribute to Lady Tramaine Hawkins, who was honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Toyota. The trio performed a medley including widely-known Hawkins’ songs such as “Holy One,” “Changed,” and “Going Up Yonder.” The Clark Sisters, who received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by AT&T, also performed rousing renditions of “Is My Living In Vain,” “Blessed & Highly Favored,” “You Brought The Sunshine,” and “His Love.” The legendary group received three nominations for this year’s Stellar Awards. 

Kierra Sheard gave a spirited offering of “Something Has To Break,” and Sheléa and Christina Bell sang The Clark Sisters’ classic hit “You Brought The Sunshine.” Leading nominee Jonathan McReynolds lifted his voice to the sounds of “Grace” and “Movin’ On,” joined by Mali Music, and CeCe Winans burst into song with “Never Lost” and “Believe For It.”  

Viewers worldwide can expect to witness these dynamic performances and find out who won across all categories when the Stellar Awards airs Sunday, August 1, on BET, BET Her, and BET Gospel at 8 p.m. ET / PT. The show will also air August 2 on BET International. The ceremony, held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, July 10, will also be carried in various markets for national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 5.  

The Stellar Awards not only recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, but also honors gospel music icons and those who have been instrumental in advocating for the gospel industry. Top nominees for this year’s ceremony include former Stellar Awards host Jonathan McReynolds, who received eight nominations this year. Anthony Brown & group therAPyKierra SheardMaverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr. each received seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist of the Year. Other celebrated artists receiving multiple Stellar nominations include Tasha Cobbs LeonardThe Clark SistersRev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir, theChicago Mass Choir, and host Jekalyn Carr

AT&T is proud to be this year’s presenting sponsor. With support from additional sponsors, including State Farm (Song of the Year presenter), Toyota, P&G (Traditional Female Vocalist presenter), and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the 2021 Stellar Gospel Music Awards is set to be the gospel event of 2021.For additional updates, follow The Stellar Awards on social media and check our website.  

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: WWW.STELLARAWARDS.COM AND BET.COM

About the Stellar Awards 

The 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 award show. The Stellar Awards recognizes the year’s best performances in the gospel music genre, honors gospel music icons, and acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals instrumental in advocating for the gospel music industry. 

About Central City Productions (CCP) 

Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a distributor of original targeted programming to television and cable networks. CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, The Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), and Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringkings.com), among many others. 

About BET  

BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African American audience. The primary BET channel is in 125 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET+, the preeminent streaming service for the Black audience; BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe. 

FOLLOW THE STELLAR AWARDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES AND MORE @TheStellars 

36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners

Category #1

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

– Pastor Mike Jr.; Big: Freedom Sessions; Black Smoke Music Worldwide

Category #2

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

Category #3

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

– Jonathan McReynolds; People; eOne Music

CATEGORY #4

ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

– Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Royalty: Live at The Ryman; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #5

DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

– The Clark Sisters, The Return, Karew Entertainment/Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #6

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

– Maverick City Music; Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1; Tribl Records

CATEGORY #7 ALBUM OF THE YEAR

– Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1; Maverick City Music; Tribl Records

CATEGORY #8 CHOIR OF THE YEAR

– JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back; JamesTown Music / eOne Music

CATEGORY #9 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

– Jonathan McReynolds, Darryl “LiLMaN” Howell & Rogest “Rosco” Carstarphen, Jr.; People; eOne Music

CATEGORY #10

CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

– Anthony Brown & group therAPy; 2econd Wind: Ready; Key of A / Tyscot / Fair Trade

CATEGORY #11

TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

– The Clark Sisters; Gospel According to PJ; Morton Inspiration/Tyscot

CATEGORY #12

CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

– Jonathan McReynolds; People; eOne Music

CATEGORY #13

TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

– Donnie McClurkin; A Different Song; Camdon Music / RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #14

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

– Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Royalty: Live at The Ryman; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #15

TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

– Jekalyn Carr; Changing Your Story; Lunjeal Music Group

CATEGORY #16

CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR

– Kierra; Kierra Sheard; Karew / RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #17

TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

– Changing Your Story; JeKalyn Carr; Lunjeal Music Group

CATEGORY #18

URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

– I Got It; Pastor Mike Jr.; Black Smoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #19

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

– Something Has to Break (Live); James Hairston IV; Karew / RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #20

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR

– Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #21

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR

– JJ Hairston; Not Holding Back; JamesTown Music / eOne Music

CATEGORY #22

INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

– My Tribute; Myron Butler; Major Mynor Productions / Sherman James Productions

CATEGORY #23

SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR

– The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack; Various Artists; Releve Entertainment

CATEGORY #24

RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

– Big: Freedom Sessions; Pastor Mike Jr.; Black Smoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #25

YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR

– Anthony White & Detroit Youth Choir; Glory; DYC Entertainment

CATEGORY #26 QUARTET OF THE YEAR

– Young Men 4 Christ; Elevation; B.R.A.T.T. Music Studio

CATEGORY #27

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR

– Royalty: Live at The Ryman; Justin Foster & Drew Kellum; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #28

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

GOSPEL RADIO OF THE YEAR WINNERS

MAJOR MARKET OF THE YEAR

– WOKB 1680 AM, Orlando

LARGE MARKET OF THE YEAR

– WHAL-FM 95.7 Hallelujah FM, Memphis

SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR

– WIMG1300, Trenton

INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR

– uGospel Radio, uGospel.com

GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR

– Dr. Sctonda Kelly Gordon, WNRR Gospel 1380 & 93.3 FM, Augusta, SC

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