The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which is also called the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” was an amazing celebration of talent, faith, and inspiration. With Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard as hosts, the awards show really made Gospel music come alive.
Held at the renowned Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, the star-studded ceremony showcased the unveiling of the winners in significant categories, honoring the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Gospel music artists and industry professionals. Undoubtedly, it was an evening that will be etched in memory. Furthermore, it would be remiss to overlook the fact that Dottie Peoples was bestowed with the esteemed Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award.
The show started with a really awesome performance by Kierra Sheard Kelly and Pastor Mike Jr. They were amazing singing their songs “Miracles” and “Impossible”. And you know what? Pastor Mike Jr. was the big winner of the night! He won eight awards for his amazing work on the album “Winning” with Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. His album was named Album of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.
He also won Song of the Year Presented by McDonald’s, Artist of the Year Presented by Dream In Black, Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year.
DOE, who entered the industry with her family as a member of the group Forever Jones, praised her way to solo success earning three trophies, including the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Presented by Walmart, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for her album “Clarity,” released under Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration. Zacardi Cortez also brought home three statues, earning awards for Traditional Male Artist of the Year Presented by Bevel, Traditional Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for his album “Imprint,” released under Blacksmoke Music Worldwide.
The collaborative effort of Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin resulted in their joint album “Kingdom Book One” winning in two categories, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year Presented by P&G and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. Tye Tribbett also brought home two awards, including Producer Of The Year Presented by AFLAC and Recorded Music Packaging Of The Year.
Lena Byrd Miles earned the New Artist of the Year award for her My Block Records project “Brand New,” Bishop T.D. Jakes won Special Event Album Of The Year, Tasha Cobbs Leonard won for Praise And Worship Album Of The Year, Lecrae was a winner for Rap Hip Hop Gospel Album Of The Year, and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson was honored with Quartet Of The Year. A complete list of winners is available at www.stellarawards.com.
Besides the award recipients, there were special individuals honored for their valuable contributions to the Gospel music industry. CeCe Winans received the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award from State Farm, recognizing her exceptional talent and lasting impact. Winans also performed her heartfelt song “Goodness of God” from her album “Believe For It.” Reverend Dr. Milton Biggham was honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award from Verizon, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to spreading the uplifting message of Gospel music. Additionally, Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions and influential career in the music industry.
McReynolds and Cobbs Leonard, the hosts, gave amazing performances that will uplift and inspire people worldwide. There was also a special preview performance by Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton, and Tye Tribbett for the Reunion Tour.
You can also look forward to powerful performances by Charles Jenkins, DOE, Dottie Peoples, Isaac Carree, Jevon Dewand and The TrapStarz, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Naomi Raine, Natalie Grant, Maranda Curtis, Tim Bowman Jr. & Faith City Music, Zacardi Cortez, and Zak Williams & 1 Akord. On the AT&T Emerging Voices stage, Byrd Miles, Bishop S.Y. Younger, and Victory will impress the audience with their beautiful voices and captivating stage presence.
Presenters for the evening include Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Brian Courtney Wilson, Erica Campbell, Isabel Davis, James Fortune, Koryn Hawthorne, Jason Clayborn, NOTKARLTONBANKS, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Travis Greene.
AT&T Dream in Black proudly serves as the presenting sponsor for the 38th Annual Stellar Awards. Additionally, esteemed companies such as Aflac, GM, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Spotify, State Farm, Verizon, and Walmart joined as supporters of this year’s program.
This year’s event will move the emotions of people all over the country when it first airs on the newly launched Stellar Network on Sunday, July 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET (available on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Xumo Play). Afterwards, it will also be shown on BET on Sunday, August 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET and on Bounce on September 3 at 1:00 p.m. ET. From August 7, 2023, to September 10, 2023, the show will be broadcasted nationwide through TV syndication. To find out if it is available in your area, please contact your local provider.
