The Stellar Gospel Music Awards will return for its 41st annual celebration on Saturday, Aug. 15, bringing some of gospel music’s most celebrated artists and rising voices to the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Charlotte native John P. Kee is celebrated for his influential role in establishing the Queen City as a significant home for gospel music. (Courtesy photo)
“As we celebrate the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, we are reminded that gospel music continues to be one of the most powerful forces for inspiration, healing, and hope in our communities,” said Don Jackson, founder of the annual awards ceremony and chairman of Central City Productions, Inc., in a statement.
This year’s celebration, themed “Feels Like Home,” will be hosted by Grammy-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin and will spotlight the music, faith and culture that continue to shape gospel music.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award at the Stellar Awards in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug. 15. (Courtesy photo)
“It is truly an honor to return as host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards,” said Franklin in a statement. “Every year, this stage reminds us of the incredible power of faith, community, and music to impact lives around the world. I’m excited to join the gospel music family in Charlotte as we celebrate another historic year of excellence, innovation, and ministry through song.”
Among this year’s Artist of the Year nominees are Darrel Walls for “Heart of Mine,” Jekalyn Carr for “Jekalyn X The Legends,” Kim Person for “Reflections,” Tasha Cobbs Leonard for “TASHA” and Tye Tribbett for “Only On The Road (Live).”
Other major nominees include John P. Kee, Jonathan McReynolds and Tye Tribbett for Male Artist of the Year, while Carr, Person, Lisa Knowles Smith, Maranda Curtis, Adia and Cobbs Leonard are among those competing for the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year honor.
Gospel artist John P. Kee (right) celebrates the Stellar Awards, coming to Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug. 15, with Don Jackson, CEO of the event, and his wife Dr. Teresa Hairston Jackson. (Courtesy of John P. Kee via Instagram)
The DMV is also represented among this year’s nominees. Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University and the Morgan State University Choir are nominated for HBCU Choir of the Year, alongside choirs from North Carolina A&T State University, Southern University and Fort Valley State University. Washington-area station WPRS Praise 92.7/95.9 is also nominated for Top Market of the Year.
The celebration will feature performances and appearances from prominent names throughout gospel music while honoring the artists, choirs, producers and industry professionals behind the genre.
“For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have honored the artists, songwriters, musicians, and visionaries whose faith-filled contributions have shaped culture and touched lives around the world,” Jackson continued. “As we begin this new chapter, we proudly celebrate the enduring legacy of gospel music while embracing the next generation of voices who will carry its message forward for years to come.”
Source: Washington Informer
