The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Winner’s List
Entertainment

The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Winner’s List

 

The highly anticipated 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” culminated in a spectacular celebration of talent, faith, and inspiration. Hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the 2023 Stellar Awards captivated audiences with powerhouse performances and heartfelt moments that brought the power of Gospel music to life. During a star-studded ceremony held at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena, the winners in nine categories were awarded statues, highlighting the remarkable achievements and contributions of Gospel music artists and industry professionals.

The show opened with an electrifying performance of “Miracles” and “Impossible” by Kierra Sheard Kelly and Pastor Mike Jr., the night’s biggest winner. Pastor Mike, Jr. earned eight awards for his work on the album “Winning,” released under Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. The project was named Album of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, while Pastor Mike, Jr. also took home the prestigious Song of the Year Presented by McDonald’s, Artist of the Year Presented by AT&T 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 awards.

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 (a P&G Brand), Traditional Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for his album “Imprint,” on Blacksmoke Music Worldwide.

The collaborative effort of Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin resulted in their joint album “Kingdom Book One” on Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration 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 for his project “All Things New,” released by Motown Gospel.

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 for his project T.D. Jakes Presents ‘Finally

Loosed’ on Dexterity Sounds; co-host Tasha Cobbs Leonard won Praise And Worship Album Of The Year for her work on “Hymns,” released by TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel; Lecrae’s work on “Church Clothes 4” with Reach Records earned him a trophy for Rap Hip Hop Gospel Album Of The Year.

Additional categories were awarded during the Stellar Awards Pre-Show festivities. Dottie Peoples received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award, and Dr. Teresa Hairston paid tribute to the late Keith “Wonderboy ” Johnson as she announced the winner for Quartet of the Year, which Johnson won posthumously for his project “Restructure, Renew Reunion” on Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. More artists and Gospel radio professionals who received Stellar Award statues this year were announced; a complete list of winners is available at below.

In addition to the award recipients, special honorees were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the Gospel music industry. CeCe Winans received the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award Presented by State Farm, recognizing her exceptional talent and enduring impact. Winans also gave a moving performance of her song “Goodness of God,” from her album “Believe For It.” Reverend Dr.

Milton Biggham was honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Verizon in recognition of his lifetime dedication to spreading the uplifting message of Gospel music. Additionally, Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones was presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions and influential career.

Show co-hosts McReynolds and Cobbs Leonard delivered huge performances that will uplift and inspire audiences worldwide, while Walmart’s Black and Unlimited platform provided viewers with an exclusive Reunion Tour preview performance featuring Franklin, Tribbett and Israel Houghton brought the house down! Viewers can also look forward to powerhouse 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. Performing on the AT&T Emerging Voices stage, Byrd Miles, Bishop S.Y. Younger, and Victory will delight viewers with their rich vocals and undeniable 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, 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.

The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrates the rich diversity and unwavering spirit of Gospel music, showcasing its profound impact on audiences worldwide. The winners and honorees exemplify the power of faith, talent, and dedication within the Gospel music community. This year’s ceremony will touch the hearts of viewers across the nation when it premieres on the newly launched Stellar Network on Sunday, July 30 at 6 p.m. ET (available on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and

Xumo Play), followed by a broadcast on BET on Sunday, August 6 at 8 p.m. ET and on Bounce TV on

Sunday, September 3 at 1 p.m. ET. The show will also be broadcast nationally from August 7, 2023, to September 10, 2023, through TV syndication. The Stellar Awards Blue Carpet Special hosted by Jekalyn Carr and will be televised on Stellar Network on July 30 at 5 p.m. ET. Viewers may check with their local provider for availability.

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 serves as Producer and Director.

For more information about the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, please visit www.stellarawards.com. Stay connected and follow the Stellar Gospel Music Awards on social media: @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, and Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook.

 

Category #1 – ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

Category #2 – SONG OF THE YEAR

Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr., James Fortune & JeVon Hill; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

Category #3 – MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #4 – ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #5 – DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #6 – NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.

CATEGORY #7 – ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #8 – CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Brent Jones; Nothing Else Matters (INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, PRAISE HIM); JDI Entertainment

CATEGORY #9 – PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Tye Tribbett & Joseph Bethea; All Things New; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #10 – CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #11 – TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #12 – CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #13 – TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Zacardi Cortez; Imprint; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #14 – CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #15 – TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #16 – CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #17 – TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Imprint; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #18 – URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

When I Pray; Doe; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration

CATEGORY #19 – MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR 

Mr. McClure; Michael McClure, Andre Rudolph & Antonio Minifield; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #20 – TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #21 – CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #22  – INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Category Omitted

CATEGORY #23  – SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR

T.D. Jakes Presents “Finally Loosed”; Various Artists; Dexterity Sounds

CATEGORY #24 – RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Church Clothes 4; Lecrae; Reach Records

CATEGORY #25 – YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Detroit Youth Choir; Rockspell; Confidential Records

CATEGORY #26 – QUARTET OF THE YEAR

Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson; Restructure, Renew Reunion; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #27 – RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR

All Things New; Mike McKesey & Trent Nicholson; Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #28 – PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Hymns; Tasha Cobbs Leonard; TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel

CATEGORY #29 – PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR

You’ve Been Good To Me; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

CATEGORY #30 – RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR

Blak Sheep; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

SPECIAL HONOREES

JAMES CLEVELAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Rev. Milton Biggham

ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD

CeCe Winans

THOMAS A. DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones

AMBASSADOR DR. BOBBY JONES LEGEND AWARD

Dottie Peoples

About the Stellar Gospel Music Awards

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is the first and only Gospel Music Awards show in the country, honoring Gospel Music artists, writers, and industry professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry. The Stellar Awards ranks high in status as the only Gospel Music television awards program syndicated in over 140 markets nationwide. For more information, please visit www.thestellarawards.com.

About Central City Productions, Inc.

Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer and syndicator of its exclusively owned African-American programming. Celebrating over 50 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), Black History Honors, America’s Black Forum (www.americasblackforum.com), Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringking.com), and Mentoring Queens (www.mentoringqueen.com), among many others. For more information, visit www.stellartv.com.

About Stellar TV Network

For over 50 years in television programming targeted to Black audiences, Central City Productions has become the most recognized and respected company in the Faith-based community. Going forward, we are excited about the continued success we will enjoy in launching our Stellar Network. The Stellar Network fills the void for a Family-Friendly, entertainment, lifestyle network targeting Black audiences. Stellar Network is the first in uplifting content with positive, inspirational, and entertainment programming. Stellar’s Goal is to be the most preferred network to Black audiences nationwide.

About BET Media Group

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARAA; PARA; PARAP), is the world’s largest media company dedicated to entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Black audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is a thriving media ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international.

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RCA INSPIRATION CELEBRATES FIVE WINS AND POWERFUL PERFORMANCES AT THE 38TH ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS
Entertainment

RCA INSPIRATION CELEBRATES FIVE WINS AND POWERFUL PERFORMANCES AT THE 38TH ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS

RCA Inspiration celebrated an incredible weekend with five wins and powerful performances at the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which was taped in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday, July 15th. The crowd and incredible talent celebrated the indelible impact, love and inspiration that live Gospel music delivers, the Gospel icons and the range of amazing new music released over the past year, with awards garnered for the hit projects Clarity by DOE (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration), and Kingdom Book One by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA). DOE, Kirk Franklin, and Kierra Sheard-Kelly (Karew Entertainment/RCA Inspiration) also took the stage for live performances, with the weekend also featuring appearances from Koryn Hawthorne and Melvin Crispell, III

Chart-topper DOE won three Stellar Awards for her acclaimed debut album Clarity, released in 2022 in partnership between Jonathan McReynolds’ Life Room Label and RCA Inspiration. Winning 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 “When I Pray”), DOE also performed in the show’s live musical tribute honoring CeCe Winans. 

The award-winning live album collaboration by chart-toppers Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin won two Stellar Awards. Released in 2022, the group’s live album Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration) continued its winning streak, garnering wins for Duo/Chorus Group of the Year Presented by P&G, and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. The album has previously won multiple awards this year with three GRAMMYs ? and an NAACP Image Award. Kirk Franklin hit the stage electrifying the crowd with a closing performance joined in a medley by Israel Houghton and Tye Tribbett in a preview of The Reunion Tour, their upcoming star-studded nationwide tour that kicks off in the fall.     

In a weekend of soulful celebration, chart-toppers Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Koryn Hawthorne and Melvin Crispell, III also made appearances. Sheard-Kelly kicked off the Stellar Awards with a powerhouse opening performance together with Pastor Mike Jr., featuring the songs “Miracles” and “Impossible.” Hawthorne appeared as a presenter on the Stellar Awards, and Crispell delivered a live performance on the Stellar Awards Pre-Show, which were held on Friday, July 14th, and announced many of the early winners in multiple Stellar Awards categories. 

Ron Hill, SVP of A&R at RCA Inspiration says: “We are so thankful to the Stellar Awards for another amazing show, and congratulations to production and all the talent there this year! It is a blessing to celebrate the work of DOE’s solo album and Kirk Franklin’s collaboration with Maverick City on Kingdom Book One on their awards, and taking part in the show with the performances that DOE, Kirk, and Kierra gave, as well as Melvin’s on the pre-show. Creating special moments together with their fellow artists, we are proud to continue honoring God’s moving power in our lives, in showcasing and lifting up the brilliance of the Gospel.”

The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Sunday, July 30th at 6 pm ET (available on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Xumo Play), and also air on BET on Sunday, August 6th at 8 pm ET, as well as Bounce TV on Sunday, September 3rd at 1 pm ET. The show will also air in national syndication from August 7th to September 10th, 2023, check local listings.  

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Pastor Mike Jr. Wins 8 Stellar Gospel Music Awards
Entertainment

Pastor Mike Jr. Wins 8 Stellar Gospel Music Awards

Pastor Mike Jr., dubbed the “new king of Urban Inspiration,” swept the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, winning 8 categories, including “Artist of the Year” for a third time in a row. The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air Sunday, August 6 at 8/7C on BET.

The show opened with an electrifying performance of the brand-new Billboard Gospel #1 single, “Miracles” and #1 hit “Impossible” by Kierra Sheard Kelly and Pastor Mike Jr., the night’s biggest winner. Pastor Mike, Jr. earned eight awards for his work on the album Winning, The EP was named Album of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, while Pastor Mike, Jr. also took home the prestigious Song of the Year Presented by McDonald’s, Artist of the Year Presented by AT&T 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 awards.

Dubbed “The New King of Urban Inspiration,” Pastor Mike Jr.’s current album, IMPOSSIBLE, features 15 stand-out tracks of encouragement with Pastor Mike’s signature sound, trap music cadences, and lyrical mastery. IMPOSSIBLE boasts standout collaborations with Tamela Mann, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, James Fortune, Adia, 1K Phew, Tvinci and Angela McClure. The album IMPOSSIBLE has reached over 30M streams worldwide; the EP, WINNING, has reached over 15M streams worldwide.

Pastor Mike Jr. has scored four consecutive number-one singles (“Impossible,” “B!G,” “I Got It,” and “Amazing”) on Billboard’s National Gospel Airplay chart. His breakout single “B!G” was recognized as Billboard’s #1 Gospel Airplay Song of 2020. He serves as the Senior Pastor of Rock City Church in Birmingham, AL.

Follow Pastor Mike Jr. on social media using the handle @PastorMikeJr.

The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air Sunday, August 6 at 8/7C on BET.

A complete list of Pastor Mike Jr.’s 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards wins:

Category #1 – ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Category #2 – SONG OF THE YEAR

Category #3 – MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

CATEGORY #7 – ALBUM OF THE YEAR

CATEGORY #12 – CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

CATEGORY #16 – CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR

CATEGORY #19 – MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

CATEGORY #30 – RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR

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