STELLAR AWARD WINNERS 2016
SPOILER ALERT! If you’re planning to wait for the 31st Annual Stellar Awards telecast, scheduled for Sunday, March 6th on TV-One, to see who won, then don’t read this!
The results are in from this year’s Stellar Awards ceremony held this past weekend (Feb. 20th) in Las Vegas. And by the way, guess who showed up! Hillary Clinton was there, proclaiming herself a “woman of faith.” Think this has anything to do with her running for President? Don’t be so cynical! Of course not – she’s there every year, right?
Before we get to the winners, here’s a little background info: The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, now 30 years old, is the first and foremost Gospel event honoring African American artists. It was founded in 1970 by Don Jackson of Chicago-based Central City Productions. The first telecast, executive produced by Jackson and produced by Barbara Wilson, was taped (remember tape?) 30 years ago at Chicago’s Arie Crown Theatre. This year’s ceremony, actually designated the 2015 awards, honors projects released between October 1st, 2014 and September 30th, 2015.
The ceremony, hosted by Comedian and TV and Radio personality Rickey Smiley and Comedian / actress Sherri Shepherd, took place at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas after a whirlwind series of activities that started Thursday, Feb. 18th, including The Pre-Awards All-White Party Showcase, Midnight Gospel Bowling, Friday’s Stellar Awards Pre-Show and finally the Morning Glory Breakfast Reception at The Mirage Hotel & Casino the morning before the actual award ceremony. It might be fun to watch the awards just to see who looks worn out after all that partying!
By now, I’m sure you want to know WHO WON?!?! Okay, here’s the list of this year’s Stellar Gospel Award winners:
Artist of the Year – Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
Praise & Worship CD of Year – Tasha Cobbs “One Place Live”
New Artist of the Year – Casey J
Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year – Tasha Cobbs
Male Vocalist of the Year – Anthony Brown
Choir of the Year – Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
CD of the Year – Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
Producer of the Year – Anthony Brown & Justin Savage
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year – Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
Tradition Group/Duo of the Year – The Rance Allen Group
Contemporary Male Vocalist – Anthony Brown
Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award – Willie Joe Ligon
James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award – O’landa Draper
Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year – Charles Jenkins
Stellar Honorees
Yolanda Adams, Tramaine Hawkins, Marvin Sapp, Johnathan Slocumb
Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year – Tasha Cobbs
Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year – Tina Campbell
Contemporary CD of the Year – Anthony Brown & Group Therapy “Everyday Jesus”
Traditional CD of the Year – Tina Campbell – “It’s Personal”
Urban Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year – Kirk Franklin “Wanna Be Happy”
Music Video of the Year – Charles Jenkins & The Spin Singers
Traditional Choir of Year – Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
Contemporary Choir of the Year – JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise
Don’t let this stop you from watching! I hear it’s an awesome show with incredible performances! I’ll be watching, too!
Jerry Wells
WPPZ – Praise 103.9 Philadelphia
Source: Mike Morgan Photography