RCA Inspiration celebrated four wins and a night of powerful performances as the 36th Annual Stellar Awards returned big with a live show taped in Nashville, TN on July 10th. Hailed as the greatest night in Gospel music, this year’s Stellar Awards brought together a luminous, joyful evening of inspiration, with four wins announced for hit releases from Kierra Sheard-Kelly and Donnie McClurkin. The Stellar Awards weekend also featured appearances from Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin, Mali Music, and DOE.
Kierra Sheard-Kelly took the stage for two performances, as well as garnering multiple honors for her hit album KIERRA (Karew Entertainment/RCA Inspiration). KIERRA won Contemporary Album of the Year, while the hit song “Something Has to Break (Live) ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard” won Song of the Year and Music Video of the Year (Dir: James Hairston IV). In addition to her solo performance of “Something Has to Break,” Kierra joined her mother and aunts, who make up the legendary group The Clark Sisters, in their stunning performance of their classic hits, and celebrated their family’s special night at the Stellars, who honored The Clark Sisters with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Donnie McClurkin won Traditional Male Artist of the Year for his hit album A DIFFERENT SONG (CamDon Music/RCA Inspiration), and appeared as a presenter. Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) was also a presenter, and Hezekiah Walker performed on the show. Mali Music joined Jonathan McReynolds in performing their hit duet “Movin’ On” (RCA Inspiration/eOne). Mali also joined DOE in hosting the Stellar Awards Chairman’s Nominee Reception and Pre-Show Awards on July 9th.
Phil Thornton, RCA Inspiration SVP and General Manager says: “Congratulations to Kierra and Donnie on their Stellar Award wins, and what an amazing time it was to come together, celebrate live music and honor the incredible impact of Gospel and the messages of hope, faith, and God’s love that all the artists continue to shine a light on. Thank you to the Stellar Awards for a great show!”
Catch the 36th Annual Stellar Awards airing Sunday, August 1st, 2021 on BET at 8 pm EST, with an encore presentation at 10 pm EST. Viewers will also be able to watch the show in national broadcast syndication August 1st through September 5th.
