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.
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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
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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.
