Vashawn Mitchell 'Triumphs' at 2012 Stellars

buzzz worthy. . .

Vashawn Mitchell tops the list of winners at the 2012 Stellar Awards
By Mona Austin

BIG WINS

Leading the list of winners, EMI Gospel recording artist Vashawn Mitchell took home six out of eleven Stellar Awards nominations for his work on the album "Triumphant"  at the 27th Annual Stellar Awards.  With the mass success of the single  "Nobody Greater,"  the singer's triumph as both Artist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the year was predictable.  "I've been coming to the Stellar Awards a long time and I'm glad I waited my turn,"  he said.

Over this last year Mitchell gaiend acting crdits in the made for television stage play Suga Momma (Gospel Music CHannel) and Mitchell is preparing to record a livet album in his hometown, Chicago this Sping.

"I'm not going to try to recreate 'Nobody Greater' because you can't do what God has adone, but I am going to try to start to build on the sound he's created and that's everyone singng the same sound."

When asked if he has designs on moving into mainstream he responded, "It's not a part of my vision to branch out more into the mainstream, but I am venturing into film and TV just to speak  to another crowd and audience I would never reach. And right now I am open to it, but not changing the sound that God has given me, keeping true to what he has said and that is praise and worhip and the gospel, the death and ressurrection of Jesus Christ.

PERFORMANCE HIGHTLIGHTS

The Stellar Awards are unique in that it celebrtes those who sing, produce and even announce it not only for teh love of gospel music, but also for the lvoe of God.  Pastor Eddie Giles, recipient of the Stellar Award for Small Market Gospel Announcer of the Year, beleives that's precisely how it should be.  Here's a recap of his "stellar moment."

As award show season kicked off in Hollywood, a Shreveport pastor was doing a victory dance at an award show in "Music City," Nashville.  Dr. W. Elbert ‘Eddie’ Giles , a  39-year boradcasting veteran, danced and shouted across the stage when his name was announced as winner of the Stellar Award for Small Market Radio Announcer of the Year, for 980 AM - KOKA, The Light.    The Stellar Awards is gospel music's highest honor, the equivalent to the Grammy.  Giles was genuinely overjoyed despite the fact that his luggage did not make it to Nashville, forcing him to accept the honor in casual attire.
He admitted during the acceptance speech,  "I don't  look the way I wanted to look, but I'm looking the way that God wanted me to look."    His elation was contagious; people began to rejoice with him (some down th aisles) as he explained, wearing a casual brown sweater and matching slacks.
Giles said he was also thrilled because he'd been nominated for four consecutive years and finally won the pinnacle distinction.  Giles received the award among his peers and a capacity crowd in a pre-ceremony that took place before the 27th Annual Stellar Awards, which was recorded live at the Grand Ole Opry House. That evening Rev. Giles, who also serves as the Program Director at  KOKA radio in Sshreveport, attended the taping of the show, appropriately dressed in a tux, while proudly embracing the golden flame trophy he earned. 
Since 1993 Rev. Giles has been the pastor of Salem Baptist Chuch. A pillar in the community, his populritof radio listeners through y increasd with the "Bold Witness" segment  as church goers call in and share testimonies and the written gospel live on air.
The 27th Annual Stellar Awards, hosted by Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole,  will air in
Shreveport, on MyNetworkTV,  January 25, 2012 at 8PM.


VASHAWN MITCHELL TOPS WINNERS LIST AT 27th ANNUAL STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

Rising Gospel Superstar Vashawn Mitchell Earns Six Awards, Including Artist of the Year;
Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, Kim Burrell, The Rance Allen Group and Smokie Norful Also Score Multiple Wins

Two-Hour Special from Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House Airs in Syndication from January 21 to February 26
in over 130 Markets; Primetime Premiere on GMC February 11

NASHVILLE, TN (January 16, 2011) - Rising Gospel music superstar Vashawn Mitchell topped the list of winners during the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards announced Saturday night during the show's taping at Nashville's iconic Grand Ole Opry House Theater. Mitchell took home six awards, including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year for his 2011 album, "Triumphant."

"I am grateful to stand here," a gracious Mitchell said, also acknowledging other artists in the category, his family, label and social media fans.  "I've been coming to the Stellar Awards a long time and I'm glad I waited my turn."

Hosted by the legendary Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp, ten awards were presented over the course of the two-hour Stellar Awards show, with 28 additional awards announced during pre-show ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. Winners were selected by online voters.

From the start, the evening was catapulted to a heart-pumping level of praise as Kirk Franklin took the stage. In a production-packed opening number, Franklin performed a combination of his latest hits, including "Smile," which was awarded Song of the Year during the show. Franklin also took home three additional honors, including CD of the Year, Producer of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year.  Franklin dedicated his awards to his team, pulling them up on stage to share the moment during his acceptance for CD of the Year and later stunned the crowd when he shared his award for Song of the Year with fellow nominee Darius Polk who penned Vashawn Mitchell's "Nobody Greater."

"Because God has been so kind to me.....He's given me more than I deserve or could ever earn," said Franklin.  "I want to be a good Christian and I know to do that, I have to encourage others. That song "Nobody Greater" has ministered to me so deeply.  If you don't mind, I would be honored to share this award with [Darius Polk] because that song is incredible."

Other top winners of the evening included Mary Mary, Kim Burrell, Smokie Norful and The Rance Allen Group who were honored with two trophies each. The New Artist of the Year award was presented to Y'anna Crawley who graciously thanked God for the opportunity to perform and use her gifts for his glory, as well as the fans for listening to her music.
 
With Kirk Franklin and Ricky Dillard as bookends and Landria Johnson, Da Truth
The show was filled with stirring performances, including a collaborative medley of "Sweeter" by Kim Burrell; Jessica Reedy brought the audience to their feet with a rendition of "Put It on the Altar;"  Le'Andria Johnson masterfully sang "Jesus;" and Martha Munizzi delighted the crowd with the spirited praise song, "Excellent."  Other big performers included William McDowell, whose rendition of "I Give Myself Away" transformed the Grand Old Opry House into a spirit-filled sanctuary, with the visibly moved crowd joined together in worship.  A high-energy Hip Hop collaboration by Canton Jones, LeCrae and Da'T.R.U.T.H. culminated in a soulful rendition of "Awesome God."  Fred Hammond, Earnest Pugh, Richard Smallwood & Vision, James Fortune & Fiya, Ricky Dillard & New G  all delivered powerhouse performances to the delight of the full-to-capacity crowd.




he winners are:
And t
  • AT&T Artist of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell- Triumphant
  • Song of the Year: Kirk Frankllin,  Smile – Hello Fear
  • Male Vocalist of Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Triumphant
  • Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year: Kim Burrell – The Love Album
  • Group/Duo of the Year: Mary Mary – Something Big
  • New Artist of the Year: Y’Anna Crawley, The Promise
  • CD of the year: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
  • Choir of the Year: Ricky Dillard & New G - Keep Living
  • Producers of the Year: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
  • Comtemporary Group/Duo of the Year: Mary Mary – Something Big
  • Traditional Group/Duo of the Year: The Rance Allen Group – The Live Experience
  • Contemportary Male of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Triumphant
  • Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year: Smokie Norful – How I got Over Songs that Carried Us
  • Contemporary Female Vocalists of the Year: Kim Burrell – The Love Album
  • Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year: Beverly Crawford – Live from Los Angeles
  • Contemporary CD of the Year: Kirk Frankly – Hello Fear
  • Traditional CD of the Year: Smokie Norful – How I got Over Songs that Carried Us
  • Urban/Inspirational single or performance of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Noboby Greater
  • Music Video of the Year, Short Format: Vashawn Mitchell - Noboby Greater
  • Music Video of the Year, Long Format: Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon: Part one
  • Traditional Choir of the Year: Mississippi Mass Choir
  • Contemporary Choir of the Year: Shekinah Glory Ministy
  • Thomas A Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award Honoree: Vy Higginsen
  • Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Awards Honoree: Dorothy Norwood
  • James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: John P. Kee

Mona Austin snags a shot with Music World recording
artist Brian Courtney Wilson

Coming soon


Andrea Russell, Major Market Radio Announcer of the Year


KJLH-FM Los Angeles

GOSPEL RADIO OF THE YEAR

MAJOR MARKET (3 M AND ABOVE)
-                KJLH - 102.3 FM, LOS ANGELES, CA

LARGE MARKET (1 M - 3 M)
-                WHAL-95.7 FM/1460 AM, MEMPHIS, TN

MEDIUM MARKET (500,000 - 1 M)
-                WLOU - 1350 AM, LOUISVILLE, KY

SMALL MARKET (UNDER 500,000)
-                KOKA - 980 AM, SHREVEPORT, LA

INTERNET RADIO STATION
-                GOSPELSYNERGY.COM/SYNERGY1RADIO.COM, CHICAGO, IL

GOSPEL ANNOUNCER
-                JOHN HANNAH, WGRB - 1390 AM, CHICAGO, IL

 Saturday, February 11th, 2011 at 8 p.m. EST on GMC
The show will air in national syndication from January 21, 2012 to February 26, 2012. Below are just a few air-dates & times in some of the major markets. For a complete list of air-dates, visit the Stellar Awards website (www.thestellarawards.com).
Washington, DC (CW) – February 12, 2012, 1PM
NFebruary 12, 2012, 1PM
Charlotte, NC (ABC) – February 26, 2012, 2PM
Cleveland-Akron, OH (ABC) – February 5, 2012, 1PM
St. Louis, MO (MyNetworkTV) – February 19, 2012, 5PM
Orlando-Dayton Beach, FL (WRDQ-TV) – February 5, 2012, 3PM
Birmingham, AL (ABC) – February 12, 2012, 12PM
San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA (KOFY-TV) – February 25, 2012, 3PM
Richmond-Petersburg, VA (FOX) – February 12, 2012, 3PM
Jackson, MS (ABC) – January 29, 2012, 12PM
Greensboro-Winston Salem, NC (FOX) – February 12, 2012, 1PM
Nashville, TN (MyNetworkTV) – February 5, 2012, 7PM
Indianapolis, IN (WHMB-TV) – January 26, 2012, 8PM & February 23, 2012, 8PM
Columbus, OH (W23BZ-TV) – January 21, 2012, 8PM
Shreveport, LA (MyNetworkTV) – January 25, 2012, 8PM
Milwaukee, WI (MyNetworkTV) – January 29, 2012, 3PM
Savannah, GA (FOX) – January 29, 2012, 1PM
Pittsburgh, PA (MyNetworkTV) – February 12, 2012, 3PM
Charleston, SC (ABC) –  January 21, 2012, 2PM
Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo, MI – January 29, 2012, 12:30PM
Tyler-Longview, TX (ABC) – February 5, 2012, 12:30PM
HOSTED BY: Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole
SPECIAL APPEARANCES: Dr. Bobby Jones, Cece Winans, Tina Campbell (Mary Mary), Shirley Caesar and Kim Fields

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