26th Annual Stelar Awards Performers & Presenters Announced; Plus Gifting Lounge participants announced
Newly-Added Performers Include Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Deitrick Haddon,
Nevel Sisters, JJ Hairston and Forever Jones
Award Presenters Andrae Crouch, Dorinda Clark Cole, Hezekiah Walker, Loretta Devine, Omari Hardwick, Shirley Caesar and Vickie Winans also Announced
Hosted by Donnie McClurkin, the 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Tapes Before a Live Audience January 15, 2011 and Airs in Syndication Beginning January 22, 2011
NASHVILLE, TN (January 10, 2011) -The 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards have announced inspirational all-star list of performers, including seven-category nominee Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Deitrick Haddon, Nevel Sisters, JJ Hairston, VaShawn Mitchell, Joshua's Troop and New Artist of the Year nominee Forever Jones. In addition, the Stellar presenters will include Andrae Crouch, Dorinda Clark Cole, Hezekiah Walker, Loretta Devine, Omari Hardwick, Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans, J. Moss, Dr. Bobby Jones, Jessica Reedy, DeWayne Woods, Lisa Page Brooks, Wess Morgan, Yvette Nicole Brown and Myron Butler, among others.
The winners of the Verizon "How Sweet the Sound" campaign, Voices of Destiny choir of Los Angeles, CA will perform a tribute to special honoree Donald Lawrence, the All Star Choir will lift their voices to salute honoree Kirk Franklin and a quartet featuring The Soul Seekers, The Williams Brothers and The Rance Allen Group will perform a medley of inspirational favorites.
Hosted by gospel legend Donnie McClurkin, the 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be taped before a live audience on Saturday, January 15, 2011 in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry House. The show is scheduled to air in syndication from January 22, 2011 to March 13, 2011 and broadcast on Saturday, March 5 at 8 p.m. EST on the Gospel Music Channel (GMC).
With nominations revealed in twenty-seven categories, Gospel music powerhouse James Fortune & Fiya led this year's nominees, earning an impressive eight nods. In addition, James Fortune also received two solo nominations. Veteran superstars BeBe & CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp also drew seven nominations each. In addition, Bebe and Cece Winans received three solo nominations. Recognizing their historical contributions to the gospel industry, Kirk Franklin will be recognized with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award; Vanessa Bell Armstrong will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award; and Donald Lawrence will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gospel choirs looking to hone their skills can participate in the first-ever Verizon's How Sweet the Sound Choir Boot Camp led by Donald Lawrence. Other Stellar Awards weekend-related activities include a screening of Sony Picture's new inspirational film by Bishop TD Jakes, "Jumping The Broom"; a reception honoring Gospel radio announcers and hosts; and more ancillary events designed to honor Gospel music insiders.
Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. (CCP) has produced The Stellar Gospel Music Awards for 25 years. The first show was taped at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago and The Stellar Awards has since evolved into a premier Gospel event recognizing and honoring African American artists. An original awards show, it has propelled and showcased top Gospel artists and countless television and film stars.
American Airlines is the official airline carrier of the 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The telecast is open to the public and tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/). Ticket prices range from $35 - $200. For additional details, visit the Stellar Awards website (http://www.thestellarawards.com/).
In addition to the splendor of the main event nominees, presenters and performers and select SAGMA members will be gifted in the form of pampering and grooming services and gifts.
Gift suite guests will get glam with eco-chic brand Lamik Beauty. Lamik brings out natural beautty without harsh ingredients. Ken Brown, author and success coach will be on hand to meet and greet guest and present a sign copies of his books limited edition book, "Life Through the Arches." Compliments of Suzanne Art Couture, the A-listers will be able to order custom designed hats. The work of this English designer has been featured on Fashion Week run ways in the United States and England. Karma Soul leather work will also offer a fitting gift to artists--hand crafted Bible covers. Additionally, guests will be able to continue to pamper themselves at home with body products from Carol's Daughter. The media and invited guests with questions about the celebrity gifting are may call Jireh Communications Group at 703-986-34694.
