buzzz worthy. . .
Sherri Shepherd and Rickey Smiley return to host; Anthony
Brown Leads with Ten Nominations; Charles Jenkins and Erica Campbell
Score Eight; Tasha Cobbs Earns Six; Richard Smallwood, Israel & New
Breed, Tina Campbell, Dorinda Clark Cole and Jonathan McReynolds also
land multiple nominations
CHICAGO, IL - Central City Productions today announced that comedian, syndicated radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley (Dish Nation, Rickey Smiley For Real) and actress and TV personality Sherri Shepherd (Ride Along 2, The View) will return as co-hosts of the 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards,
having hosted together in 2014. Hailed as the "biggest night in gospel
music," this year's Stellar Awards will be held at the Las Vegas
Orleans Arena on Saturday, February 20, 2016.
The telecast will premiere on TV One during the week of March 6, as
well as in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets
around the country from March 12 - April 10.
The 2016 Stellar Awards nominees in 28 categories were revealed today with gospel heavyweight Anthony Brown,
a contender for both Male Vocalist of the Year and Producer of the
Year, topping the list with ten nominations. The prolific songwriter and
his bandmates Group therAPy are also nominated for
Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, CD of the
Year, Choir of the Year, Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year,
Contemporary CD of the Year, and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.
Also returning to the show with a slate of nominations this year, chart-topping act Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
receives eight nods, the second highest number overall. Jenkins is
nominated for Producer of the Year and Traditional Male Vocalist of the
Year, and his critically acclaimed group is competing for Song of the
Year, CD of the Year, Choir of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year,
Music Video of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year.
With eight and six nominations respectively, Erica Campbell and Tasha Cobbs
demonstrate the powerful impact of women in gospel music, recognized
for Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year,
Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary CD of the
Year. Campbell also receives a nod for Urban/Inspirational Single or
Performance of the Year while Cobb garners one for Praise and Worship CD
of the Year.
Richard Smallwood, nominated for Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, and his group Vision
are in contention for Traditional Choir of the Year, Special Event CD
of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year. Other artists earning
multiple nominations include Israel & New Breed, Jonathan McReynolds, Tina Campbell, The Rance Allen Group, newcomer Casey J and living legend Dorinda Clark Cole.
"I
am pleased that God has blessed us with celebrating 31 years as the
most respected awards brand in gospel music and in the faith-based
community," says Don Jackson,
founder and executive producer of the Stellar Awards. "We will honor
those who have contributed to the growth and success of gospel music as a
genre, as well as demonstrate why this art form remains critical to the
legacy of American music."
In
addition to celebrating the year's best album releases, awards will be
presented for the best gospel radio stations for urban audiences
nationwide. Terrestrial and online radio programs that broadcast gospel
music will be highlighted, along with the top Gospel Announcer of the
Year. Nominees for Announcer of the Year are Carmina Barnett from
KHVN/Dallas, Tracy Bethea Bodie from WHAL/Memphis, Lee Michaels from
WCAO/Baltimore, and Billy St. James from KPZK/Little Rock.
The Stellar Awards Founder Don Jackson will bestow special honors upon superstar Yolanda Adams and Faith-based comedian Jonathan Slocumb, while O'landa Draper will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ambassador Bobby Jones Legends Award will be presented to Joe Ligon.
A
signature of the Stellar Awards are the rousing, spirit-filled
performances and this year is no exception -- confirmed performers
include Kirk Franklin, Anthony Brown & Group therAPy, Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago, Tasha Cobbs, Travis Greene and Best New Artist nominee Casey J. Additional performers and presenters will also be announced.
The Stellar Awards show taping is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50 - $200 at www.orleansarena.com. Hotel and Ticket packages are also available through the Orleans Arena.
The
Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show is scheduled for Friday, February
19 to showcase non-televised awards winners. Also, the Stellar Gospel
Radio Awards & Showcase will be held on Saturday, February 20,
honoring top radio stations and announcers serving urban gospel music
audiences. Tickets for each event are $35.
Summary of 2016 Stellar Awards Top Nominees:
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy -- 10 Total Nominations
Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago -- 8 Total Nominations
Erica Campbell -- 8 Total Nominations
Tasha Cobbs -- 6 Total Nominations
Richard Smallwood -- 5 Total Nominations
Israel & New Breed -- 4 Total Nominations
Jonathan McReynolds -- 4 Total Nominations
Casey J -- 3 Total Nominations
Tina Campbell -- 3 Total Nominations
Dorinda Clark Cole -- 3 Nominations
The Rance Allen Group -- 3 Nominations
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF NOMINEES, VISIT