2018 Stellar Awards to feature Snoop Dogg, Kirk Franklin and a Mary Mary reunion on March 24 in Vegas, plus top nominees listed

MARY MARY REUNION AND SNOOP DOGG STELLAR AWARDS DEBUT HIGHLIGHT AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT AT THIS YEAR'S 33RD ANNUAL STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS, WITH AN ALL-STAR LINE-UP OF PERFORMANCES BY TASHA COBBS LEONARD, TRAVIS GREENE, ANTHONY BROWN & group therAPy, TYE TRIBBETT, KIERRA SHEARD, RICKY DILLARD & NEW G AND MORE RENOWNED ANNUAL SALUTE TO GOSPEL MUSIC SET TO TAPE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 AT THE LAS VEGAS ORLEANS ARENA PREMIERING ON TV ONE GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 30 AT 9 P.M. ET/8C From left to right: Snoop Dogg (Performer), Erica Campbell (Performer), Tina Campbell (Performer) and Kirk Franklin (Host) Click here for downloadable pictures (CHICAGO) - Feb. 28, 2018 - Central City Productions announces a dazzling line-up of performers for the 2018 Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, including the reunion of contemporary gospel music's favorite sister act, Mary Mary (Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell), and the Stellar Award's debut of rapper, actor, and television personality Snoop Dogg, performing songs from his new gospel album "Songs of Love" at this year's show. Celebrated as a "transcendent night of gospel music," the 33rd Annual Stellar Awards promises to surpass its 'stellar' reputation, featuring performances by the genre's hottest acts. Performers scheduled to appear include: Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Travis Greene, Tye Tribbett, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Kierra Sheard, KeKe Wyatt, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Todd Dulaney, Koryn Hawthorne and Ricky Dillard & New G, among others. Returning to Las Vegas' Orleans Arena on Saturday, March 24, 2018 the Stellar Awards welcomes the return of the undisputed crown prince of contemporary gospel music, Kirk Franklin, as host. The Stellar Awards telecast will premiere on TV One on Friday, March 30 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and air in broadcast syndication on 130 stations in more than 110 markets around the country March 31 - May 6, 2018. Franklin is happy to be back in the role of host of the annual celebration. "Since my first step onto the Stellar Awards stage as a 23-year-old kid from Texas, I've lived, breathed and committed all I've had to this incredible genre called gospel," he stated. "To find myself now still blessed to serve the community I love so dearly as their host of the 2018 Stellar Awards, that young kid feels alive again and more grateful than ever. We're working hard to bring to the world the best and the brightest along with the icons and legends, the greatest night of God's music at a time when the country needs our melody the most. Thank you and I'll see you in Vegas."   This year's spectacular show open will feature Stellar Awards alum Erica Campbell reuniting with her sister Tina Campbell as the hit gospel duo Mary Mary for the first time in more than six years. The show will include an all-star tribute to the late, great Edwin Hawkins, with his sister Lynette Hawkins accepting the Edwin Hawkins Icon Award in his honor. Also expected to deliver stand out moments are the multi-platinum award-winning Snoop Dogg performing material from his new gospel album and collaborating with Tye Tribbett. "Each year we strive to bring new and innovative performances and collaborations to the Stellar Awards and this year is no different, with the inclusion of mainstream hip-hop rapper and mogul, Snoop Dogg." stated Stellar Awards Founder, Don Jackson. "Snoop expressed his desire to release a gospel album in honor of his mom who is an evangelist and he's teamed up with Gospel superstar Tye Tribbett, there's no way we couldn't bring this explosive performance to the Stellar Awards stage." 2018 Stellar Award's multi-nominee and previous host, Anthony Brown, returns this year to perform and looks forward to sharing something special with the fans. "The Stellar Awards has always been such a blessing to gospel music creators and gospel music lovers worldwide. It provides for us a platform and opportunity to share our message and our gifts with the world," shared Brown. "I am so excited to take the stage again at this year's Stellar Awards. It's always so humbling and exciting. group therAPy and I are working on something special this year. I can't wait for you to see it." Don Jackson will bestow special honors upon gospel greats who have made significant contributions to the genre. The incomparable Tamela Mann is this year's recipient of the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and the legendary Rev. Milton Biggham will receive The Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award. Stellar Honors Hall of Fame Inductees includes Kurt Carr, Ben Tankard, and Dr. Marabeth Gentry - President of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. The Stellar Awards show taping is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50 - $200 at www.ticketmaster.com. The Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show is scheduled for Friday, March 23 hosted by Lexi Allen and Lonnie Hunter. Among the artists performing at the Orleans Showroom that evening: Next Generation Choir, Judah Band, Tasha Page Lockhart, Isaiah D. Thomas, Ruth La'Ontra, Bryan Popin and Jason Nelson. The Stellar Gospel Radio Awards & Showcase will be held earlier on Saturday, March 24, honoring the top radio stations and announcers who most notably serve urban gospel music audiences. This show is also full of spirit-stirring performances by newcomers  Isabel Davis, Gene Moore and Kelontae Gavin; seasoned sensations Donishisa Ballard and Jason Champion; and quartet group The Virginia Aires. The event is hosted by VaShawn Mitchell and Meta Washington and is the perfect kickoff to the big show the same day. Tickets for each event can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. More of the biggest names in gospel and a few additional surprises are being added to the growing list of top performers and presenters appearing in this year's show. For more information visit us at www.thestellarawards.com. Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates about the greatest night in gospel!

SUMMARY OF 2018 STELLAR AWARDS TOP NOMINEES Anthony Brown & group therAPy - 10 Nominations Tasha Cobbs Leonard - 9 Nominations J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise - 9 Nominations Travis Greene - 9 Nominations Deitrick Haddon - 5 Nominations Ricky Dillard - 5 Nominations Marvin Sapp - 4 Nominations The Williams Brothers - 3 Nominations CeCe Winans - 3 Nominations The Rance Allen Group - 3 Nominations Bishop Paul S. Morton - 3 Nominations Tina Campbell - 3 Nominations Le'Andria Johnson - 2 Nominations

FULL LIST OF 33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• -  Anthony Brown & group therAPy, A Long Way from Sunday, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, You Deserve It, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Heart. Passion. Pursuit, Motown Gospel
• -  Travis Greene, Crossover Live in Music City, RCA Inspiration
  
  SONG OF THE YEAR

• -  Anthony Brown, Trust in You - A Long Way from Sunday, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  David Bloom, Cortez Vaughn, Phontane Demond Reed & JJ Hairston, You Deserve It (JJ Hairston & Youthful
  Praise), JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  Derrick Starks & J.D. Sheard II, Hang On (Feat: Kierra Sheard) - Bishop J. Drew Sheard Presents: GEI LIVE,
  Karew Records
• -  Travis Greene, You Waited - Crossover Live in Music City, RCA Inspiration
  
  MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• -  Anthony Brown, A Long Way from Sunday, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  JJ Hairston, You Deserve It, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  Marvin Sapp, Close, Verity/RCA Inspiration
• -  Travis Greene, Crossover Live in Music City, RCA Inspiration
  
  ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• -  CeCe Winans, Let Them Fall in Love, Pure Springs Gospel
• -  Le'Andria Johnson, Bigger Than Me, RCA Inspiration
• -  Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Heart. Passion. Pursuit, Motown Gospel
• -  Tina Campbell, It's Still Personal, Gee Tree Creative/Malaco
  
  DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

• -  Anthony Brown & group therAPy, A Long Way from Sunday, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Entertainment One
• -  James Fortune & FIYA, Dear Future Me, Fiya World Music/Entertainment One
• -  The Williams Brothers, Timeless, Blackberry Records
  
  NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

• -  Dr. F. James Clark Presents the NextGeneration Choir, Sure. Focused. Centered, City of Peace Music
• -  Gene Moore, The Future, Motown Gospel
• -  Isabel Davis, The Call, Uncle G Records
• -  Koryn Hawthorne, Koryn Hawthorne EP, RCA Inspiration

2017 - 2018
33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees

CD OF THE YEAR

• -  A Long Way from Sunday, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  You Deserve It, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  Heart. Passion. Pursuit, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Motown Gospel
• -  Crossover Live in Music City, Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration
   CHOIR OF THE YEAR

• -  JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, You Deserve It, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  Ricky Dillard & New G, 10, Entertainment One
• -  The Miami Mass Choir, The Miami Mass Choir Live: At The Adrienne Arsht Center, MaJo Records
• -  Vincent Bohanan & The Sound of Victory Fellowship Choir, We Win, Independent
  PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

• -  Anthony Brown, Justin Savage, Dana T. Sorey, Warryn Campbell & Darryl Woodson, A Long Way from Sunday (Anthony Brown & group therAPy), Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  Deitrick Haddon, Marcus Hodge & Gina Miller, Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Entertainment One
• -  Kenneth Leonard & Natasha Leonard, Heart. Passion. Pursuit (Tasha Cobbs Leonard), Motown Gospel
• -  Travis Greene, Crossover Live in Music City,RCA Inspiration
  
  CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

• -  Anthony Brown & group therAPy, A Long Way from Sunday, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Entertainment One
• -  James Fortune & FIYA, Dear Future Me, Fiya World Music/Entertainment One
• -  The Showers, The Journey, A & P Records
  
  TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR

• -  Gods Posse, The Kind of God We Serve, Independent
• -  The Rance Allen Group, Live from San Francisco, Tyscot Records
• -  The Williams Brothers, Timeless, Blackberry Records
• -  The Williams Singers, In Real Time, Blackberry Records
  
  CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• -  Anthony Brown, A Long Way from Sunday, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  Deitrick Haddon, Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Entertainment One
• -  JJ Hairston, You Deserve It, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  Travis Greene, Crossover Live in Music City, RCA Inspiration

2017 - 2018
33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees

TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• -  Bishop Paul S. Morton, Legacy Live In New Orleans, Tehillah Music Group/Entertainment One
• -  Marvin Sapp, Close, Verity/RCA Inspiration
• -  Rance Allen, Live from San Francisco, Tyscot Records
• -  Ricky Dillard, 10, Entertainment One
  
  CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• -  Isabel Davis, The Call, Uncle G Records
• -  Koryn Hawthorne, Koryn Hawthorne EP, RCA Inspiration
• -  Lucinda Moore, Walking In My Favor, Nalah Music Group
• -  Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Heart. Passion. Pursuit, Motown Gospel
  
  TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• -  Anita Wilson, Sunday Song, Reflection Media, Inc/Entertainment One
• -  CeCe Winans, Let them Fall in Love, Pure Springs Gospel
• -  Le'Andria Johnson, Bigger Than Me, RCA Inspiration
• -  Tina Campbell, It's Still Personal, Gee Tree Creative/Malaco
  
  CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR

• -  A Long Way from Sunday, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Deitrick Haddon & Hill City Worship Camp, Entertainment One
• -  Heart. Passion. Pursuit, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Motown Gospel
• -  Crossover Live in Music City, Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration
  
  TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR

• -  I Got Out, Bryan Popin, Little Boy Wonder Music/Flaydo Music
• -  Let Them Fall in Love, CeCe Winans, Pure Springs Gospel
• -  Close, Marvin Sapp, Verity/RCA Inspiration
• -  10, Ricky Dillard & New G, Entertainment One
  
  URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

• -  Trust in You, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Key of A/FairTrade/Tyscot Records
• -  You Deserve It, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  I'm Getting Ready, Tasha Cobbs Leonard ft. Nicki Minaj, Motown Gospel
• -  You Waited, Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration

2017 - 2018
33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

• -  Byron Purnell, You - The Dolly Express (Jermaine Dolly), By Any Means Necessary
• -  Derek Blanks, We Livin - It's Still Personal (Tina Campbell), Gee Tree Creative/Malaco
• -  Terrance Crowley, I've Seen Him Work - Sunday Song (Anita Wilson), Reflection Media, Inc/Entertainment One
• -  Terrance Crowley and Ted Winn; Grateful - Stand In Awe (Ted Winn), Shanachie Entertainment Corp.
  
  TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR

• -  Bishop Paul S. Morton, Legacy Live in New Orleans, Tehillah Music Group/Entertainment One
• -  Charles Butler & Trinity, The Blood Experience, Entertainment One
• -  Ricky Dillard & New G, 10, Entertainment One
• -  Vincent Bohanan & The Sound of Victory Fellowship Choir, We Win, Independent
  
  CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR

• -  Dr. F. James Clark Presents the NextGeneration Choir, Sure. Focused. Centered, City of Peace Music
• -  GEI, Bishop J. Drew Sheard Presents: GEI LIVE, Karew Records
• -  JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, You Deserve It, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
• -  The Miami Mass Choir, The Miami Mass Choir Live: At The Adrienne Arsh
  INSTRUMENTAL CD OF THE YEAR

• -  Ben Tankard, CanTANKerous, BEN-Jamin' Universal Music
• -  Daniel Weatherspoon, The Langley Park Project, Longlife Ent. Inc.
• -  Kirk Whalum, #LoveCovers, Top Drawer Records
• -  Tim Bowman, Into the Blue, I.M. Records
  
  SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR

• -  A Kenny Lattimore Christmas, Kenny Lattimore, Motown Gospel
• -  Greenleaf Soundtrack Season 2, Various Artists, RCA Inspiration
• -  Legacy Live in New Orleans, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Tehillah Music Group/Entertainment One
• -  Live from San Francisco, The Rance Allen Group, Tyscot Records
  
  RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR

• -  Crowns & Crosses, Bizzle, God Over Money LLC
• -  Greatness, Canton Jones, Radar Live/Cajo Records
• -  Reflection, Derek Minor, Reflection Music Group /Entertainment One
• -  The Waiting Room, Trip Lee, Reach Records

2017 - 2018
33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees

YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR

• -  God's Little Soldiers International Boys Choir, Through the Years, DIR/Motor City Praise
• -  Kelontae Gavin, Higher, Marquis Boone/Tyscot Records
• -  Pure N Heart, Change the World, Music2ChangeU
• -  The Children Speak, Gibbs Ave, HOLY-wood Records
   QUARTET OF THE YEAR

• -  Men of Gods Heart, Men of Gods Heart, Men of Gods Heart, LLC
• -  The Group Fire, Join the Praise Party, Jet Records North / East
• -  The Williams Brothers, Timeless, Blackberry Records
• -  The Williams Singers, In Real Time, Blackberry Records
  
  RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR

• -  Derek Blanks, Dear Future Me (James Fortune & FIYA), Fiya World Music/Entertainment One
• -  Derek Blanks, 10 (Ricky Dillard & New G), Entertainment One
• -  Derek Blanks, Heart. Passion. Pursuit (Tasha Cobbs Leonard), Motown Gospel
• -  Tim Parker, Close (Marvin Sapp), Verity/RCA Inspiration
  
  PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR

• -  Crossover Live in Music City, Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration
• -  Heart. Passion. Pursuit, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Motown Gospel
• -  Sounds of Revival II: Deeper, William McDowell, Delivery Room Music/Entertainment One
• -  You Deserve It, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, JamesTown Music/Entertainment One
  GOSPEL RADIO OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
  
  MAJOR MARKET OF THE YEAR

• -  KHVN Heaven 97, 970AM, Dallas, Carmina Barnett
• -  WGRB-AM 1390AM (Inspiration 1390), Chicago, Sonya Blakey
• -  WIGO - AM 1570, Atlanta, Larry Young
• -  WPRS-FM, PRAISE 104.1, Washington, DC, Ron Thompson
  LARGE MARKET OF THE YEAR

• -  WBBP 1480, Memphis, Tracy Morgan
• -  WDEM Radio 98.5FM, Memphis, Towanna Murphy
• -  WJXY 103.5FM/937FM, Myrtle Beach, Reggie Dyson
• -  WOKB 1680AM, Orlando/Central Florida, Shanti Persaud

2017 - 2018
33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees

MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR

• -  WFMI 100.9, Virginia Beach, Mike Chandler
• -  WNNL 103.9FM - The Light, Raleigh-Durham, Jerry Smith
• -  WREJ, Richmond, Randy Johnson
• -  WYLD -AM 940, New Orleans, Dr. Loretta Petit
  SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR

• -  KSYB 1300AM, Shreveport, Rhonda Phillips- Sanders
• -  WEHA - Gospel 88.7 &100.3 FM, Atlantic City, William & Elaine Hawkes
• -  WHBT 98.3 FM/1410 AM, Tallahassee, Darius Baker
• 
  
• -  WIMG 1300 AM, Trenton, Vennie Stansbury
• 
  
• INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR

• -  Gospel Central Radio, www.thegospelcentral.com, Michael Stewart
• -  SOAR Radio, www.soarradio.com, Justin Francis
• -  uGospel Radio, uGospel.com, Khalif M. Townes
• -  Yes Lord Radio, www.yeslordradio.com, Rodrick Warren & Howard Young
  GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR

• -  Liz Black, 1190AM WLIB, New York City, NY
• -  Sonya Blakey, WGRB – Inspiration 1390, Chicago, IL
• -  Randi Myles, WPZR-FM PRAISE 102.7, Detroit, MI
• -  Jerry Smith, WNNL Radio 103.9 The Light, Raleigh, NC