By Mona Austin
(TSN): BeBe and Cece Winans reunited to host the Stellar awards in a diverse 40th Anniversary celebration that aired on Sunday. Artists perforned various styles of gospel that reflected how much the music that originated in fields and churches has evolved over four decades. The message seemed clear -- that gospel music in multiple forms -- from generation to generation -- is here to stay. in an hkur-long broadcast the Stellar Awards demonstrated how far gospel music has come.
The contemporary gospel duo kicked off the show with a performance of their hit "Addictive Love" as the sold out audience rose to their feet. Dressed in pure white they were towers on stage, drawing respect for their stature in the industry. Their presence was important for a key reason. The award show aired as the relevance of the gospel music genre stands in question. Contrarians say gospel music has lost its appeal and some outright claim it is dead.
In many ways Bebe and Cece symbolize the evolution of gospel. They came from a staunch Christian background where only gospel was played in their hme. But the Detroit natives were familiar with Detroit's Motown sound and fused it into their music. “Addictive Love” was released in 1991 as the lead single from BeBe and CeCes' Grammy-winning album Different Lifestyles, which debuted on June 24, 1991. Their voices and their brothers the Winans who proceeded them, gave Black gospel music cross over appeal and defined contemporary gospel music.
With two people who are now solo artists touring the world separately after over 40 years standing as living proof -- argument over.
To punctuate the relevance of gospel music, "Amen" singer and top winner Pastor Mike McClure capped the event with a performance that defended gospel.music against its critics. He received a resounding "No" when pointing the mic toward tye audience in responsw to the question, "Is gospel music dead?"
#StellarAwards2025