::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . The 2015 Stellar Gospel Music Awards had to go big for its 30th anniversary and it does not get any bigger that this: Stellar nominee Michelle Williams opened the show with  Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, reuniting once again as Destiny's Child.  Their voices sweetly harmonized on the worship song "Alpha and Omega" before breaking into Williams' African-inspired "Say Yes."  The trio  last sang together on the big stage together during their Superbowl reunion. Throughout social media circles spectators are calling this mainstream act the highlight of the gospel program, which was taped at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas Saturday night.   Their reunion on the show has raised more questions about a Destiny's Child Reunion Tour.  So far there far no one from their camp has confirmed a tour is in the works. Hosted by Ricky Smiley and David and Tamela Mann, the 30th Annual Stellar Awards will air on Easter Sunday on TV One.  Check yo...

buzzz worthy. . . Third Single from Chart-topping album I See Victory, Impacting Radio Now NASHVILLE, TN (March 26, 2015) – The acclaimed sound of award-winning artist JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise continues to inspire listeners everywhere with the launch of their new single “You Are Worthy.”  Impacting gospel radio now and also available on iTunes as a 3-track maxi single, “You Are Worthy” has been another fan favorite from their #1 gospel album I See Victory.  “I am excited to be releasing ‘You Are Worthy’ as the next radio single; it is my favorite worship song on the album and I have loved hearing from so many fans who’ve responded to it! I am truly thankful for their ongoing support,” says JJ Hairston. Choir master JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise deliver their hallmark contemporary choir sound with an eloquent declaration of praise and worship.  “You Are Worthy” marks their third radio single from I See Victory, which features the singles “It P...

buzzz worthy. . . Earlier this year there was murmuring about changes to the location and timing of the the 2014 Stellar Awards.  Official word from the Stellar Awards Headquarters office, Central City Productions, confirms the 29th Annual Stellars will still take place in the month of January in Nashville, but the show is headed to a new venue. The first and only national award show recognizing top gospel talent, the Stellars will be held on Saturday, January 18 at the Municipal Auditorium instead of at the Grand Ole Opry House as it has been for the past several years. The Radio Station Awards will  precede the main event on the same day at 11:00 a.m. at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).  The pre-show, where non-televised awards are announced, will also take place at TPAC a day ahead of the Stellars on January 7 at 6:00 p.m. Keeping the show lively,  The View co-host Sherry Shepherd and syndicated radio host Rickey Smiley--both comedians-- will tea...

After celebrating its 25th Anniversary in January 2010, The Stellar Gospel Music Awards will kick off its newest Gospel Music venture this spring with The Stellar Awards Gospel Music Festival in Celebration of Mother’s Day to take place in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by the City of Orlando and the Orlando Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Stellar Gospel Music Festival has set its sights on becoming Gospel Music’s premiere festival and Mother’s Day event, setting itself apart from other events with star-studded talent, informative seminars and a Stellar Awards Expo attracting vendors from around the Globe. The event will take place Mother’s Day weekend, Friday, May 7, through Sunday, May 9, 2010 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Spa and will feature 3 days of music from today’s top Gospel music stars, a Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch and Runway Fashion Show. Also look for updates in the next few weeks on the Daily Empowerment Seminars and Stellar Awards Expo. A host of activities are ...

Jackson thanks supporters before recording 25th Annual Stellar Awards on January 16; says it will be 'our best show ever' amid criticism from the gospel industry stemming from questions about the nomination process By Mona Austin On January 16, 2010, Central City Productions (CCP) will celebrate 25 years of producing The Stellar Awards, the first and only show that recognizes the contributions of African American gospel artists. But, the path to the company's silver anniversary year has been lined with controversy. Following the announcement of the 2010 nominees in October various bloggers and members of the gospel industry on social networking sites criticized the company and the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA)-- the voting body for the Stellars-- for alleged inconsistencies in the nominations process. Ultimately, the integrity and reputation of the award show was in question. Nearly a month later, on November 24 Don Jackson, Founder and Executive Produce...