The first and oldest televised awards show honoring gospel music artists, The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, is heading to Orleans Arena on Saturday, March 28 with additional events held on Friday, March 27.
The annual
Stellar Awards recognizes the accomplishments of gospel music icons and individuals instrumental in advocating for gospel music. This year's show will be co-hosted by gospel singer Tamela Mann, comedian
Rickey Smiley and comedian David Mann.
WEtv personality Erica Campbell,
Ricky Dillard and New G share the top spot as the most-nominated artists with ten nominations each. In her first solo project effort, Mary Mary's Campbell earns ten nominations for "Help," including "Artist of the Year," "Song of the Year," "Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year," "CD of the Year," "Contemporary Female vocalist of the Year," "Contemporary CD of the Year" and "Urban /Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year."
Ricky
Dillard and New G's "Amazing" also received ten nominations, including "Artist of the Year," "Song of the Year," "Male Vocalist of the Year," "CD of the Year" and "Producer of the Year."
Another artist to receive multiple nominations is The Walls Group, with eight nominations. Gospel music luminary
Kirk Franklin goes head-to-head against himself in the "Producer of the Year" category for the projects of both his protégés, Tasha Page-Lockhart and The Walls Group. Gospel chart-topper and reality television star and producer Deitrick Haddon earned seven nominations for his project Deitrick Haddon's LXW, including "Male Vocalist of the Year," "Choir of the Year," "Contemporary CD of the Year," and "Urban /Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year." Other artists earning multiple nominations include Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir,
Smokie Norful and Michelle Williams.
Hailed as "gospel music's biggest night," this year's show features live performances by The Walls Group, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Mali Music, Deitrick Haddon's LXW and
Beverly Crawford, among others.
Prior to the
Stellar Awards taping, The
Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show will be held on Friday, March 27, beginning at 7 p.m. to announce winners of the non-televised awards categories. Additionally, The
Stellar Awards Gospel Radio Awards & Showcase will be held the morning of Saturday, March 28, beginning at 11 a.m. to honor the top radio stations serving urban Gospel music audiences
Showtime for the evening is 7 p.m. Tickets to attend the taping as well as ancillary events are available ranging from $50-$200, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming Box Office, by calling
702.284.7777, or by visiting
www.orleansarena.com.
