37th Annual Stellar Gospel Gospel Music Awards airs tonight on BET at 8:pm ET.
CEO and Chairman, Don Jackson produced the Stellar Awards in 1970, and held its first ceremony in 1984 at the Arie Crown Theater (Chicago).
For 37 years, it’s ran as the longest broadcast, the first of its kind, and the second largest ceremony highlighting extraordinary talents of Black people, who’s in categories of gospel and spiritual music.
Jackson spoke recently during a robust press conference, that activated like an old-school revival where panelist and the Stellar Gospel Awards co-host Kierra Sheard-Kelly, winner/performer Kelontae Gavin, winner/performer Naomi Raine (Maverick City Music) and the man of the hour, Pastor Mike Jr., soared into worship, prays, deliverance and manifestations during a 2-hour long virtual conference.
Jackson also confirmed that Stellar Television Network is launching second quarter of 2022-2023, and to stay on the lookout for that because they’ll generate more acts, performances and talents like ones seen on the ceremonies.
“I look forward to seeing the great talent that’s in these gospel music artist behind just their singing prowess,” shares Jackson when asked what he looks forward to the most when putting on a show and network of this magnitude— Like Naomi talked about, it’s the message that you’re imitating; and I’m not talking about ministries on Stellar tv but the various segments of women’s talk show. We have this thing that we’re going to call Stellar Response. I’m looking forward to what we can do with Kelantee, and his excitement he has. Every time you see him, he’s moving . Then, pastor Mike. All you gotta do is give him a mic. But, more importantly, the messages are succinct as to how he motivates you to be big—And then he’s blessed with delivering that message so I’m looking forward to (it), maybe it’s taking him out of his shell, just the performance, (and) stepping out on new platforms.”
Jackson continued to elaborate, “And (it’s) not just what they can do in gospel Music, (it’s) how we can help develop paths for them to really get into different sectors of television where we need these examples. We need more visuals of our folks and the messages that they convey; so, there’s so much more that I am excited about when they hit the stage like Kierra. I saw when she was in the background, and now she’s not intimated by that teleprompter. Maybe five changes of clothes might be a little much (laughs) but she’s not intimidated at all, and neither is Jekayln Carr, and they got so much talent. That’s what I’m looking forward to on Stellar TV.”
Watch full video here:
The highly anticipated Gospel event of the year,the 37th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, is set to air this Sunday, August 7,at 8 pm ET / PT, on BET and BET Her. Hosted by recording artists Jekalyn Carr and Kierra Sheard-Kelly, this year’s celebration promises to inspire audiences across the globe with uplifting performances from a variety of new and emerging Gospel artists, as well as standard bearers in the industry. This year’s ceremony will also be syndicated in various local markets across the country between August 13 and September 11, 2022. A full list of stations can be found atwww.thestellarawards.com.
The Stellar Awards, which taped live on July 16th at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia, will feature many spirited moments that celebrate Gospel music while also spreading the good news. Among them: Marvin Sapp, Koryn Hawthorne, and Brian Courtney Wilson will come together to deliver a powerful tribute to Aaron Lindsey, who will be honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Aflac.
Ricky Dillard, who will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Toyota, will also deliver renditions of “Every Knee Shall Bow,” “There Is No Way,” “More Abundantly,” “Glad To Be In The Service,” and “All Of My Help.”
Tye Tribbett will bring the energy with an electrifying offering of “Get Up,” James Fortune will minister in song with a medley of “I Am” and “Never Let Me Down,” and Wande will join forces with Jor’Dan Armstrong and Erica Campbell to perform “They Didn’t Know” and “Call.”
Additionally, Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin, Le’Andria Johnson, Melvin Crispell III, and Zacardi Cortez will perform “Bless Me,” and will be joined by thePrairie View A&M University Drumline. Doe will perform “Brighter” and “When I Pray,” Rudy Currence and Chrisette Michele will deliver a duet of “No Greater Love,” and Jason Nelson will lift his voice to the sounds of “Residue.”
Travis Greene, Darrel Walls, and Kelontae Gavin will perform “Dependable”, and Travis introduces his new group Forward City with a performance of “Tent Revival.” AT&T Dream in Black Emerging Artists such as Aaron Cole, Erica Mason,and Lamont Sanders will also be spotlighted as up-and coming gospel talent.
The 37th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is proud to be presented this year by AT&T Dream in Black. This year’s sponsors also include Procter & Gamble (P&G), Walmart, State Farm, Toyota, McDonald’s – Black & Positively Golden, and Aflac. The 37th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is also proud to partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For additional updates, follow The Stellar Awards on social media — @thestellarson Instagram and Twitter, and Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook — and check out the Stellar Awards website. The hashtag for the show is #StellarAwards.
