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It was another year of gospel music excellence as the 23rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards concluded at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on January 12.
A consortium of gospel dynamos dominated this year's list of nominees with the innovative Clark Sisters, gospel newcomer DeWayne Woods and the legendary Tramaine Hawkins comprising the night's biggest winners.
The Clark Sisters, credited with bringing gospel music to the mainstream, snagged four Stellar Awards for "Artist of the Year," "Group/Duo of the Year," "CD of the Year," and "Traditional Group/Duo of the Year." The group's latest reunion recording Live-One Last Time has dominated airwaves and record sales.
Following close behind The Clark Sisters was gospel newcomer, DeWayne Woods. Woods' project Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet, picked up three awards, including "New Artist of the Year" and "Male Vocalist of the Year."
In addition to sharing co-hosting duties, both Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans received honours of their own. Franklin delivered a powerful performance of political satire with a spiritual twist, doing what he does best - bringing the crowd to its feet with his daring hit single, Declaration (This Is It), a song examining struggle and self-doubt in an effort to find inner peace. Franklin also sewed up his nomination in the "Special Event CD of the Year" category taking home yet another Stellar Award.
Winans was saluted by contemporary Christian artist Amy Grant and R&B singer Heather Headley with the Chevrolet Most Notable Achievement Award for pioneering work in songwriting, outstanding performances and record sales success in the gospel music industry.
In accepting the award Winans said, "I must thank my mom and dad for teaching me and my siblings about the greatest gift - Jesus Christ." Later in the evening, Winans offered a stirring musical anthem.
Pioneers of traditional gospel, such as Edwin Hawkins and Shirley Caesar, brought their energy and encouragement to a new generation of artists with their strong presence and spiritual maturity. Acknowledged at this year's awards program with The Walgreens Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award were The Caravans and The Barrett Sisters for their long standing impact and influence on gospel music.
The legendary Tramaine Hawkins solidified her place in gospel history by receiving the distinguished James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for her major impact in the development and advancement of gospel music. Her latest project, I Never Lost My Praise, garnered her nominations in four categories, in which she easily grabbed two for "Female Vocalist of the Year," and "Traditional Female of the Year."
Singer Smokie Norful accompanied by his piano and backed by a string orchestra delivered the soulful Run To You, giving the audience an intimate moment of reflection with God.
As in past shows, the Stellar Awards brought some of the best talent in gospel music to the stage. The show jumped off with an electrifying performance by Bishop Noel Jones and the City of Refuge Choir that brought the audience to its feet. The show's opening number started what would be a grand night of inspiration and celebration.
Powerful high energy and moving performances by Beverly Crawford and Ricky Dillard turned the Grand Ole Opry House into a tabernacle of praise. DeWayne Woods, Marvin Sapp and the Rance Allen Group were also highlights of this year's show, along with the legendary Clark Sisters and the gospel urban sounds of Fred Hammond.
A long list of who's who in entertainment joined the celebration as presenters and special guests, including soul singer Anthony Hamilton; actor, writer and producer Tyler Perry; gospel artist J. Moss; actor and funnyman Anthony Anderson; stage play Meet the Browns performers David and Tamela Mann; Everybody Hates Chris actress Tichina Arnold; Kim Stratton; gospel hip hop artist LP; songstress Regina Belle; The View co-host and comedienne Sherri Shepherd; Shirley Murdock; gospel music newcomer Spensha Baker; "Why Did I Get Married?" actress Tasha Smith; Canton Jones; and Dietrick and Damita Haddon.
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