The 36th annual Stellar Awards 2021 went down at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, and it didn’t disappoint. Gospel music’s biggest night featured CeCe Winans, Kierra Sheard, Jonathan McReynolds, Tamela Mann, and much more.
The gospel legend and contemporary artists Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr host this year’s awards. They were among the youngest hosts of the Stellar Awards history. Jekalyn Carr is back to host her role at the Stellar Awards after hosting the 2020’s Virtual Red Carpet.
The gospel legends The Clark Sisters were this year’s recipients of The James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. The Detroit-born vocal group is thought to be the pioneers in contemporary gospel music with their hits ” Jesus Is A Love Song” and ” You Brought The Sunshine.” Their personal story was transformed in the Lifetime original film “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.
Executive Producer Don Jackson produced the Stellar Gospel Music Awards show. Jennifer J. Jackson served as the Executive in charge of Production, and Michael A. Johnson was the producer and director of the show this year.
The Top Performers at the Stellar Awards 2021
The Stellar Awards 2021 includes performances of living gospel legends such as CeCe Winans (“Never Lost,” “Believe For It”) and James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award winners The Clark Sisters (“Is My Living In Vain,” “Blessed & Highly Favored,” “You Brought The Sunshine,” “His Love”). Others performing include Shelea as well as Christina Bell(“You Brought The Sunshine”) and Jonathan McReynolds with Mali Music (“Grace,” “Movin’ On”).
The main event was a moving dedication of Aretha Franklin Icon Award winner Lady Tramaine Hawkins and her band, which included Yolanda Adams, Tamela Mann, and Avery*Sunshine. The group performed a medley that included well-known Hawkins songs, including “Holy One,” “Changed,” and “Going Up Yonder.”
The event also featured outstanding performances from a brand new generation of gospel musicians, which included the nominee’s pastor Mike Jr. (“Big”), Maverick City Music (“Jireh”),
Kierra Sheard (“Something Must Break”) along with the host Jekalyn Carr (“Change Your Story” and “Jehovah Jireh”).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnL3WFIDkRE
Many emerging artists like Jokia, Terrain, and Nia Allen will be featured as gospel stars who are on the rise.
Winners from The Stellar Awards 2021
The numerous Stellar Awards 2021 winners include Pastor Mike Jr., who was awarded Musician of the Year. Rap/Hip hop gospel album of the year and the Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year.
Jonathan McReynolds was named Male Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Male Vocalists of the Year and a member of the group who was named Producer of the Year.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s awards comprised Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist of Year.
Kierra Sheard was awarded The Song of the Year as well as Contemporary album of the year. In addition, Maverick City Music was awarded the New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
The 2019 Aretha Franklin Icon Award recipient will be Lady Tremaine Hawkins. The California native’s career spans more than five decades. She was admitted to the Gospel Hall of Fame in the year 2015.
Here’s The Complete List Of Winners And Their Categories
Artist of the Year: Pastor Mike Jr.
Song of the Year: “Something Has To Break” Kierra Sheard ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Male Vocalist of the Year: Jonathan McReynolds
Female Vocalist of the Year: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Group/Duo of the Year: The Clark Sisters
New Artist of the Year: Maverick City Music
Album of the Year: Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1 by Maverick City Music
Choir of the Year: JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise
Producer of the Year: Jonathan McReynolds
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year: Anthony Brown & group therAPy
Traditional Group/Duo of the Year: The Clark Sisters
Contemporary Male of the Year: Jonathan McReynolds
Traditional Male of the Year: Donnie McClurkin
Contemporary Female of the Year: Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Traditional Female of the Year: Jekalyn Carr
Traditional Album of the Year: Changing Your Story by Jekalyn Carr
Music Video of the Year: “Something Has To Break” Kierra Sheard
Traditional Choir of the Year: Ricky Dillard
Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year: Big: Freedom Sessions by Pastor Mike Jr.
