The week of July 16, was a memorable one as the Stellar Awards headed to Atlanta’s Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for its annual beloved awards ceremony. After two years of COVID rearranging our lives and routines, the anticipated event was a huge success.
The awards show featured performances by Tye Tribbett, Le’Andria Johnson, Kirk Franklin, Doe, Erica Campbell, James Fortune, Marvin Sapp, Koryn Hawthorne, Darrel Walls, Brian Courtney Wilson, Jor’Dan Armstrong, Chrisette Michele, Maverick City Music, and more.
The top winner of the night was Pastor Mike Jr., who won six awards, including artist of the year and album of the year for I Got It: Single’s Ministry Vol. 1. Pastor Mike Jr. also won artist of the year last year. He’s the first artist to win in that top category two years, running since Donald Lawrence in 2006-07.
The ceremony, which was co-hosted by Jekalyn Carr and Kierra Sheard, was taped live and will air on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and its affiliates. It will also be syndicated in various local markets across the U.S. between Aug. 13 and Sept. 11.
Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music received three awards for their collaboration, Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP.
In addition to receiving the jabs Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award, Ricky Dillard won three Stellar Awards.
CeCe Winans won three awards — producer of the year, praise and worship album of the year, and praise and worship song of the year, for “Believe for It.” Although she was in London for a different event, she did accept her award via video.
Tamela Mann received two awards, and E. Dewey Smith was named best new artist for his 2021 album God Period.
Two awards were not presented this year – traditional duo/chorus group of the year and contemporary choir of the year.
Candi Staton received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award. Six-time Grammy Award-winning hitmaker and producer Aaron Lindsey (wrote Never Would Have Made It) received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
Executive produced by Don Jackson, chairman and CEO of Chicago-based Central City Productions, the Stellar Awards is the longest-running televised Gospel music awards show as it just celebrated 37 years of excellence.
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