(The Slice): The Stellar Awards returned to Music City (Nashville) after a stint in Las Vegas for it's 36th Annual Show last Saturday. Hosted by Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr, the ceremony was held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The Artist of the Year honor went to Birmingham Alabama minister from Rock City Church Pastor Mike, Jr. plus two more. His single, “I Got It,” earlier this year hit No. 1 on the Billboard gospel airplay chart. Tasha Cobbs Leonard carted off the most awards with 4 wins including Female Vocalist of the Year. Both the New Artist and Album of the Year honor went to Maverick City Music for their passionate praise and worship album "Maverick City Music Vol 3 Part 1." Jonathan McReynolds took home the Stellar Award for Producer of the Year, in recognition of this work on the album "People." McReynolds was also crowned Male Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year.
Gospel legends were placed in the spotlight receiving special honors. THE CLARK SISTERS received the JAMES CLEVELAND Lifetime Achievement Award presented by AT&T. TRAMAINE HAWKINS was honored with the ARETHA FRANKLIN Icon Award presented by TOYOTA for her contributions to Gospel music. Tyscot Records Founder DR. LEONARD SCOTT was presented the THOMAS A DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
This year's performances include YOLANDA ADAMS, KIERRA SHEARD, AVERY*SUNSHINE JONATHAN MCREYNOLDS, J.J. HAIRSTON, MAVERICK CITY MUSIC, PASTOR MIKE JR., TAMELA MANN, JASON CLAYBORN, HEZEKIAH WALKER, CECE WINANS and hosts TRIBBETT and CARR.
Viewers may catch the performances and see artists accept their awards when the show airs on August 1 on BET at 8 P.M./ EST. For now, The Slice Report has rounded up the list of winners for you to preview.
2021 STELLAR AWARDS WINNERS
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.
For the complete list of award recipients go to https://www.thestellarawards.com/stellar-winners36.html