The 34th Annual Stellar Awards was held on March 29, 2019, at the

Orleans Arena Orleans Arena is a 9,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Paradise, Nevada, in the Las Vegas Valley. It is located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino and is operated by Coast Casinos, a subsidiary of Boyd Gaming Corporation. The arena is the home to ...

Las Vegas Las Vegas (; Spanish for "The Meadows"), often known simply as Vegas, is the 25th-most populous city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, and the county seat of Clark County. The city anchors the Las Vegas ...

, and later aired for the first time on

American American(s) may refer to: * American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America" ** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America ** American ancestry, pe ...

digital cable Digital cable is the distribution of cable television using digital data and video compression. The technology was first developed by General Instrument. By 2000, most cable companies offered digital features, eventually replacing their previou ...

and

satellite A satellite or artificial satellite is an object intentionally placed into orbit in outer space. Except for passive satellites, most satellites have an electricity generation system for equipment on board, such as solar panels or radioisotope ...

television network A television network or television broadcaster is a telecommunications network for distribution of television program content, where a central operation provides programming to many television stations or multichannel video programming distributo ...

BET Black Entertainment Television (acronym BET) is an American basic cable channel targeting African-American audiences. It is owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global via BET Networks and has offices in New York City, Los A ...

on April 19.Jonathan McReynolds Wins Big at Stellar Gospel Music Awards
Billboard. Retrieved on April 1, 2019 Musician

Kirk Franklin Kirk Dewayne Franklin (born January 26, 1970) is an American songwriter, choir director, gospel singer, and rapper. He is best known for leading urban contemporary gospel ensembles such as The Family, God's Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC) a ...

hosted the ceremony. The ceremony recognized the best

gospel music Gospel music is a traditional genre of Christian music, and a cornerstone of Christian media. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is com ...

recordings, compositions, and artists of the eligibility year, which ran in 2018.Stellar Awards Important Dates
. The Stellar Awards. Retrieved on March 6, 2019 Delores Washington Green of

The Caravans The Caravans were an American gospel music group that was started in 1947 by Robert Anderson. It reached its peak popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, launching the careers of a number of artists, including: Delores Washington, Albertina Wal ...

was given the Legend Award. James Robinson Jr., Jackie Patillo and Phil Thornton were inducted into the Stellar Honors Hall of Fame. On behalf of

Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin ( ; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the " Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in ''Rolling Stone''s "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". With ...

, the members of Franklin's family were presented with the inaugural Aretha Franklin Icon Award.

Jonathan McReynolds Jonathan Caleb McReynolds (born September 17, 1989) is a Grammy-winning American gospel musician. He began his music career in 2012 with the release of ''Life Music'' via Entertainment One Music. He has had two No. 1 ''Billboard'' Gospel Albums ...

, who received the most nominations, also received the most wins of the night by winning in each of his nominated categories.

Nominations announcement

Nominations were announced during a radio press tour on January 15, 2019.

Nominations

* Please note: The winners are highlighted in bold text and listed first in each category.

General

;Artist of the Year *

Jekalyn Carr Jekalyn Almonique Carr (born April 22, 1997) is a recording artist, as well as a speaker, entrepreneur, actress, and author. As a top selling recording artist, Carr has earned eight Billboard #1’s before the age of 21, including singles, � ...

* Maranda Curtis *

Todd Dulaney Todd Anthony Dulaney (born December 20, 1983) is an American gospel musician, and former baseball player. His music career started in 2011, with the release of the CD version, ''Pulling Me Through''. This would be his breakthrough released upon ...

;Song of the Year * "Not Lucky, I'm Loved" **

, Terrell Demetrius Wilson, and Anna B. Warner (songwriters) * "Nobody Like You Lord" ** Maranda Curtis & Anthony Rachel (songwriters) * "Won't He Do It" **

Makeba Riddick Makeba Riddick-Woods (also known as "Girl Wonder") is an American singer-songwriter who has been active since 2005. She is originally from West Baltimore, Maryland, US. Currently she is managed by Jay-Z's record label and production house, Ro ...

, Richard Shelton, and Loren Hill (songwriters) * "You Know My Name" (Live) **

Tasha Cobbs Leonard Natasha Tameika Cobbs Leonard (born July 7, 1981) is an American gospel musician and songwriter. She released the extended play ''Grace'' in 2013 with the hit lead single "Break Every Chain". The EP reached No. 61 on the '' Billboard'' charts. ...

& Brenton Brown (songwriters) ;CD of the Year * '' Make Room'' -

* ''

Bible of Love ''Bible of Love'' (also known by its full title ''Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love'') is the sixteenth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on March 16, 2018 by RCA Inspiration. ''Bible of Love'' serves as his debut gospel ...

'' -

Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (born October 20, 1971), known professionally as Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg and briefly Snoop Lion), is an American rapper. His fame dates back to 1992 when he featured on Dr. Dre's debut solo single, " ...

* ''Open Heaven'' - Maranda Curtis * ''Your Great Name'' -

;New Artist of the Year * Jabari Johnson * Cheryl Thomas-Fortune * PJ Morgan * Phil Thompson

Vocalist

;Female Vocalist of the Year (also referred to as the "

Albertina Walker Albertina Walker ( – ) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, actress, and humanitarian. Early years Walker was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Ruben and Camilla Coleman Walker. Her mother was born in Houston County, Georgia, and ...

Female Vocalist of the Year") *

* Maranda Curtis *

Koryn Hawthorne Koryn Mattanah Hawthorne (born December 26, 1997) is an American contemporary Christian music and gospel singer. Hawthorne was a finalist in season 8 of NBC's singing competition ''The Voice'', at the age of 17, as a member on Pharrell Willia ...

Tori Kelly Victoria Loren Kelly (born December 14, 1992) is an American singer-songwriter, and voice actress. She first gained recognition after posting videos on YouTube as a teenager, and made it through to Hollywood week on the ninth season of ''Americ ...

Tasha Page-Lockhart Tasha Page House (born March 21, 1983 as Natasha Marie Page) is an American Christian R&B and urban contemporary gospel artist and musician. She won the gospel singing competition, ''Sunday Best'', in season six of BET. She started her music ca ...

;Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year *

* Benita Jones *

;Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year *

* Maranda Curtis * Tammi Haddon * Shana Wilson-Williams ;Male Vocalist of the Year *

Kelontae Gavin Kelontae Gavin (born March 28, 1999) is an American gospel singer and worship leader who is known for the gospel radio singles, “No Ordinary Worship” and “Higher.”Caramanica, Jon “The New York Times”, New York, 13 May 2016. Early ...

Tye Tribbett Tyrone "Tye" Tribbett (born January 26, 1976) is an American gospel music singer, songwriter and keyboardist. He is choir director and founder of the Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning gospel group Tye Tribbett & G.A. (short for 'Greater ...

Brian Courtney Wilson Brian Courtney Wilson is an American gospel and contemporary Christian music singer. Biography Wilson was raised in the Chicago area. In his childhood, Wilson began singing with the adult male chorus with his father at the Rock of Ages Baptis ...

;Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year *

;Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year *

VaShawn Mitchell VaShawn Mitchell (born November 19, 1976) is an American gospel singer and songwriter. He has produced several Stellar Award-winning projects and songs for Grammy Award winners Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Smokie Norful. Early life Born and ra ...

Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson Keith Lamar Johnson (May 17, 1972 – September 30, 2022), who went by the stage name Wonderboy, was an American gospel singer-songwriter. In 1998, he started his solo music career with the release of ''Through the Storm'', published by World W ...

Earnest Pugh Earnest Pugh (born November 23, 1966) is an American gospel musician with a five-octave vocal range. Public recognition for the artist commenced with the success of ''Rain on Us'' (2009) and ''I Need Your Glory'' (2011), and he subsequently atta ...

* Jarrell Smalls

Group

;Duo/Chorus of the Year *

The Walls Group The Walls Group is an American urban contemporary gospel group signed to RCA Records. The group consists of four siblings: two sisters, Rhea Walls and Ahjah Walls, and two brothers, Darrel Walls and Alic "Paco" Walls. In 2012, the group broke th ...

* Donald Lawrence & Tri-City * Isaiah D. Thomas and Elements of Praise * Judah Band ;Contemporary Duo/Chorus of the Year *

* Donald Lawrence & Tri-City * God's Chosen * Judah Band ;Traditional Duo/Chorus of the Year *

* Gospel Legends * Jarrell Smalls & Company * Nu Tradition ;Quartet of the Year *

* Gospel Legends * Jarrell Smalls & Company * The Wardlaw Brothers

Choir

;Choir of the Year * Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir * Dexter Walker & Zion Movement * The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir * Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis ;Traditional Choir of the Year * Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir * Demetrius West & Jesus Promoters * Dexter Walker & Zion Movement * The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir ;Contemporary Choir of the Year * New Direction * Brent Jones & the Waco Community Choir * Dr. Alyn E. Waller Presents Fresh Anointing * Vincent Tharpe and Kenosis

Packaging

;Recorded Music Packaging of the Year * ''Road to DeMaskUs'' **Israel Houghton, art director (Israel Houghton) * ''Open Heaven'' **Justin Foster, art director ( Maranda Curtis) * '' Make Room'' **Keemon Leonard, art director (

) * ''One Nation Under God'' **Octavious Holmes, art director (

)

Production

;Producer of the Year * '' Make Room'' **Jonathan McReynolds and Darryl "Lil Man" Howell, production team (

) * ''The Beautiful Project'' **

, Ronald Hill, Phil Thornton, Clifton Lockhart,

, Myron Butler, Dontaniel Kimbrough, Zeek Listenbee, Cordell Walton, Edward "6Mile JP" Page, Charles "Ollie" Harris, Daniel Bryant, Bryan Popin & AyRon Lewis, production team (

) * ''The Other Side'' **

, Ronald Hill,

Warryn Campbell Warryn Stafford Campbell, Jr. (born August 21, 1975) is an American record producer. He has worked with a number of gospel, hip hop and R&B artists. Campbell originally got his start as a session musician and producer under the tutelage of DJ Q ...

, Phil Thornton, production team (

) * ''Your Great Name'' **Todd Dulaney and Dontaniel Jamel Kimbrough, production team (

)

Urban

;Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year * "Not Lucky, I'm Loved" -

* "Forever" -

Jason Nelson Jason Nelson is a digital and hypermedia poet and artist. He is Associate Professor of Digital Culture at the University of Bergen, where he was also a Fulbright Fellow from 2016-17. Until 2020 he was a lecturer on Cyberstudies, digital writ ...

* "Never Alone" -

and

* "Reckless Love" -

Israel Houghton Israel Houghton (; born May 19, 1971) is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader. He is usually credited as Israel & New Breed. Musical career Houghton produced an album by Michael Gungor, ''Big ...

;Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year * "God Knows" - Flame * "BLSD" - Jor'Dan Armstrong * "I Ain't Preaching to the Choir" - Miz Tiffany * "

Praise Praise as a form of social interaction expresses recognition, reassurance or admiration. Praise is expressed verbally as well as by body language (facial expression and gestures). Verbal praise consists of a positive evaluations of another's a ...

" -

Emcee N.I.C.E. Aulsondro "Novelist" Hamilton, better known by his stage name Emcee N.I.C.E., is an American Christian hip hop recording artist. Five No. 1 hit records on the ''Billboard'' charts in "I Got Angels" claiming two positions along with "Glory to ...

Music Video

;Music Video of the Year * "Won't He Do It" - Casey Cross * "A Great Work" - Matt Reed * "For My Good" - G. Randy Weston * "My Life (Grateful)" - Patrick Tohill

Miscellaneous CD of the Year

;Contemporary CD of the Year * '' Make Room'' -

* ''

'' -

* ''The Higher Experience'' -

* ''Your Great Name'' -

;Traditional CD of the Year * ''One Nation Under God'' -

* ''A New Season'' - Jarrell Smalls & Company * ''Run to the Altar'' - Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir * ''The River'' - Keion D. Henderson ;Special Event CD of the Year * ''The Best of Fred Hammond'' -

Fred Hammond Frederick William Hammond (born December 27, 1960) is an American gospel singer, bass guitar player, and record producer. He is regarded as one of the most popular figures in contemporary gospel music. He is known for using a variety of differe ...

* ''

'' -

* ''Evidence'' - Elevation Collective * ''WOW Gospel 2018'' - Various Artists ;Praise and Worship CD of the Year * ''Your Great Name'' -

* ''Everlasting'' - Shana Wilson-Williams * ''The Higher Experience'' -

* ''Open Heaven'' - Maranda Curtis

Children's

;Youth Project of the Year * Pure N Heart * Christian Bolar * Personal Praise * The Children Speak

Radio

;Major Market of the Year * WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta * WGRB Inspiration 1390AM, Chicago * WNAP 1110 AM, Philadelphia * WYCA 92.3 FM WPRS-FM, Hammond/Chicago ;Large Market of the Year * WFMI-FM 100.9 FM, Virginia Beach * WJXY 103.5 FM/93.7 FM, Myrtle Beach * WOKB 1680AM, Orlando * WXHL 89.1FM, Wilmington ;Medium Market of the Year * WCGL AM 1360/FM 94.7, Jacksonville * WPZZ 104.7 FM, Richmond * WREJ 101.3FM, Richmond * WTJZ Praise 104.9FM, Chesapeake ;Small Market of the Year * WIMG 1300AM, Ewing * WDJL-AM 1000, Huntsville * WEHA GOSPEL 88.7 & 100.3 FM, Egg Harbor * WHBT 1410 AM & 98.3 FM, Tallahassee ;Internet Station of the Year * uGospel Radio, http://uGospel.com * Gospel Central Radio, http://www.thegospelcentral.com * SOAR Radio, http://soarradio.com ;Hip Hop Station of the Year * GH3 Radio - "God's House of Hip Hop," http://www.gh3radio.com ;Gospel Announcer of the Year * Dwight Stone, WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta, GA * Linda Greenwood, WNAA 90.1 FM, Raleigh, NC * Randi Myles, WDMK-HD2, Detroit, MI * Sherry Mackey, WHAL 95.7, Memphis, TN

Category changes

For the 34th Annual Stellar Awards, multiple category changes are being made;2019 Stellar Award Nominees
. The Stellar Awards. Retrieved on March 6, 2019 * In the Female Vocalist of the Year, the number of nominees was increased from four to five due to a tie in the nomination process. * The category Instrumental CD of the Year was omitted.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Stellar Awards 2019 in American music 2019 music awards March 2019 events in the United States Stellar Awards 34