Even though the ongoing coronavirus crisis forced the Stellar Awards to go virtual this year, that didn’t stop some of gospel music’s biggest stars from showing up and showing out as they celebrated a year of music.
Tye Tribbett kicked things off by performing his hit, “We Gon’ Be Alright,” and set the tone for a night full of big moments.
Read More: Travis Greene using technology to keep church a ‘refuge’ during COVID-19
Cece Winans pulled off a moving tribute to the late civil rights hero John Lewis with a rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and the nation’s first responders were recognized for their ongoing work as well.
Tamela Mann, Koryn Hawthorne, Anthony Brown, Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds, James Fortune, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Kierra Sheard, Marvin Sapp, Tauren Wells, Pastor Mike Jr, DOE, and Rich Tolbert Jr. are among the artists who managed to deliver impressive performances remotely.
Kirk Frankin was the night’s biggest winner, nabbing five trophies for Long Live Love, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year.
Donald Lawrence presents the Tri-City Singers received four Stellar Awards for work on Goshen, including Choir of the Year and Contemporary Choir of the Year, along with Song of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for “Deliver Me (This is My Exodus).” Gospel legend John P. Kee won three awards for I Made It Out, including Traditional Male Vocalist, Traditional Album of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year.
It was also a great night for some of our favorite ladies. Tasha Cobbs Leonard won Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year for her incredible project Heart, Passion, Pursuit, and Le’Andria Johnson nabbed two awards for Donald Lawrence‘s Goshen.
Read More: Pastor John Gray defends Nicki Minaj’s feature on Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s new album
The Walls Group won two awards for their project, Friend in Me and Pastor Mike Jr. won New Artist of the Year and Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year for his work on Live Free.
Check out the full list of winners, here.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!