the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” culminated in a spectacular celebration of talent, faith, and
inspiration. Hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the 2023 Stellar Awards
captivated audiences with powerhouse performances and heartfelt moments that brought the power of
Gospel music to life. During a star-studded ceremony held at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena, the winners in
nine categories were awarded statues, highlighting the remarkable achievements and contributions of
Gospel music artists and industry professionals.

The show opened with an electrifying performance of “Miracles” and “Impossible” by Kierra Sheard Kelly
and Pastor Mike Jr., the night’s biggest winner. Pastor Mike, Jr. earned eight awards for his work on the
album “Winning,” released under Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. The project was named Album of the
Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, while Pastor Mike, Jr. also took home the prestigious Song of
the Year Presented by McDonald’s, Artist of the Year Presented by AT&T Dream In Black, Male Artist of
the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Rap/Hip Hop Song of the
Year awards.

DOE, who entered the industry with her family as a member of the group Forever Jones, praised her way
to solo success earning three trophies, including the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Presented
by Walmart, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of
the Year for her album “Clarity,” released under Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration. Zacardi Cortez also
brought home three statues, earning awards for Traditional Male Artist of the Year Presented by Bevel (a
P&G Brand), Traditional Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for his album
“Imprint,” on Blacksmoke Music Worldwide.

The collaborative effort of Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin resulted in their joint album “Kingdom
Book One” on Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration winning in two categories:
Duo/Chorus Group of the Year Presented by P&G and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year.

Tye Tribbett also brought home two awards, including Producer Of The Year Presented by Aflac and
Recorded Music Packaging Of The Year for his project “All Things New,” released by Motown Gospel.
Lena Byrd Miles earned the New Artist of the Year award for her My Block Records project “Brand New;”
Bishop T.D. Jakes won Special Event Album Of The Year for his project “T.D. Jakes Presents ‘Finally
Loosed’ on Dexterity Sounds; co-host Tasha Cobbs Leonard won Praise And Worship Album Of The
Year for her work on “Hymns,” released by TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel; Lecrae’s work on “Church
Clothes 4″ with Reach Records earned him a trophy for Rap Hip Hop Gospel Album Of The Year.

Additional categories were awarded during the Stellar Awards Pre-Show festivities. Dottie Peoples
received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award, and Dr. Teresa Hairston paid tribute to
the late Keith “Wonderboy ” Johnson as she announced the winner for Quartet of the Year, which
Johnson won posthumously for his project “Restructure, Renew Reunion” on Blacksmoke Music
Worldwide. More artists and Gospel radio professionals who received Stellar Award statues this year were
announced; a complete list of winners is available at www.stellarawards.com.

In addition to the award recipients, special honorees were recognized for their invaluable contributions to
the Gospel music industry. CeCe Winans received the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award
Presented by State Farm, recognizing her exceptional talent and enduring impact. Winans also gave a
moving performance of her song “Goodness of God,” from her album “Believe For It.” Reverend Dr.
Milton Biggham was honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by
Verizon in recognition of his lifetime dedication to spreading the uplifting message of Gospel music.
Additionally, Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones was presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable
Achievement Award, acknowledging his outstanding contributions and influential career.

Show co-hosts McReynolds and Cobbs Leonard delivered huge performances that will uplift and inspire
audiences worldwide, while Walmart’s Black and Unlimited platform provided viewers with an exclusive
Reunion Tour preview performance featuring Franklin, Tribbett and Israel Houghton brought the house
down! Viewers can also look forward to powerhouse performances by Charles Jenkins, DOE, Dottie
Peoples, Isaac Carree, Jevon Dewand and The TrapStarz, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Naomi Raine,
Natalie Grant, Maranda Curtis, Tim Bowman Jr. & Faith City Music, Zacardi Cortez, and Zak
Williams & 1 Akord. Performing on the AT&T Emerging Voices stage, Byrd Miles, Bishop S.Y.
Younger, and Victory will delight viewers with their rich vocals and undeniable stage presence.
Presenters for the evening include Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Lady Tramaine Hawkins,
Brian Courtney Wilson, Erica Campbell, Isabel Davis, James Fortune, Koryn Hawthorne, Jason
Clayborn, NOTKARLTONBANKS, Shirley Caesar and Travis Greene.

AT&T Dream in Black proudly serves as the presenting sponsor for the 38th Annual Stellar Awards.
Additionally, esteemed companies such as Aflac, GM, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson,
McDonald’s, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Spotify, State Farm, Verizon, and Walmart
joined as supporters of this year’s program.

The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrates the rich diversity and unwavering spirit of
Gospel music, showcasing its profound impact on audiences worldwide. The winners and honorees
exemplify the power of faith, talent, and dedication within the Gospel music community. This year’s
ceremony will touch the hearts of viewers across the nation when it premieres on the newly launched
Stellar Network on Sunday, July 30 at 6 p.m. ET (available on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and
Xumo Play), followed by a broadcast on BET on Sunday, August 6 at 8 p.m. ET and on Bounce TV on
Sunday, September 3 at 1 p.m. ET. The show will also be broadcast nationally from August 7, 2023, to
September 10, 2023, through TV syndication. The Stellar Awards Blue Carpet Special hosted by
Jekalyn Carr and will be televised on Stellar Network on July 30 at 5 p.m. ET. Viewers may check with
their local provider for availability.

The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J.
Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production and Producer. Michael A. Johnson serves as
Producer and Director.

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