GiGi didn’t always know Faith based music would be her lane. Before stepping into Christian R&B, she was preparing to release a secular record, but things didn’t move the way she expected. Doors closed, plans shifted, and what felt confusing at the time ended up being intentional.

That season forced a real decision. Instead of pushing through what wasn’t working, she paid attention to the signs and what God was speaking to her heart in that season. It was during this time of transition that she decided to fully surrender her sound to God. And that “yes” changed everything, not just in direction, but in how her music started to come together.

Out of that shift came her 2025 release “Everlasting,” where listeners first heard the difference. The single centered on obedience, intimacy with God, and what it looks like to trust His direction even when it interrupts your own plans. It wasn’t just a new song — it marked a turning point in her story.

Her music was manifesting in a more grounded message – something more honest, and more connected to her actual walk. It wasn’t just about creating a vibe for attention or to pursue fame. It has now become her goal to make it clear that this version of her and her music is about purpose and inspiring others through Christ. It’s never easy in any industry taking a public stand like this. But, the single was met with nothing less than respect and great feedback from fans on her sound, the message of transformation and the vibes! She has landed interviews on Sirius XM while also being featured on countless blogs – only proving that she’s heading in the right direction.

Now with her latest single “My Heart,” she continues on that same pathway. This song leans into more vulnerability, touching on trust, surrender, and what it looks like to give God access to every part of you. It carries the smooth, familiar feel of R&B, but with continued intention behind every lyric.

That balance is important right now. The sound of R&B is shifting, and so are listeners. People are looking for more than something that just sounds good — they want music that connects, that reflects real life, and in many cases, something that speaks to where they are spiritually.

GiGi is stepping into that space, even if it’s not where she originally planned to be. She’s answering a call that didn’t fully make sense at first, but now shows up clearly in the music she’s creating. And that honesty is what makes it land every time.

Sometimes doors close so we can hear what’s actually meant for us. For GiGi, that led to a sound that reflects who she is now, and it’s clear she’s only building from here.

We’re excited to keep watching this artist grow! Scroll down to hear both singles that have been birthed from this new transition in her life and music.

Stream The Sound:

“Everlasting”

“My Heart”

Presented by Central City Productions, the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards returns to Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on August 16, 2025—honoring the biggest names and brightest newcomers in Gospel music.

Founded by Don Jackson and produced by his team at Central City Productions, the Stellars have long been known as the “Grammys of Gospel.” And for four decades, they’ve remained the premier awards show dedicated to celebrating Black faith-based artistry, excellence, and impact across the globe.

This year’s show is packed with familiar favorites and breakout voices making waves in the culture. From CeCe Winans to Pastor Mike Jr., the nominee list reflects the evolution of Gospel music in real time—bridging tradition, innovation, and divine inspiration.

Check out the full list of nominees below:

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Artist of the Year

• CeCe Winans – More Than This
• Jason Nelson – You Belong: Live in Durham
• Kenny Lewis & One Voice – The Healing Project
• Pastor Mike Jr. – I Got Away EP
• Tamela Mann – Live Breathe Fight

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Song of the Year

• “Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.
• “Clap My Way” – Micah Lee
• “I Prayed For You (said a prayer)” – MAJOR.
• “That’s My King” – CeCe Winans
• “Yahweh” ft. Melvin Crispell III – Jason Nelson

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Male Artist of the Year

• Chandler Moore
• Deitrick Haddon
• Doc McKenzie
• Jason Nelson
• Pastor Mike Jr.

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Female Artist of the Year (Albertina Walker Award)

• ADIA
• CeCe Winans
• Dorinda Clark-Cole
• Karen Clark-Sheard
• Lisa Page Brooks

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Duo/Chorus Group of the Year

• Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart
• FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole)
• Ted & Sheri
• The Group Fire

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New Artist of the Year

• ADIA
• Bobbi Lane
• Josh Bracy and Power Anointed
• Micah Lee
• Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale

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Album of the Year

• I Got Away EP – Pastor Mike Jr.
• Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
• More Than This – CeCe Winans
• The Healing Project – Kenny Lewis & One Voice
• You Belong: Live in Durham – Jason Nelson

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Choir of the Year

• Bishop S. Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil
• Chicago Mass Choir – Greater Is Coming
• Ricky Dillard – When I Think
• The Mississippi Mass Choir – We Still Believe

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Producer of the Year

• Dana Sorey – You Belong: Live in Durham
• FK&M team – Time Capsule – The Trilogy
• J. Drew Sheard – Still Karen
• Pastor Mike Jr. & DLo – I Got Away EP
• Stan Jones & team – We Still Believe

Praise and Worship Album of The Year

Praise and Worship Song of The Year

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Leading the Pack:

• Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson are tied with 9 nominations each
• CeCe Winans follows closely with 8 nominations
• The Mississippi Mass Choir earns 6 nominations

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See Full List of All 30 Categories Here:

This list is just a snapshot of the nominees. You can find a list of all 30 Categories here: https://www.thestellarawards.com/2025-nominees.html

Fans can vote June 16 – July 18th, 2025 at www.thestellarawards.com
Fan-voted categories include:

• Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year
• Praise & Worship Song of the Year

🔥 ArtSoul Radio + Stellar Awards: A Legacy of Showing Up | Over 10 Years Strong

For over a decade, ArtSoul Radio has been known for showing up for Christian music-not just reporting on award shows like the Stellars and Dove Awards, but for standing in the gaps others overlooked.

Long before CHH and Christian Soul artists were getting red carpet coverage, we were often the only media platform intentionally representing these genres-determined to amplify the sound of a movement that was often being ignored.

We’ll never forget moments like this throwback interview from 2016: when artist Jai (now Jai Vaughn), once spotting our team on the red carpet, paused and said:
“I’m coming to ones who actually play my music.”

That moment still speaks volumes. And it reminds us why we do what we do.

We have watched and captured the evolution of Christian music over the years, and we are excited to see the growth that has come to various award shows, media platforms, radio shows and more – including the evolution of the Stellar Awards as they continue to open their arms to new genres. We have watched the addition of new collaborations as Jai speaks about in the video above along with new features.

We’re here to support that growth, and to honor what the Stellar Awards have been building for decades. From past to present, we remain committed to uplifting the full spectrum of faith-based music and the community connected to it.

“We’re better together. Keep it locked all summer long for updates!”

(June 12, 2025) – Central City Productions proudly announces the nominees for the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards presented by Procter and Gamble, across 36 categories, honoring the year’s best and brightest in gospel music. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Returning for another unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, the 2025 show will feature electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and special honors recognizing gospel legends and rising stars alike. Tickets are available now by visiting StellarAwards.com.

Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “For 40 remarkable years, the Stellar Awards have been a beacon of excellence, celebrating the voices, vision, and victories of gospel music. We honor not just the genre of gospel music, but the legacy of our history, our faith, our culture, and our community that has inspired Black & African American generations for four decades with our Stellar Gospel Music Awards.”

Public fan voting will take place in two categories this year, Urban Single or Performance of the Year and Praise and Worship Song of the Year. Fan Favorite Voting powered by Tide runs from June 16, 2025 until July 18, 2025 and those votes will determine the winners of those categories.

Nineteen-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr. and Stellar Award winner, Jason Nelson lead the field of nominees this year with nine nominations each; both landing top nominations in the key categories Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year (Nelson’s You Belong: Live in Durham; and Mike Jr.’s I Got Away EP).

With eight nominations, Cece Winans is recognized in the top categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for More Than This. Winans’ More Than This also features the single, “That’s My King.”

Other artists earning multiple Stellar nominations include: Mississippi Mass Choir, Adia, Deitrick Haddon, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kenny Lewis & One Voice, Micah Lee, Tamela Mann, Chandler Moore and FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, and Marcus Cole).

The Stellar Awards also announced nominees for the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards in six categories, including top categories Gospel Announcer of the Year, Syndicated Gospel Radio Show of the Year, Internet Station of the Year, and Top Market of the Year.

Adding to the excitement, August 14th – August 16th, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS week, a fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show, sponsored by Chevy and Aflac. From Master Classes and soundstages, to fashion shows, comedy showcases and more – the Stellar Plus 1 week offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. For more information on Stellar Plus Events visit stellarplusexperience.com.

40th Stellar Awards taping Tickets are available now at stellarawards.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. Some of the biggest names in Gospel will appear as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and X, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.

The 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.

This year’s Stellar Awards is presented by P&G (Procter & Gamble) with additional sponsorship provided by AT&T, AFLAC, State Farm, Walmart, Olay Body, Chevy and Tide.

A full list of the 40th annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit stellarawards.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.

ABOUT THE STELLAR TV NETWORK

Launched in April of 2023 under the management of Central City Productions, Inc., The Stellar Network fills the void for a family-friendly, entertainment, lifestyle network targeting Black audiences. The Stellar Network is the first in uplifting content with positive, inspirational, and entertainment programming. Stellar’s goal is to be the most preferred network to Black audiences in the country.The Stellar Network can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Vizio & Vizio WatchFree+ (app), and Xumo Play. For more information visit www.stellartv.com

ABOUT CENTRAL CITY PRODUCTIONS

Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer, programmer, and syndicator of its exclusively owned African-American programming. Celebrating 55 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), America’s Black Forum (www.americasblackforum.com), Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringking.com), Mentoring Queens (www.mentoringqueen.com), and Black History Honors among many others. For more information, visit www.ccptv.com.