Events
Chicago’s 2016 BGV Seminar
While it has always been more popular to want to be a lead singer, being a bgv is no insult! In fact, some bgvs often out sing the artists they’re supporting. In some instances, being a bgv can also be the gateway to stardom. Nicole Turner has experienced the life of a BGV first-hand. For 7 years, she was a member of an all-female group, N’ Tegri-T (Integrity) who shared the stage with the likes of Kim Burrell, Isaac Caree and Monica. She is now presenting her first BGV Seminar in Chicago.
Nicole gave us a few words sharing her goal for her coming event:
“It is our goal that every participant walk away empowered & equipped to be stronger bgvs than how they started. In addition, we want them to be inspired to fulfill their God-given destiny. It is my hope that, at the conclusion of the seminar, you will be inspired to apply what you’ve learned to be the best bgv that you can be.”
This seminar is for all bgvs, aspiring and professional, who want to sharpen their skills, network with like-minded individuals and learn more about the music industry. Lead vocalists are also welcomed to come as the seminar will help them cultivate an ear that will enable them to blend in harmony with other singers.
While all of the facilitators are seasoned professional bgvs who tour or have toured wiith major Gospel & R&B artists, some have also become entrepreneurs. They are all coming together to lend their time and wisdom gained from years of experience with all attendees!
In addition to gaining knowledge about being a bgv, this will also be an opportunity to network with others in this field.
*Concluding the seminar there will be a panel discussion/ Q&A session where all of your questions concerning being a bgv will be addressed.
Listen to her full “In Studio” interview here:
[Article updated to include full ‘on-air’ interview]
View the instructors below:
Donald Lawerence – Songwriter, Record Producer, Recording Artist, and more will be a special guest panelist at the 2016 BGV Seminar!
Faith Howard – Carrying a Bachelor’s in music, Chicago’s own Vocal Coach, Faith Howard will discuss how to properly take care of our instrument in “Vocal Health”.
Jazmin Crumley – Hailing from ATL, this Vocal Coach, and owner of “ The Outlet of Vocal Expression” will lend her expertise as she explores the “Art of Blending”.
Rachel James – Coming to us from ATL, Vocal Producer & CEO of “Bridge, Hooks & Stuff Ent.” has provided bgvs at BET Honors, and more. She will challenge us in “BGV 101/ So You Think You Can Sing Background”
Asalena Elliot – ISA is a professional singer, published songwriter, coach and consultant who has worked with several household names in the music industry’s R&B and Gospel world. She sang background for Avant for 10 years and contributed her vocals to various industry front liners which afforded her the privilege of traveling all over the world. To her credit, ISA has written for artists such as gospel Duo Mary Mary (Survive, 2011), Avant and has been awarded by ASCAP for penning Tyreese Gibson’s single “Stay” which topped the music charts for eleven (11) weeks. Wanting to share her vast knowledge of the music industry, ISA launched her company, The ALE Brand, in 2013 where she offers coaching and consulting services to vocalists and music professionals alike. With 20+ years (and counting) of professional experience in the music industry, ISA hopes to inspire a whole new generation of dreamers and destiny chasers.
DANTE HALL – Dante has worked with the likes of R. Kelly, Bebe and Cece Winans, Donald Lawrence, Yolanda Adams, Michael McDonald and Dave Hollister. Having recently ventured into solo artistry, DANTE released his debut single “What About Love”, a brilliant cover of a Johnny Taylor’s classic.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date – October 29th
Time – 8:00 am – 4:00pm
Location – New Covenant M.B. Church 754 E. 77th St. Chicago, IL 60619
Cost – $50 (Pre-Registration Cost) / $75 (General Admission)
Purchase Tickets – www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/2600289
The Stellar Plus Experience is the official, multi-day event leading up to the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. It’s a celebration of faith, music, and culture, offering a range of activities beyond the main awards show. This includes masterclasses, fashion showcases, comedy shows, and special events that enhance the overall Stellar Awards experience. This has also become the space for emerging talent show up and be heard. Don’t miss this experience during Stellar weekend! There will be something for everyone!
For more details on all of the available events for this year, visit the Stellar Plus Experience website: www.stellarexperienceplus.com
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
*Subject to change*
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025
10a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub
2p – 4p: Stellar Masterclass
7p – 8p: Stellar 40 Welcome Mixer
8p – 10:30p: Stellar Unplugged
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025
8:30a – 10a: Opening Keynote Address
8a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub
11a – 2p: GameChangers Fashion Experience
2p – 4p: Stellar Talks: Fireside Chat + Mixer
9:30p – 12a: Stellar StandUp Comedy Show
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025
4:30p: 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards
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:
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
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
Male Artist of the Year
- Chandler Moore
- Deitrick Haddon
- Doc McKenzie
- Jason Nelson
- Pastor Mike Jr.
Female Artist of the Year (Albertina Walker Award)
- ADIA
- CeCe Winans
- Dorinda Clark-Cole
- Karen Clark-Sheard
- Lisa Page Brooks
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
New Artist of the Year
- ADIA
- Bobbi Lane
- Josh Bracy and Power Anointed
- Micah Lee
- Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale
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
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
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
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
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!”
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