Upon the recent news of the cancellation of the “Black Lightning” TV Series, Disney star China McClain announces that she quietly decided to leave the show prior to it’s cancellation. On a recent Facebook Live she remains vague about her full reasons for walking away, but stresses that it was not because she didn’t like the cast she was working with. China praised the cast and encouraged fans to watch the coming spin off featuring Jordan Calloway (AKA Pain Killer).

In the video below, China speaks about her next moves.

“All this is an illusion. It’s an illusion. This industry for what it is and everything people look to and praise, it’s not important,” she said. “God is moving me in more ways that’s bigger than this show. I’m doing God’s work now and I’m not doing anything else. I’m just going to put it plainly. I’ve never felt more awake in my life.”

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In the video, China speaks more about the start of her own production company and everything God has been teaching her during the quarantine. While her full reasons for leaving the show seem to remain purposely unclear, she simply encourages fans to trust her decision.

Since the passing of Chadwick Boseman, China has been speaking more about God and other challenging topics that she has been wrestling with during this year and throughout the quarantine season. In the video she addresses her recent changes saying, “It’s been put on my heart to say these things and I want to take that same energy and put it into my movies.”

With tears in her eyes, she spoke more saying,
“I’m creating things now for y’all and it’s not to get a check. It’s to teach you something or to show you new avenues that entertainment doesn’t show you right now. We need the Spirit man in these projects. I don’t know where it’s gone. I can only pinpoint a few now and the rest of them hurt me to watch. A lot of people say they want change but, I’m ready for things to change and I want to help. I’m done teeny bopping around here. It’s not about making the best next move. I don’t even care about that anymore. I want to be apart of the good. If I’m not really apart of it and helping to push it forward, then I don’t know what I’m doing here. So, that’s what I want to do.”

We don’t know where these new decisions will take China next, but we and all of her fans will be ready to stand by with prayers and continued support! The Black Lightning Chapter in her life may be closing. But, it’s clear her journey continues and it’s full of promise!

There’s still one last season left of Black Lightning. So, be sure to watch! If you’re late to the party, catch up on all previous seasons on Netflix.

Today, RCA Inspiration, one of the premiere labels in Gospel/ inspirational music, and GRAMMY® nominated & Stellar Award winning artist Jonathan
McReynolds’ Life Room Label released “Brighter”, a new song from burgeoning start artist and songwriter DOE! “Brighter” is DOE’s debut single as a solo artist and the first from her self-titled EP releasing on October 30th. 

Wowed by both her singing and songwriting prowess, McReynolds and Life Room Label’s President, Walter Thomas, and Head of A&R, Darryl Howell, signed DOE in early 2020 and immediately started working on her on her solo album.

“I’ve been a fan of DOE for years now. She’s special. This music is special.” says McReynolds.

Jonathan hopes to usher in a new wave of music through this partnership and other various joint ventures. He shares, “I feel like the Life Room Label will be the destination for a new generation of Christian expression and will be one of the best parts of my life!”

MORE ABOUT DOE:

DOE first gained worldwide attention as a teenager as the lead singer of the group Forever Jones. That group released three albums and garnered numerous accolades, including two GRAMMY Award nominations. She offers a refreshing sound with uplifting and introspective messages that people are in need of more than ever right now and she’s excited to share her artistry with the world!

“I’m excited to use the outlet of music to express the heart of God and have important conversations with people about life, love and relationships. The best is yet to come,” says DOE.

Phil Thornton, SVP/GM of RCAI adds, “It is great to be partnered with Jonathan on this venture and we’re all very excited about DOE’s artistry and what she is offering the world!”

On October 5^th, BET will premiere the video for “Brighter” on its BET Soul, BET Her and BET Gospel channels, as well as on BET.com. Additionally, DOE is featured on McReynolds’ virtual Those People Tour, which kicked off on October 1^st. 

Tickets for the Those People Tour are on sale at www.liferoomlabel.live. “Brighter” is available everywhere now! For more information on RCAI Inspiration and Jonathan’s new Life Room Record Label, visit www.rcainspiration.com and www.liferoomlabel.com.

STREAM “BRIGHTER” HERE:

The Stellar Awards released an official announcement today that the 35th Annual production will be taped and broadcast as a virtual national broadcast television special. Kirk Franklin @kirkfranklin joins as additional co-host along with Jonathan McReynolds @jonmcreynolds and Koryn Hawthorne @korynhawthorne. ALL previously purchased tickets for the 2020 show will now be refunded by Ticketmaster. The show will return as a live TV taping in March, 2021!

The virtual presentation will now be a two-hour virtual awards telecast that will air during 3Q of this year. Replacing the live taping previously rescheduled for August in Las Vegas, the new show format will harness the power of technology and creative television production to honor the best in Gospel music. The virtual production will acknowledge all award winners from the Stellar Awards pre-show and main show, with select categories being presented in the broadcast. The broadcast will also feature inspirational performances from Gospel music’s most celebrated artists, and special tributes to first responder heroes on the front lines of the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Award show founder Don Jackson had the following to say about the recent changes:

“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic closing venues in Las Vegas, we are producing our Stellar Awards as a virtual at-home television special to honor our Stellar Award 2020 nominees and winners, that will still raise the roof for our fans at home with great Gospel music performances in a new format,” said Stellar Awards Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. “Also, it gives us the opportunity to honor COVID-19 first responder heroes in appreciation of the great work they are doing to save lives during this pandemic. We hope to further inspire these heroes with tributes of thanks from our Gospel music cast of Stellar winners and performances.”

Joining previously announced first time co-hosts Jonathan McReynolds and Koryn Hawthorne is Stellar Awards veteran host, Kirk Franklin. The superstar trio will work together to keep the virtual television praise party lifted and flowing seamlessly throughout the evening. Confirmed performers include Donnie McClurkin, James Fortune, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike Jr., Kierra Sheard, and Doe, with more to be announced.

An important tradition at the Stellar Awards will be held for next year’s 2021 show, where Jackson will bestow well-deserved special honors and recognition upon Gospel greats who have elevated the genre. The previously named recipients – The Clark Sisters, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Caesar in addition to Gospel music industry leaders Dr. Leonard Scott, Skip Barrett, Kerry Douglas, and Dr. Teresa Hairston – will be celebrated for their contributions to Gospel music when The Stellar Awards returns to Las Vegas next Spring in March 2021.

Tickets purchased for 2020 Stellar Awards events that were scheduled for August 14–16 will be refunded. To submit requests or for more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Previously announced nominees for the 2020 Stellar Awards includes, veteran Gospel collective, Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers who leads the field of nominees with nine nominations. Other top nominees include Gospel icon and Stellar Awards Host, Kirk Franklin and powerhouse singer, producer and performer Tasha Cobbs Leonard with eight nominations each; JJ Hairston (7 Nominations), Bishop Paul S. Morton (6 Nominations), John P. Kee (5 Nominations), Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers (4 Nominations), William Murphy (4 Nominations), Pastor Mike, Jr. (4 Nominations), Maranda Curtis (3 Nominations), and Fresh Start Worship (3 Nominations) round out the field of top nominated artists.

For the complete list of the 35th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees, please visit www.thestellarawards.com. More of the biggest names in Gospel and a few additional surprises are being added to the growing list of top performers appearing in this year’s show, presented by AT&T and also sponsored by State Farm.

“I am especially grateful and appreciative of the tremendous positive response we have had from Gospel music artists, our advertising partners and over 200 television broadcast and cable partners around the country who have agreed to support our 35th Annual Stellar Awards At-Home special honoring Stellar winners and first responder heroes,” said Jackson.

Stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars for the latest news and updates about the greatest night in Gospel music.