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.

ArtSoul Radio recently launched new IG Live series “Song Stories” hosted by DJ/Host “DJ Standout”! Song Stories is a new Interview Series currently hosted on IG LIVE that gets up close and personal with your favorite artists to learn more about the story behind some of your favorite songs and their journey along the way!

This past week, we dropped our second episode featuring Wande of Reach Records! We got up close and personal with Wande about the inspiration behind her latest album, her musical journey and how she became the 1st female to sign to Lecrae’s label Reach Records! We also touched on her Nigerian immigrant background and much more! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to check out the full replay below today!

Be sure to stay connected for the next interview and don’t miss our weekly giveaways! Details for the giveaways are mentioned at the end of each new episode after the artist’s interview and live performance. So, be sure to watch all the way through. We’ll be sure to keep it interesting!

Scroll down to watch the replay of the full interview and to stream Wande’s newest project release “Exit”.

Watch The Full Replay of “Song Stories” Episode Two

New Video “Happy” By Wande

STREAM THE ALBUM HERE:

ArtSoul Radio presents “Song Stories” hosted by DJ/Host “DJ Standout”! Song Stories is a new Interview Series currently hosted on IG LIVE that gets up close and personal with your favorite artists to learn more about the story behind some of your favorite songs and their journey along the way!

The first episode premiered Friday, May 1st featuring Grammy nominated artist Jonahtan McReynolds. Our host DJ Standout spoke with him about his new album “People” and how his collaboration with Pastor Michael Todd, Mali Music and The Walls Group came together, his dating life, family and much more! If you missed it, check out the clip below to catch a glimpse of what you missed. Then, subscribe to our YouTube channel for a replay of the full interview.

Don’t forget to purchase Jonathan McReynold’s newest album “People”.

 

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A post shared by artsoulradio (@artsoulradio) on May 1, 2020 at 11:44am PDT

WATCH FULL INTERVIEW HERE:

CATCH A SNEAK PEEK OF THE INTERVIEW HERE:

 

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