The 35th Annual Stellar Awards Will Now Be An “At Home” Virtual Presentation
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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…
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.
Tamara Young-McCoy is the founder of ArtSoul Konnect Entertainment Media, home to ArtSoulRadio.com, and a Radio Host/Journalist whose work has appeared in Ebony, Jet, Blavity, and other publications. With a background in TV, film, and digital media, she is dedicated to bridging faith, culture, and entertainment through storytelling and media innovation. She is passionate about mentoring young creatives, amplifying diverse voices, and advancing the Christian music industry while expanding its mainstream reach. Follow her on social media or learn more at www.tamarayoungmccoy.com.
March 28, 2025 (Atlanta, GA) — Anike returns with a fresh take on “Jesus Muzik”— Lecrae’s groundbreaking 2006 track that solidified him as a pioneer in Christian Hip-Hop—called “Jesus Muzik II” featuring Reach Records’ 1K Phew and Queen Lee.
This exclusive single coincides with a few fresh, fun rap tracks inside a new project called “Anike (formerly Wande): The Rap Pack.” The pack includes “SEND THAT,” “AGAIN & AGAIN,” “MOVE,” “YAHWEH,” and “HEAVENLY.”
“Jesus Muzik II” pays homage to Anike and Lecrae’s roots in the South, specifically Texas, which is a rarity in Christian Hip-Hop. You’ll hear Texas-inspired chopped and screwed moments combined with a real Texas flow.
“Jesus Muzik is a classic that celebrates being unashamed of your faith in your music. Music is often the soundtrack to many of our lives. With Jesus Muzik II we continue to celebrate our love for Christ and being unashamed about our faith through music,” says Anike.
ABOUT ANIKE
Anike, a Nigerian-born, Texas-raised rapper, influencer, and visionary shaping the future of Christians engaging with culture through her groundbreaking artistry and unwavering commitment to empowerment. With millions of annual streams on Spotify alone, Wande’s dynamic and empowering catalog continues to inspire listeners worldwide.
As the pioneering female rapper to achieve significant commercial success in the Christian Hip Hop space, Anike has firmly established herself as a luminary in the industry. Beyond her musical endeavors, Anike’s versatility shines through her memorable performances on stage and in music videos, as well as her encouraging and empowering voice on her social media platforms.
On the acclaimed TV show “Girl Talk” on TBNx, she demonstrates her dedication to empowering women on their spiritual journeys. If you don’t already know about Anike, you will soon as she continues to innovate her sound and capture the attention of the believers everywhere through her presence on social media.
ABOUT REACH RECORDS
Reach Records is an Atlanta based independent hip-hop label founded in 2004 by Lecrae and Ben Washer. Long before acclaim, awards, plaques, chart positioning, and radio play, the two started the label because they both love hip-hop and Jesus. Reach Records was launched with no strategy, no funds, no big players, but they made big moves! Today Reach Records is a trailblazing label with a roster of nearly 10 artists and a staff of 20 who are unashamed about sharing their faith and passionate about hip-hop. Reach Records is committed to building a movement that combines faith with music and popular culture.
GRAMMY Award winner Jekalyn Carr returns with a brand-new single, “Don’t Faint.”
“Don’t Faint” is an uplifting anthem written to inspire strength and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. Using powerful lyrics and a soulful melody, the track serves as a reminder to hold on, even when the journey feels overwhelming. Carr’s commanding vocals deliver a message of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners not to give up but to keep pushing forward. “Don’t Faint” is a heartfelt reminder that strength is found in endurance and that no matter how tough the road may seem, you have the power to keep going. It’s a song that empowers you to trust the process and find courage in the midst of adversity.
“This song was birthed out of a place of knowing that life’s journey can be tough, but we can’t give up. ‘Don’t Faint’ is a message of strength, hope, and endurance. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard the road gets, you have the power to keep going, because your breakthrough is closer than you think. This song is for everyone who’s ever felt like giving up—don’t faint, your victory is ahead!” — Jekalyn Carr
Watch The Full Video Here
Stream and Purchase Now!
About Jekalyn Carr
Grammy, Stellar and Dove award-winning recording artist and entrepreneur, Jekalyn Carr, began singing professionally when she was only fifteen years-old. In less than a decade later, Carr has become one of the top-selling independent recording artists in Gospel music. Jekayln Carr has garnered six Stellar awards wins, four GMA Dove wins, five GRAMMY® Award nominations, and two Billboard Music Award nominations. Carr’s accomplishments on the charts include nine Billboard number ones, eight number one radio singles, two number one albums, and two number one digital singles. Her music has been performed at such prestigious places like the Carnegie Hall. In 2022, Carr was featured by Forbes, which highlighted her Jekalyn Beauty brand. Her beauty line products consists of skin care, hair care, and fragrances. She was named one of EBONY Magazine’s coveted ‘Power 100’ at the age of thirteen, that highlights the most Influential people in the world. Carr also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the President of the United States. Carr was the first gospel artist to be inducted into the Women’s Songwriters Hall of Fame in Washington D.C., in addition to her illustrious singing career, Jekalyn Carr is a sought-after speaker, conference host, and radio personality.
[Nashville, TN: For Immediate Release] – Grammy Award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) trailblazer Derek Minor returns with powerful new visuals for his single, “I Won’t Leave” which features visually stunning AI-generated imagery that pushes the boundaries of faith-based storytelling. The single tells a story of finding redemption, love and healing.
Derek Minor is a Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and entrepreneur known for his work in Christian hip-hop and sync licensing. As the co-founder of Reflection Music Group, RMG Amplify and the Co-owner of his latest business venture Ownership Is The New Black, he has pushed boundaries in both business and in faith-based music collaborating with major platforms like ESPN, MTV, VH1, BET, Fox Sports, NFL Network, HBO, and more.
As we celebrate Black History Month, Minor stands as a living example of Black excellence in music, business, and ownership—redefining what success looks like for faith-driven and culturally engaged creatives.
While his latest single, “I Won’t Leave”, centers on God’s unwavering presence through life’s hardest moments, it is Derek’s testimony that breathes deeper context into the song. Through his testimony, he gets transparent about hard yet relatable topics such as mental health and finding the strength to forgive in a way that brings personal freedom in every area of life. His story is one of healing from past pains and trauma while finding true peace beyond material achievements. Through a combination of soulful lyricism, cinematic AI animation, and raw transparency, Derek unveils a story of restoration and faith that resonates with audiences worldwide.
As both an Entrepreneur and a creative, Minor is often seen experimenting with new ideas in his music and business. He does the same with this single being accompanied by a fully A.I. created Pixar styled video release.
“Storytelling in Pixar films is next level to me,” says Minor. “So, I when creating this visual, I wanted to use that style as the container for this message because I felt it would best help the lyrics connect home to people.”
– Derek Minor
Sharing his story, Derek says, “When I grew up, I used to think if I could just get money and be a good person, I would be happy. What I found was that after reaching a level of success, I still had work to do with forgiveness and self confidence. The last two or three years, I have been focused on forgiving and closing the chapters on a lot of things in my life. I’m at a point where I’m probably the happiest I’ve ever been right now.
The reason I wrote the the song “I Won’t Leave” is because there was a time I didn’t think this was a possibility. I always thought I was going to carry a lot of stuff forever. I felt broken… even though I was trying to inspire people to not be broken. The blessing is, I look back now fondly on the fact that God is the one who blessed me to be at this point. I did the work. But, He blessed the work. That’s what this song “I Won’t Leave You” is about. A lot of times we look at God and say, “why did you let this happen?” Or “why am I going through all this stuff?” God reminds us that stuff happens, but regardless of what happens, I’m going to be there with you through it all.
That’s part of my testimony. I went through a really really hard season. But, God was with me all the time. I closed the video for this single with the verse ‘Matthew 18:4-5’ because I learned that the only way to get to the healing is to have childlike faith. Children trust over and over again. They forgive over and over again. They have a posture of wanting to learn and wanting to grow. When I started adopting that posture of trust and faith and hopefulness, that’s when things began to shift in my life in terms of mental health, spiritual health and a lot more..”
The “I Won’t Leave” AI-animated music video debuts February 14th, offering a groundbreaking fusion of faith, God’s love, mental health, and cutting-edge visuals.
Whether talking about his personal life, politics or culture, Derek’s music has a trend of honest transparency and creativity coupled with hard hitting beats and visuals that his fans have come to love! His music stands out in CHH as always evolving which has blessed him with diverse audience of a wide range of ages and backgrounds who can relate to his stories and continue to grow with him.
Lecrae recently had this to say about Derek, “Derek Minor is in a lane of his own—too real for some, too Christian for others…He stands alongside artists like Killer Mike, Big K.R.I.T., Black Thought, and Royce da 5’9”—elite, but never industry-made.”
Check out this single along with Derek’s latest EP “Resist The System” below:
“Let The World Break Me” is another single on the “Resist The System” EP.
Follow Derek Minor on Social Media:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thederekminor YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thederekminor Stream Now! derekminor.ffm.to/links Official Website: derekminor.com