Events

Why Elevation Collective’s “Evidence” Album is a Needed Representation of Unity

Published

7 years ago

March 26, 2018

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When I first moved to Chicago from Virginia, my new church had a different way of worshipping, a new sound, you could say. I could have complained or compared the two but instead, I decided to discover God in a new way and have grown so much in my relationship with Him. Isaiah 43:18-21 says, “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?”

I would never expect an album to represent the unity that Christ brings in such a way as Elevation Collective ’s album, Evidence— a special project featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Tye Tribbett, Kierra Sheard, and The Walls Group, has.

“…in a world where everyone wants to be defined by how they can be separated. These lead artists in Christian music are exemplifying unity of the Spirit.”

Our ambitions or audience isn’t a factor when we unite. I’m pretty sure Elevation Collective didn’t say, “what will our audience think of this?”, when they decided to mix their contemporary style with the gospel. They simply heard the sound and obeyed. Now people all over the world are experiencing God in a new way!

It is so much more than a cover album, in a world where everyone wants to be defined by how they can be separated. These lead artists in Christian music are exemplifying unity of the Spirit, in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God just as Ephesians, chapter four instructs us.

The foundation of our faith was based on the great leader like David who created psalms, music, and prayers that have cultivated billions of devout Christian walks. Old Testament verbiage would pin David as a Levite. One who was sent out to prepare soldiers for battle as king, set the atmosphere for God to move on His people’s behalf as minstrel/psalmist.

We now live in times where we need God more than ever, the world has tried to take Him out of schools, government, and science. Every day we turn on the news someone else is killed but I have hope that with a tribe of Levites banning together on one accord, in one mind and purpose, God has to respond.

God’s glory came in Acts in-part because of the like-mindedness of his people. We have to understand that no matter the denomination or doctrine, there is only one King who reigns on the throne. When His children come together to cry out, we connect the dots, we bring forth the sound that the earth has been groaning for. God yearns for those Acts moments where He can pour out his spirit upon all flesh and there is a shaking throughout the universe. Therefore our commission is to come together in our differences, embracing what connects us— the power we need is in our ability to unify.

Genesis 11 answers how to get closer to God. The people of Babel though they had the wrong motive, they knew that building a tower to heaven was possible because of the power of agreement! Nothing could stop them but God himself! Imagine if all who claim to live in Christ actually came into agreement, on one accord with God’s will for us… We’d probably worship and praise all day and night, people would be healed not only of sickness but delivered from addictions, lusts, poverty, and greed. The things of this world could not possibly matter if our minds are constantly stayed on Him.

Our pasts have harbored so much anguish, hurt and pain towards one another. Let this album be a sign to the world of the revelation Christ has for us as believers and those who have yet to believe.

Listen to Evidence Here

Events

The Stellar Plus Experience Is Back!

Published

2 months ago

July 9, 2025

Art Soul

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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

ArtSoul Spotlight

2025 Stellar Awards Nominees Announced

Published

3 months ago

June 17, 2025

Tamara Young

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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!”

Events

Jackie The Educator Promotes BCI’s 2nd Anual BCI Conference on ArtSoul Radio’s Own TrackStarz Radio Show

Published

3 months ago

June 17, 2025

Art Soul

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Jackie the Educator recently spoke with “Ryan The Righteous” on the TrackStarz Radio Show airing weekly on ArtSoulRadio via iHeart Radio for a transparent conversation about the journey behind BCI (Black Christian Influencers). Jackie speaks about building faith-centered spaces, and what it really takes to lead in today’s culture.

This interview originally aired on our 24/7 programming TrackStarz, one of our syndicated shows here on ArtSoul Radio—streaming 24/7 with fresh convos, real stories, and voices that move the culture.

In case you missed it, we’re dropping the full interview here so you can hear it straight from the source. Jackie talks about the highs, the challenges, and the future of her growing platform. Whether you’re in the influencer space or just passionate about seeing faith + culture collide in meaningful ways, this one’s worth the listen.

🎧 Watch the full interview below
📻 Originally aired on ArtSoulRadio’s 24/7 Radio Station on iHeart Radio (The TrackStarz Radio Show)
💬 Then tag us and let us know your thoughts.