39TH ANNUAL CEREMONY SET TO BE CO-HOSTED BY 2X EMMY AWARD WINNER LONI LOVE & RADIO PERSONALITY/COMEDIAN RICKEY SMILEY
Central City Productions recently announced the nomineesin 36 categories for the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards taping on Saturday, July 20th, returning to Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the evening will bring together gospel music’s brightest stars for a celebration billed as “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music.” The 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3rd at 8PM and 10PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 – September 8, 2024.
Last year, The SMG Report rode a historic heatwave to arrive front and center with your favorite gospel artists. Check out our 2023 Stellar Awards recap!
39TH STELLAR AWARDS SET TO AIR ON THE STELLAR TV NETWORK SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD AT 8PM EST AND 10PM EST AND IN NATIONAL TV BROADCAST SYNDICATION FROM AUGUST 10, 2024 – SEPTEMBER 8, 2024;
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “The Stellar Awards has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration, celebrating the very best in gospel music. We are thrilled to have Loni Love and Rickey Smiley as our hosts this year, and we know they will bring a special touch of joy and excitement to the evening.”
Celebrated artist Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award; and GRAMMY Award and multiple Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett is set to receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tye Tribbett Tops Nominations List With 8; Pastor Mike Jr. and Ricky Dillard Earn 6 Nominations; Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell Earn 5 Nominations View All Nominations, HERE
Adding to the excitement, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS week, a fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show. From fashion and Afrobeats day events to masterclasses and more, the Stellar Plus week offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, fashion lover, or someone seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone. For those planning to attend, a full list of events and ticket information is available at stellarplusexperience.com. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of gospel music history and celebrate the artists who inspire us all. Stellar Plus events are sponsored by: Amazon Music, Compassion, The Recording Academy and more. Stellar Plus Event tickets are available now at stellarplusexperience.com.
Stellar Awards taping Tickets are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. Some of the biggest names in Gospel will be appearing as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
This year’s Stellar Awards is Sponsored by Procter & Gamble with Presenting Sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
A full list of the 39th annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit stellarawards.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, a one-hour music special, in partnership with the NFL, tapes Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Pearl Theater, Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, in advance of Super Bowl LVIII, airing Sunday, Feb. 11 on CBS. Tickets on Sale Now at Tickmaster.com.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will celebrate 25 wonderful years as the only event of its kind during Super Week when it tapes its annual special at the Pearl Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Through the years, the celebration has brought together athletes and gospel artists during the biggest week in sports. Many times, it is the kickoff to Super Week and gives concertgoers a chance to see marquee athletes’ faith in action!
CBS today announced performances and player honorees for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY, (previously known as the “Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”), airing Saturday, Feb. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs)*. Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold of CBS’ THE NEIGHBORHOOD will host.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is marking its 25th anniversary this year — and our very own @NateBurleson will receive the Lifetime of Inspiration Award.
Also announced today on CBS MORNINGS, co-host, Nate Burleson, will be honored on the special with the “Lifetime of Inspiration” Award. The honor will celebrate Burleson’s substantial impact on the NFL and people of faith, as well as recognize his contributions to media, sports, philanthropy, and business. This accolade has been bestowed six times in the event’s 25-year history, recognizing truly exceptional individuals in football who embody excellence, resilience, gratitude, and inspiration, both on and off the field. Previous recipients include Tony Dungy (2009), Ray Lewis (2013), Tim Brown (2015), Troy Vincent (2017), and Deion Sanders (2022).
Additionally, the special will feature an electrifying performance lineup led by Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Robin Thicke. Also, the telecast will feature a performance by The Players Choir. This all-player ensemble has become a staple of Super Bowl weekend festivities, captivating audiences with its powerful harmonies and unique blend of NFL talent for 16 seasons. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.
The show will also pay tribute to outstanding NFL players for their remarkable contributions on and off the field. The following players will be honored for their exceptional achievements:
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills (S), will be presented with the New Beginnings Award, recognizing his dedication, resilience, and inspiring journey in overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
Markquese Bell, Dallas Cowboys (LB), will be honored as the HBCU Player of the Year, celebrating his remarkable achievements and impact while representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
For a quarter-century THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY has captured the hearts of millions through the shared love of music, faith and the exhilaration of football. Bridging cultures and igniting inspiration, the Super Bowl LVIII sanctioned special brings together NFL players with award-winning artists and acclaimed musicians from diverse genres onto a single stage. The result is an unforgettable evening that transcends boundaries and remains the sole multicultural and inspirational program sanctioned by the NFL during the electrifying Super Bowl week.
Tickets for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY are on sale now and available to the public via Ticketmaster.com. Additionally, to mark this special occasion, exclusive commemorative 25th Anniversary limited-edition merchandise is available via the event’s official website SuperBowlSoulful.com, or on-site at the special taping in Las Vegas, allowing attendees to take home a piece of this historic celebration.
THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY is executive produced by Melanie Few, with Valarie Benning Thompson serving as producer. Veteran television creative Leon Knoles serves as Director, with Grammy-nominated artist Adam Blackstone serving as music director.
*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs.
For nearly sixteen years, the all-NFL Players Choir has delivered one of the most highly-anticipated musical performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Making its debut in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (now Super Bowl Soulful Celebration), the choir launched with more than 40 active and former NFL players under the direction of Grammy Award-Winning artist, Donnie McClurkin.
Developed by Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few with a core group of NFL players who wanted to share their faith through song, last season the group delivered two fan-favorite performances on the highest-rated television variety competition show “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT) – the classic Bill Withers anthem “Lean on Me” and Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”
To stay up to date with the latest Players Choir news and activities, please follow them on social @PlayersChoir.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE, KIRK FRANKLIN, ROBIN THICKE, MARY MARY, AND THE NFL PLAYERS CHOIR TO PERFORM AT SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY AIRING ON CBS
Get ready for a soul-stirring musical journey just in time for the holidays as the “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration,” Presented by P&G which premiered in national syndication on November 18, airing through January 28. Hosted by former NFL wide receiver and co-host of CBS Mornings, Nate Burleson, the “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration” pays tribute to the iconic moments that have shaped this community-event-turned-television-special over the past twenty-four years. It’s a one-hour celebration of inspiration, a showcase of extraordinary talent, and a testament to the power of unity. Read more about the special, HERE.
All images courtesy of Super Bowl Soulful Celebration/Front Page Firm
Last Saturday in Las Vegas was a movie as the gospel music community converged upon the Orleans Arena to celebrate the BIGGEST night in gospel music! The 2023 Stellar Gospel Music Awards experience was unmatched and unrivaled. With the addition of Stellar+ programming, Stellar week kicked off midweek and peaked with Saturday night’s capacity crowd live-taping. Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs-Leonard hosted the night and what seemed to signify a changing of the guard in gospel music. Of the many storylines stemming from this year’s show, none came up short! Pastor Mike, Jr. led all nominees and winners with ten and eight, respectively. PMJ was not only the night’s biggest winner, but the weekend’s biggest winner, serving as an ambassador for the Stellar Awards in many of the local activities.
https://fb.watch/lQFltP6UTp/
Now, for the BIG news of the night’s wins…
Category #1
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Category #2
SONG OF THE YEAR
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr., James Fortune & JeVon Hill; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Category #3
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #4
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
CATEGORY #5
DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
CATEGORY #6
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.
CATEGORY #7
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #8
CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Brent Jones; Nothing Else Matters (INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, PRAISE HIM); JDI Entertainment
CATEGORY #9
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Tye Tribbett & Joseph Bethea; All Things New; Motown Gospel
CATEGORY #10
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
CATEGORY #12
CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #13
TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Zacardi Cortez; Imprint; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #14
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
CATEGORY #16
CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #17
TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Imprint; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #18
URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
When I Pray; Doe; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
CATEGORY #19
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Mr. McClure; Michael McClure, Andre Rudolph & Antonio Minifield; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #23
SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
T.D. Jakes Presents “Finally Loosed”; Various Artists; Dexterity Sounds
CATEGORY #24
RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Church Clothes 4; Lecrae; Reach Records
CATEGORY #25
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Detroit Youth Choir; Rockspell; Confidential Records
CATEGORY #26
QUARTET OF THE YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson; Restructure, Renew Reunion; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #27
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
All Things New; Mike McKesey & Trent Nicholson; Motown Gospel
The SMG Report was on hand and in the mix so don’t miss a moment of our red-carpet recap as well as moments from the media room, coming up this week! We have some exclusives that we can’t wait to share with you, so rock with us as we roll out our Stellar coverage!
As pointed out in pre-show interviews, the show is only the tip of the iceberg. The Stellar+ Experience put gospel music lovers and gospel music makers in shared spaces for informational, transactional and inspirational moments only the Stellars can provide. Because The Stellar Gospel Music Awards serve as the premiere gospel music awards promotion, the industry comes out to be a part of the week leading up to the show.
This gave The SMG Report a chance to hear Mary Mary discuss future plans for music and ministry, meet numerous artists under the MNRK imprint and umbrella, witness Laterras R. Whitfield’s LIVE episode taping of the Dear Future Wifey podcast.
AT&T Dream in Black is the presenting sponsor for the 38th Annual Stellar Awards. Aflac, GM, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, McDonalds, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Spotify, State Farm, Verizon and Walmart are also proud supporters of this year’s program.
Don’t miss the telecast of the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on the Stellar Network on Sunday, July 30 at 6 p.m. ET and BET on Sunday, August 6, at 8 p.m. ET. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted by the outstanding performances and heartfelt moments that define Gospel music.
For more information about the Stellar Gospel Music Awards Show, please visit www.stellarawards.com. Stay updated with the latest news by following @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook.
“The world’s most exciting high school players come to Las Vegas”
Rosters were announced today for the Inaugural Big Baller Brand All-American Game showcasing 22 of the nation’s elite high school seniors. This event was created to highlight the skill and athleticism of college basketball’s next generation of stars and is expected to be fast paced, full of creativity and no shot clock will be required.
The West Team will include Jaden McDaniels, Federal Way High School, WA, (Undecided), Jahmius Ramsey, Duncanville High School, TX (Texas Tech), Oregon commit Isaac Johnson, (American Fork, UT) and Jaykwon Walton, Carver High School, AL who will be playing at Georgia in the fall.
The East Team will be led by LaMelo Ball, Spire institute, OH (Undecided), Christian Brown Oak Hill Academy, VA, Undecided, Rocket Watts, Spire Institute, OH, (Michigan State) and Romeo Weems, New Haven High School, (DePaul).
Coaches for the game will be: East – Jermaine Jackson – Spire Institute, Geneva, OH East- Brian Clifton- Word of God, Raleigh, NC West – George Washington – Pebblebrook High School, Mablelton, GA West – Chad Beaton – Clarke High School, Las Vegas, NV
The Big Baller Brand All American Game will take place on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 3:00pm at the Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV. Tickets are on sale now at the Orleans arena box office, (702)365-7469 or at orleansarena.com
For more media information and press credentials please contact: alexis@diamondmpr.com Major basketball media coverage for the Big Baller Brand All-American Game is expected.
For additional information please visit our website at bbballamerican.com
Big Baller Brand All-American Game 900 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 27E Los Angeles, CA, 90015
PARIS & PRINCE JACKSON TO ACCEPT THE ELIZABETH TAYLOR AIDS FOUNDATION LEGACY AWARD FOR THEIR FATHER IN LAS VEGAS
Stars and Fans Around the World Celebrate Michael Jackson’s Diamond Birthday (PRNewsfoto/The Estate of Michael Jackson)
The entire world is coming together today for the Diamond Celebration for Michael Jackson’s birthday. From a giant Diamond Celebration crown at Southbank – Observation Point in London, to a mural in Hamburg, Germany, to fan generated gatherings in Japan, Spain, Moscow and more, to a party for over 1300 fans in Las Vegas, events are planned to salute the King of Pop, the greatest entertainer of all time and the biggest selling solo artist in history. In order to recognize the importance of the day, Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson are releasing Michael Jackson x Mark Ronson: Diamonds are Invincible, Grammy award winning producer/artist/DJ Mark Ronson’s take on some of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits.
Ronson said, “It was such an amazing, awe-inspiring and insanely intimidating task to put this together, although you’d need hours and hours to fit all of Michael’s classic tunes into one track. I wanted this to feel like being on the dancefloor at a sweaty, wild NYC club getting down to as much MJ as possible in five minutes. And I can’t wait for you to all hear the extended version coming soon.”
Hailed by Rolling Stone as “A virtual parade of ‘wow’ moments,” Michael Jackson ONE is an electrifying fusion of acrobatics, dance and visuals that reflects the dynamic showmanship of the King of Pop, immersing the audience into the world of Michael’s music. Driven by his biggest hits heard like never before in a riveting, state-of-the-art surround-sound environment Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil performs exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Tonight in Las Vegas, after a performance of the acclaimed Michael Jackson ONE show by Cirque du Soleil, hundreds of fans, Paris Jackson, Prince Jackson, Michael’s children, plus his brothers Jackie, Tito, and other celebs such as Gabrielle Union, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashlee Simpsons Ross and Evan Ross and sports figures such as Blake Griffin will be on hand for the Diamond Birthday Celebration at the Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay, hosted by Sony Music and the Estate of Michael Jackson. Prince and Paris will be a part of a special presentation to their father from The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation for which Paris is an Ambassador. A DJ set from Mark Ronson and a surprise performance by an 8x Grammy winning star will entertain the crowd.
Earlier in the day, luxury shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti announced “Giuseppe Tribute to Michael Jackson”, a limited-edition sneaker collection with each pair numbered in sequence, available in mid-October in select Giuseppe Zanotti stores worldwide and giuseppezanotti.com, and exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Neimanmarcus.com in the US. Created in partnership with the Estate of Michael Jackson, each exclusive sneaker will be numbered in sequence and will feature Swarovski crystals on the fasteners and Michael’s name engraved on the buckle.
Other salutes to Michael’s birthday are BOSS’s release today of a capsule collection that includes a new edition of the iconic suit that he wore on the cover of Thriller and three unisex T-shirts, each featuring an iconic moment in Michael Jackson’s career. And sonic experts Master & Dynamic’s have created a special limited edition wireless headphones available worldwide.
The cultural relevancy of Michael Jackson’s music and legacy has never been more evident:
A hit Vegas show, a Broadway play in the works, a huge Drake track on which Michael is the featured vocalist, a limited edition sneaker from one of the world’s top luxury designer and a critically acclaimed Michael Jackson-inspired exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The popularity of the iconic artist and his music show no signs of slowing down. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced last week that 21 different songs and three albums, spanning Jackson’s career, have garnered major new Gold and Platinum certifications. With 67M Facebook followers & 8.5M YouTube subscribers & 5.3B video views, Michael Jackson is as hot as ever.
