65 Responses

• Tam wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  What's the criteria of these categories and nominees? How can one be both traditional and urban inspirational? Isn't Contemporary CD and Urban Inspirational the same thing or too similar to be separate? Even the featured performance choices aren't appealing.... "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year" as a category? Seriously? For a gospel music awards show? Sigh.... Another sign that I'm "outgrowing" (most of) mainstream gospel music (award shows). And I wish it wasn't so. But in recent years these shows squeezed out every bit of their integrity to honor the genre.

  
  
• Julien wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  Tarralyn Ramsey should've at least gotten a nod for female vocalist. I see CeCe Winans name all over this list. Was that album that good?

  
  
• busy04 wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  Same ole', same ole' stuff...but it is the Stellars. Didn't expect much anyway *shrug*

  
  
• sean wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  I feel for new artists cuz Stellars seldomly recognize them....most of these nominees are major label acts...and Donnie as the host again? c'mon CHURCH??!!!! Good luck to all nominees.

  
  
• Nique wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  I see Marvin Sapp racking up, and not really because of the quality of his CD. Forever Jones I don't see getting anything. Once people realized that the rest of the CD wasn't like their single the hype over them died. I don't know why Lucinda Moore keeps getting nominations and I will leave it at that. And who thought Kirk Franklin could get a nomination even though he has done anything in a while "Kanye Shrug" Hopefully it's just as entertaining as the last, I enjoyed the Brat Pack reunion last year.

  
  
• Michael Jenkins wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  I am glad that Karen is nominated, favorite singer!

  
  
• Shayrenee wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  What are they (Stellars) looking for when it comes to nominees? I see pretty much the same artist every year! While they are very gifted...It make me wonder is it really about who you know? There are so many gospel artist on the Indie list. Why not have a category for them? Don't get me wrong I like most of the artist listed. But is seems as if new artist and independent artist do not stand a chance...

  
  
• Evelyn wrote on October 24, 2010
  
  

  I am glad to see The Anointed Pace Sisters nominated and hope that they are able to take home an award. They really deserve a Stellar and finally the list on nominees are so much better than they were last year.

  
  
• A.T. wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I'm a little disappointed that Forever Jones' single "He Wants It All" isn't nominated for Song of the Year. But Stellar or no Stellar, it's still a deeply meaningful song that prods us to fix our gaze on Christ and yield our hearts to the One who loves us all with a boundless, jealous, and unconditional love.

  
  
• Kwartema wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  @ Shayrenee - There are so many gospel artist on the Indie list. Why not have a category for them? Kwartema - now you mention it thats so so so true and in all fairness some of the Indie artists are really really really good .. despite the fact they dont have the huge financial backing of major labels.....

  
  
• Jayofunity wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I guess the Stellars feel like that cant win for losing....simply because last year the complaints were we dont even know or ever heard of the people that was being nominated...and this year the list is filled of people who are well known in gospel....I really believe the issue is not the Stellars but just gospel music industry in general. If you look at other industries such as rap/hip hop, r&b, and pop. The artist that were relevant 10 to 15 years ago are not necessarily relevant in the current years. For some reason in gospel there's a tendency to hold on to the same artist that was hot so many years ago. I think until that change thats the only time we'll see the Stellars change. But the nomination do reflect what was popular on gospel radio....so I guess I'll have to give them that. I think more of my complaints come in when you have Donnie Mclurkin hosting yet another year something needs to be done about that try something different! I also hope that they cover all aspect of black gospel in the performances from traditional to contemporary and even some of the hip hop. I mean these hip hop artist have been killing the charts lately so give them some shine too. I'm suprised to see no nomination for Brian Courtney Wilson or Earnest Pugh. and they need to get these categories together. Because I consider choirs like James Fortune & Fiya....Myron Butler & Levi....and even when Kirk had his people they are more like contemporary choirs not groups when you think of groups you think of Mary Mary, Bebe & Cece, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Virtue, Rizen, and etc.

  
  
• Mia_v4c wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Put me on the list of those who would like to know the difference between Traditional, Contemporary, and Urban Inspirational. *baffled* I'm especially glad to see J.Moss, Darwin Hobbs, Youthful Praise, and "They That Wait" on the list...even though, with the exception of Darwin, those projects/that song almost seem old to me know...like they should have won last year...

  
  
• eMuzic wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  @TAM and everyone else - I am also confused on how they are categorizing these artists. Why Is Fred H. listed as Contemporary and Marvin S. as Traditional? I see them both as Contemporary artists. If anything Fred H. cd "Love Unstoppable" was more traditional when compared to Marvin S. cd "Here I Am". They seem to have the Female Vocalists categotized correct....What is the criteria?

  
  
• Renee' wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I'm not believing some of these nominees ........rolling eyes.

  
  
• Novella wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  My Nominees: Artist of the Year: Brian Courtney Wilson Male Vocalist - Brian Courtney Wilson Urban Inspirational Performance - Brian Courtney Wilson - Just Love Song of the Year - VaShawn Mitchell - Nobody Greater Praise & Worship CD of the Year - Kevin LeVar

  
  
• Kwartema wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  @emuzic - I'm with you on the Marvin Sapp Traditional nom cos I wouldnt label him traditional either.... but like someone mentioned I think Marvin Sapp will scoop these awards and I think bebe and cece will tooo

  
  
• 4HisGlory wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I'm a HUGE Brian Courtney Wilson fan too. His project JUST LOVE didn't meet the submission criteria to be included this year as the CD was released in 2009.

  
  
• Taking A Stand! wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Same people all the darn time. Bryron Courtney Wilson and Earnest Pugh should have been nominated for something! I have a good feeling folks visit this site to see what folks are talking about; so good let me say it plain and simple. What are you going to do when the young generation don't believe "The Stellar" are relevant? What are you going to do when the young generation don't support buying music from seasoned artists anymore? Seasoned Artist clearly see what's happening and they don't collectively take a stand to preserve the industry. So then you'll suffer too! I'm not supporting seasoned artist until they take a stand to speak up for the younger generation of artist which clearly are dead in the water without radio play, television performances and awards. It's clearly disrespectful and I'm going to do my part, how about you?

  
  
• Tam wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Q: What are you going to do when the young generation don't believe "The Stellar" are relevant? A. It would depend on the reason why future/younger generations would not believe "The Stellars" are relevant. The Stellers (I believe) started off for a very relevant reason: as a way to honor BLACK gospel artists who had been NEGLECTED by the Dove Awards. That may be the ONLY reason it remains relevant, esp. if the quality of their shows and award categories/nominations keep going the way they are (which is REPETITIVE and ILLOGICAL). Secondly, the Doves have moved to the ATL to, in part, diversify their audience. It's a wait and see on how serious they (the Doves) are about meaningful racial/ethnic diversity. Q. What are you going to do when the young generation don't support buying music from seasoned artists anymore? Depends on who you're calling "seasoned". I would advise anyone buying (gospel) music to buy QUALITY (gospel) music, regardless of the age of the artist. Unfortunately, the younger generation has to deal with a multimedia market in which radio play, TV performances, and award shows are not what they used to be. It's ALL about the internet(s). Online marketing. Social networking. Generate the buzz online and then the people will come see you in concert and buy/download your music. But the other side of things is that some of these gospel artists will make different choices to appear in certain ("secular" places/venues to get visibility that might not have been open to them in the past. And for some gospel music buyers, that's unacceptable. It's seen as a compromise in integrity. For others, as long as the QUALITY and integrity to gospel music is still there, it's all good. Plus, why would the seasoned support the younger artists in the sense of making money? Gospel music is a BUSINESS and all/most/some/few of these gospel artists are competing for our music buying dollars. Unfortunately, based on all the scandals and rumors, it's beginning to get difficult to maintain an admiration for some of the "seasoned" gospel artists.

  
  
• RoR wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  The Stellars have become the Soul Train Awards of the gospel world. Just blah...

  
  
• Tracy wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  me to....but why are they nominatesd with quartet groups?

  
  
• tracy wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  me, dont get it

  
  
• Jason Hardy wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I'm surprised to see that RiZen isn't nominated for any awards. I also believe Lisa Page Brooks should've been nominated for more than just 1 award and her song "I Wanna Say Thank You" , should've been nominated in the 'Song of the Year' Category. Also JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise shouldve gotton more nods. No nods for Earnest Pugh? or Brian Courtney Wilson?..a nod for T57??for what?...

  
  
• ocsj wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Is she still singing gospel music?

  
  
• ocsj wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Why is Kim Burrell not one of the best female vocals nominees?

  
  
• Tam wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  "Also, I think Marvin Sapp deserves some award for breaking the record for the highest charting gospel album." If the Stellars had did this ONE THING, it would have saved this year's show. Not only for the highest charting gospel album, but to encourage him through a very sad time for him and his family. This is the kind of forward thinking that the Stellars need to do to maintain any kind of relevance.

  
  
• Tam wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I'm gonna help the Stellars out and suggest a category: Gospel music/movie soundtrack. The soundtrack from Dietrick Haddon's movie "Blessed & Cursed" was good.

  
  
• WHAT wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Kim Burell is not that Good of a singer. My opinon.

  
  
• meme wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I think the Stellar nominations this year is a better reflection of the industry than last year...I do not have a problem with Donnie hosting he is definately one of the better presenters and he is loved.

  
  
• busy04 wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  I cosign with that suggestion! (*sigh* If only the Stellars were bright enough to come up with that on their own...no disrespect intended) BUT...are there really enough "gospel movies" being released today to maintain such a category? Cause for me, one good ole' (or bad) gospel movie once every decade (I know I'm exaggerating, lol) isn't enough. MHO :)

  
  
• Jayofunity wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  as a fan of T57 i thought it was a little awkward for them to get nomination this year honestly I wasnt expecting it but the nomination is for their Christmas album but i do think they deserve it simply cuz their last two albums didnt get a nomination after it was nominated for grammys and dove

  
  
• Music Lover wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Shouldn't you sing in order to be nominated in a vocalists category. Why in the world is James Fortune nominated for Contemporary Male Vocalists and he don't even ad lib, let alone sing a verse. HUH???? Somebody PLEASE help me with that one. And does anybody think he will beat out Fred, Marvin, or BeBe and CeCe in any of the categories?

  
  
• Shayrenee wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  That is something to think about! I have to say it made me laugh!

  
  
• Tam wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  Good point! :-) Maybe the category could start off by recognizing maybe gospel-themed songs from movies or songs from movies written/performed by gospel artists.... There are more movies than we think that could form some kind of category. What about songs from these movies: "The Gospel" (2006) Boris Kodjoe, Nona Gaye, Idris Elba, and Clifton Powell "Preacher's Kid" (2010) "Fighting Temptations" (2003) "Preaching to the Choir" (2006) "The Preacher's Wife (2002) "One Night With the King" (????) I think a couple of these movie soundtracks were recognized by the Grammy Awards....

  
  
• The Bull wrote on October 25, 2010
  
  

  The Stellars stink. That's mostly b/c the gospel artists stink. The truly great artists are few in number and won't get a lot of recognition. Most of the popular radio songs are watered down not sound doctrine and just isn't good music. There are only 1-2 albums worth buying a year. Along with the fact that some of these artists/producers/preachers are just doing stuff that give the black church a bad name. I don't get too excited about this genre anymore. And its really a shame.

  
  
• just_Dee wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  First of all: congrats to ALL of the nominees. Second of all: MARVIN SAPP IS GONNA WIN IT ALL!!! He's nominated in almost every category. "Best in me" is like "never would've made it" all over again... I was a tad bit confused about BeBe and CeCe being nominated in the special event CD category...I was even more confused as to why Trin-I-Tee 5:7 was nominated in the best group category (no disrespect to them)their last CD came out in 08 (T57), and I don't think they have a single out(correct me if I'm wrong)...I'm very pleased with the renaming of the best female vocalist category to honor albertina(may she rest in peace) I'm glad to see kirk franklin getting the thomas dorsey notable achievement award (its about time)...I'm looking forward to the performances this year...I can't wait!!!

  
  
• busy04 wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Those movies had great music. Still do, when you go back & pull them out! And it's a shame that some of them were barely, if at all recognized. "maybe gospel-themed songs from movies or songs from movies written/performed by gospel artists" Agreed. You know what's funny, is the fact that I actually just went through my dvd's & saw some movies (besides the ones you named) that could very well be placed in that category. It could definitely be formed. Thinking about the possibility of it is all good, but this thing called called reality is keeping me from continuing lol...I'm still stuck with Stellars being the Stellars. *sigh*

  
  
• Nicci wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Where is YAnna?

  
  
• Mia_v4c wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  "Why in the world is James Fortune nominated for Contemporary Male Vocalists and he don't even ad lib, let alone sing a verse. HUH???? Somebody PLEASE help me with that one." Speechless, lol. I can't even come up with a worthy response besides, "You right, you right", LOL!!! And what's sad is that I (and probably most readers) missed this. I wonder how many other folks caught it besides Music Lover...hmmm....

  
  
• Honestly wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  My thoughts exactly! And I laughed something horrible when I saw that.....come on Stellars!! LOL

  
  
• Raven wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  You have a good point! lol! No he will not win in those categories. Fred, Marvin, and Bebe & Cece will be a tight choice though.

  
  
• Raven wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  She will probably show up on next year's line up if her sales are good. Her cd was just released.

  
  
• Christina wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  The soundtrack for B&C was good but the movie wasn't

  
  
• Taking A Stand! wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  I caught it and I loved the comment! We let Kirk Franklin and Donald Lawrence get away with it for years, I guess we made the model, we'll have to live with it!

  
  
• Taking A Stand! wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Darwin Hobbs CD was released after Yanna and he's nominated. It's all a big game!

  
  
• Mia_v4c wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  But I don't recall either Kirk or Donald winning any Male Vocalist awards. Maybe they need to add "Contemporary Frontman/woman", LOL. That would be more suitable for Fortune and others who lead like him...I guess...

  
  
• Mia_v4c wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Darwin's CD was released in June 2010. Y'anna's CD was released in August 2010. No funny business there...

  
  
• Keisha M. wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  That's what they've always been, in my opinion.

  
  
• Taking A Stand! wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Y'Anna CD came out before the cut off period and it sold more records than Darwin. Yes there is funny business. But for the record, Y'Anna's CD wasn't a Praise & Worship Record. To be honest i don't know what category to put that record in.

  
  
• Music Lover wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  I remember Donald being nominated for Male Vocalists a couple of years back and smh...... but now when I see James nominated, I said to myself, "at least Donald TRY to sing and ad lib a little bit." Neither he nor Kirk has won in that category. And at least Kirk KNOWS he can't sing. But c'mon now, James speaking voice isn't even impressive. LOL!!! I think the Stellars is making a mockery of him. CD or the year, please! What other songs are on his project besides Encore, that people know? I Believe isn't even on his CD. Funny! Funny! Funny!

  
  
• NoGreaterGod wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Why would anyone "search all over" looking for someone greater than God? Does the word "you" in the song refer to God?

  
  
• busy04 wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Right! lol

  
  
• busy04 wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  @Mia_v4c "Contemporary Frontman/woman"......Right! lol

  
  
• Daniel wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  James Fortune - Contemporary Male Vocalist...Are you serious? Does He Sing? Encore -Praise and Worship Album...........Really???

  
  
• Daniel wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  Because She did not do any album in the last one year????

  
  
• Johl wrote on October 26, 2010
  
  

  So the Stellars like the Music it claims to awards is becoming irrelevant. No let me check that... it is irrelevant. Irony is that "church kids"... youth aren't buying into this genre because of it's lack of relevancy and truthfulness and the Old School feels isolated from the music they grew up with because of it's "crossover mentality". The CCM side of this is facing the same issues and both are faltering horribly in sells and success. Sure "Never Would Have Made It" made a splash for awhile but that was because Hip Hop radio embraced a not so "offensive" gospel song and made it secularly popular... both of which the Gospel was never intended to be (non-offensive or popular)... I tell ya. I loved Gospel music more than anyone in the world (ask Kwartema) but now-a-days it's just a muddled shame. Honestly CeCe shouldn't be all over this thing, and just as the Dove Awards nominates her cause she's a "safe name that everyone knows" the same has happened with the Stellars. "gospel" music (lowercase )has forsaken the Gospel (uppercase) and thusly is quickly becoming irrelevant and pointless. Especially now as it seems one must have a "scandal and repentance" moment before their albums will even sell.

  
  
• notlost1 wrote on October 27, 2010
  
  

  Dang..in the words of Fred Hammond.. " I guess u been holy all yo lil' life!?! No response needed.... it was rhetorical.

  
  
• notlost1 wrote on October 27, 2010
  
  

  Wow.. can't believe LaCrae didn't make the gospel rap category. He's all over every chart. Maybe next year.

  
  
• Corey wrote on October 28, 2010
  
  

  @Notlost1... Crae was not nominated for the SAME reason that Piper, Paul Washer and Mark Driscoll don't get invited to TBN. He's all things reformed and the "popular christian culture" can't STAND that. Crae is anomaly in that he has made a splash in a much unexpected way, which says that a lot of younger people are moving over to the reformed view of Scripture and Church. I think LeCrae would count it an HONOR that the Stellars did not nominate him, as the group of people that are in the "in-crowd" of that part of "gospel" don't line up (For the most part) with ANYTHING that LeCrae advocates and preaches about on the daily. LeCrae and his crew (Flame, Pro, Tedashi, Trip Lee and the like) teach a message that is rejected by the "Stellar Awards Culture" LeCrae says "forget the money, the ice, the fame" because the greatest gain in this life is death... and guys like Donald Lawrence say that these things are a necessity to believers having a full life. One is a wildly popular view and the other is a rejected view... AND I bet if one was to ask anyone on the Stellar Awards board (if there is a such) if they knew who Crae was... you'd get a resounding no. Which makes him, that much better in my BOOK!

  
  
• Honestly wrote on October 28, 2010
  
  

  At LEAST Kirk and Donald will both sing a verse or two......James Fortune is in an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT category than the two of them. He does not sing ANYTHING. LOL No hate to him at all...I have no issues w/ the song being nominated, or the cd, but him as a vocalist?? Who comes up with this stuff!!?? LOL

  
  
• ejgaines wrote on October 28, 2010
  
  

  @notlost1 and @Corey-- LeCrae is not on the chart because his album was not released during the eligibility period. It's pretty simple-- to be nominated this year, your album had to be released before June 30th. That's all. I'm not defending the Stellars, but Trip Lee is actually nominated, so the "Stellar Awards Culture" clearly doesn't reject him. As an aside, Donald Lawrence has never said that money, ice and fame are a necessity to believers having a full life. Let's not do that.

  
  
• Honestly wrote on October 28, 2010
  
  

  *blank stare*.....you're kidding right? Certainly you get the point of the song, and how it relates to the lives of all of us who have ever tried to fill the void in our lives with something or someone other than God, only to find that there's nothing or noone greater than Him.....I'm hoping this is a joke. LOL

  
  
• C.J. wrote on October 28, 2010
  
  

  I think Lisa Page Brooks should replace Lucinda Moore for Best Female vocalist because her "I Want To Say Thank You' song has been well received by Gospel Radio. She has really starting to get her due as a solo artist. Haven't heard Lucinda's song on the radio.But the truth is that is is an INDUSTRY!!! There are politics involved imo. You can't get mad at the choice of the nominees. If you are mad at how the Gospel Industry is being run then stop buying the albums from the SEASONED artists. If not, then the stellar awards won't change because if these SEASONED artists are still making an impact on radio and in album sales they will get the nominations.

  
  
• Tina wrote on December 6, 2010
  
  

  Glad to see The Christian Angels nominated .... my favorite female group... If you have not heard these annointed ladies u tube them please!

  
  
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