The 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by Gospel luminaries Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton and the be-gowned Vickie Winans was an elegant evening tribute to the best in gospel. The house was packed. The mood was festive. Central City Productions returned to Nashville, at the Grand Ole Opry, with a stellar show.

An energetic entrée with Mary Mary’s “Heaven” which later earned them a Stellar Award for "Urban/Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year" got things on and poppin’. Then energy personified, Tye Tribbett and GA, joined in to raise ceremony attendees to their feet as they blended in their “No Way” chant.

Not to be outdone, Kirk Franklin delivered a throwback-themed performance that kept it going, with “Imagine Me” and “Looking For You” dramatized under a spinning disco ball.

Perhaps the most well-received performance was by The Mississippi Mass Choir, with Moise Burke on lead vocals, delivering their hit “Not Tired Yet”. This one had the crowd singing along for several minutes after the choir had finished. J.Moss singing “I’ll Praise” with new trio 21:03 in backup, was also appreciated.

Photo Recap

See the numerous photos from the Stellar Awards. Clicking on each of the links below takes you to a new set of photos. Ceremony Taping Behind Scenes

Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum offered what was perhaps the most memorable performance. Whalum’s “Falling in Love with Jesus” (from his Stellar-winning album Gospel According to Jazz, Vol. 2) led by Butler and his guitar provided a moment of worship, that was indeed the spiritual high point of the ceremony.

Also performing were Dottie Peoples, Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence, Shirley Caesar, Walter Hawkins, Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers and Smokie Norful.

Between all the hot presentations there were awards and tributes given. Among them Fred Hammond received the Most Notable Achievement Award for his deep contribution to the genre. Songwriting, record sales and performance were noted, with Hammond’s catalogue with Commissioned, Radical for Christ and as a solo artist receiving special recognition. Joann Rosario and Men of Standard tributed Hammond with a medley of songs including "Running Back To You", "No Weapon", "Blessed" and "Glory To Glory".

The Winans Family were recipients of the James Cleveland Award for having made a major impact in the advancement of Gospel. Known as the First Family of Gospel Music, The Winans laid the groundwork for many early contemporary artists. Andrae Crouch, a past recipient of the Award, introduced Chant&#eacute; Moore, Kenny Lattimore and RiZen, who honored the family and the late Ronald Winans through musical tribute. Rev. Jesse Jackson presented the family with the prestigious award.

Jonathan Nelson received honors in winning the Songwriter of the Year award. An award that often goes to a well-known, Nelson scored big in recognition for his exceptional writing on “Healed”, recorded by Donald Lawrence. Presented the award by the great Aretha Franklin, Nelson —once one of the industry’s best kept secrets— is now the proverbial cat out of the bag.

Lawrence, who received ten nominations in total, won six Stellar Awards. J Moss followed him with three awards, including "New Artist of the Year." Lil' iROCC Williams won two, a major coup, in the category of “Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year” that is often overlooked, and also “Children's Performance of the Year”. Other multiple winners were Walter Hawkins and Dr. Charles Hayes & The Warriors, for their Remix album.