Stellar Awards: Nominees Announced & Sinbad To Host

By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com

The nominations for the 24th Annual Stellar Awards were announced on Tuesday, Oct. 21 during a press conference in Nashville, Tenn.

The Grammy's of the gospel industry, the show will take place on Jan. 17, 2009 at the Grand Ole Opry.

For the first time, comedian Sinbad has been tapped to host the ceremony.

It is expected that gospel superstar Yolanda Adams will be named as his co-host in the coming weeks.

Marvin Sapp tops the list with nine nominations, being considered in categories like "Song of the Year," "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Traditional Male of the Year," to name a few.

Newcomer Jonathan Nelson, who won a Stellar Award for "Song of the Year" in 2006 for penning Donald Lawrence's 'I'm Healed,' tailed Sapp with a staggering eight nominations.

Kirk Franklin and Dorinda Clark Cole are tied with five nominations a piece.

Singers Ricky Dillard, Beverly Crawford, Israel & New Breed, Canton Jones and CeCe Winans each earned nods in four categories.

Deitrick Haddon's group, Voices of Unity garnered three nominations for their CD, 'Deitrick Haddon presents Voices of Unity.'

Haddon also received two nominations for his urban inspirational single 'Love Him Like I Do,' featuring Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary.

In the coveted "New Artist of the Year" category, nominees include Jessica Greene, Jai Reed, Terrell Hunt, Melody and The Murrills.

As far as special recognitions, Vickie Winans will receive the "Most Notable Achievement Award."

Gospel great Daryl Coley will be saluted with the "James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award."

Lastly, "The Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award" will be presented to last year's "Quartet of the Year" winners The Rance Allen Group.

After the show tapes during the Martin Luther King Day weekend it will air nationally in syndication before the Gospel Music Channel becomes the first-run home for cable broadcasting.