( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) The BET Stellar Awards was The #1 Program For The Night on All TV for Black Viewers
ENSPIRE Contributor: LaShonda Thompson
The annual “Stellar Gospel Music Awards” aired on BET, bringing together the biggest personalities in gospel music for an extraordinary night of spectacular performances and soul-stirring tributes. The celebrations and tributes of the gospel singers brought praise and dance to our television sets. But what made the night even more special was the record-breaking viewership. The “Stellar Awards” was the #1 program for the night on all TV for Black viewers P2+ excluding sports with 867 K Total Viewers during premiere night (Live+3, simulcast across BET and BET Her on 8/1/21). On BET alone, the “Stellar Awards” scored a.243 P18-49 rating and 798 K total viewers P2+, up 104% year-over-year.** The telecast grew +18% in Live + 3 (Adults 18-49, BET Alone).
Hosted by gospel chart-toppers Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribbett, this year’s ceremony showcased an eclectic mix of gospel legends and industry standard-bearers along with the unstoppable force of young, contemporary artists who are spreading the good news in new ways. In addition, a new generation of gospel artists showed up and showed out during the celebration as a testament to the genre’s staying power.
Big winners at the 36th Stellar Gospel Music Awards include Pastor Mike Jr., named Artist of the Year, and won Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. Kierra Sheard was feted during the ceremony with Song of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, and Maverick City Music won both New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Other multiple Stellar Awards winners include Jonathan McReynolds, who was named Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and as part of a group that won Producer of the Year; and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose wins included Albertina Walker, Female Vocalist of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year. Among many highlights from “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” Yolanda Adams, Tamela Mann, and Avery Sunshine joined to deliver a powerful tribute to Lady Tramaine Hawkins, who was honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Toyota. The trio performed a medley, including widely known Hawkins’ songs such as “Holy One,” “Changed,” and “Going Up Yonder.” The Clark Sisters, who received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by AT&T, also performed rousing renditions of “Is My Living In Vain,” “Blessed & Highly Favored,” “You Brought The Sunshine,” and “His Love.” The legendary group received three nominations for this year’s Stellar Awards. Kierra Sheard, Sheléa, Christina Bell, Jonathan McReynolds, Mali Music, CeCe Winans Pastor Mike Jr., Jekalyn Carr, Maverick City Music, Jokia, Terrian, and Nia Allen also delivered soul-stirring performances.
The Stellar Awards not only recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre but also honors gospel music icons and those who have helped to advocate for the gospel industry.
For more information on the Stellar Awards, check out their website here.
Related Article: Maverick City Music Wins Big At The 2021 Stellar Awards – ENSPIRE Magazine
