Vashawn Mitchell Tops List of Winners at The 27th Stellar Awards
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Gospel music's rising star Vashawn Mitchell topped the list of winners during the 27th Annual Stellar Awards on Jan. 14 during the award show taping at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville taking home six awards, including Male Vocalist Of The Year, Artist of The Year, Contemporary Male of The Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year for his 2011 album, Triumphant.
A very humbled and gracious Mitchell said, "I am grateful to stand here," he continues "I've been coming to the Stellar Awards a long time and I'm glad I waited my turn." Mitchell also acknowledged other artists nominated in the category, his family, label and social media fans.
This year's Stellar Awards was hosted by the legendary Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp. During the course of the two-hour awards show, 10 awards were presented with 28 additional awards announced during the pre-show ceremonies that took place on Friday and Saturday. Winners taking home Stellars were selected by online voters.
Launching the praise and worship packed evening was none other than Kirk Franklin who was the first to take the stage. With a production-packed intro, Franklin performed a combination of his latest hits, including Smile, which was awarded Song of the Year. Franklin also was awarded three additional honors, including CD of the Year, Producer of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Dedicating these honors to his team by pulling them up on stage to share in the moment during his acceptance for CD of the Year, Franklin later shared his award for Song of the Year with fellow nominee Darius Polk who penned Vashawn Mitchell's "Nobody Greater".
"Because God has been so kind to me... He's given me more than I deserve or could ever earn," said Franklin. "I want to be a good Christian and I know to do that, I have to encourage others. That song "Nobody Greater" has ministered to me deeply. If you don't mind, I would be honored to share this award with [Darius Polk] because that song is incredible."
Others topping the winners list of the evening including Mary Mary, Kim Burrell, Smokie Norful and The Rance Allen Group who were honored with two trophies each. Y'anna Crawley was awarded the New Artist of the Year award. Crawley graciously thanked God for the opportunity to perform and use her gifts for His glory, as well as her fans for listening to her music.
The award show was praise packed with soul-stirring performances, including Kim Burrell; Jessica Reedy who brought audiences to their feet with a rendition of Put It On The Altar; Le' Andria Johnson, Marthan Munizzi and William McDowell whose rendition of I Give Myself Away transformed the Grand Ole Opry House into a spirit-filled sanctuary, with the visibly moved crowd joined together in praise and worship. Adding some Hip-Hop flavor to the awards show, Canton Jones, LeCrae and Da' T.R.U.T.H. collaborated and performed a high-energy soulful rendition of Awesome God. Fred Hammond, Earnest Pugh, Richard Smallwood & Vision, James Fortune & Fiya, Ricky Dillard & New G all delivered the outstanding performances you come to expect from these truly anointed artists.
Also recognizing the great accomplishments of some of Gospel's brightest stars, the Stellars awarded John P. Kee the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement for his accomplishments throughout his career that spans three decades. Musical tributes to Kee were paid by Isaac Carree, Sheila Lakin, Lowell Pye and Zacardi Cortez. "The World's Greatest Gospel Story Teller" Dorothy Norwood received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award, presented by the veteran show host. Vy Higgenson, the first woman to host a morning show on New York radio as well as produce a faith-based musical on Broadway, received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for her work with the "Gospel for Teens" program.
The 27th Annual Stellar Awards will air in nationwide syndication from January 21 to February 26 and will premiere on GMC Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. EST.
