The highly anticipated gospel event of the year, the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, is set to return to television this Sunday, August 1st, at 8 pm ET / PT, only on BET. Hosted by recording artists Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribbett, this year’s celebration is set to wow audiences worldwide with an eclectic mix of performances by industry legends and chart-topping millennial artists who are spreading the gospel in new ways. The Stellar Awards, which taped live on July 10th at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, will feature several soul-stirring segments in celebration of the genre. Among them, Yolanda Adams, Tamela Mann, and Avery*Sunshine will join together to deliver a powerful tribute to Lady Tramaine Hawkins, who will be honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Toyota.
The Clark Sisters, who will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by AT&T, will also perform a rendition of “Is My Living In Vain,” “Blessed & Highly Favored,” “You Brought The Sunshine,” and “His Love.” The legendary group also received three nominations for this year’s Stellar Awards.
Additionally, Pastor Mike Jr., nominated for multiple Stellar Awards this year, will perform “Big,” and host Jekalyn Carr will perform her songs, “Change Your Story” and “Jehovah Jireh.” Maverick City Music will treat audiences to the harmonious sound of “Jireh,” and Kierra Sheard will give a spirited offering of “Something Has To Break.” Leading nominee Jonathan McReynolds will lift his voice to the sounds of “Grace” and “Movin’ On,” joined by Mali Music, and CeCe Winans will grace the Stellar Awards stage to perform “Never Lost” and “Believe For It.” Emerging artists such as Jokia, Terrian, and Nia Allen will also be spotlighted as up-and-coming gospel talent.
Viewers worldwide can expect to witness these dynamic performances and find out who won across all categories when the Stellar Awards airs Sunday, August 1st, on BET, BET Her, and BET Gospel at 8 p.m. ET / PT. The show will also air August 2 on BET International, and will be carried in various markets for national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 5. AT&T is proud to be this year’s presenting sponsor. With support from additional sponsors, including State Farm (Song of the Year presenter), Toyota, P&G (Traditional Female Vocalist presenter), and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the 2021 Stellar Gospel Music Awards is set to be the gospel event of 2021.
Check out photo gallery below. Photos courtesy of Gip III for Central City Productions