‘Detroit Represented at the 2019 Stellar Awards
March 29, 2019, marked the 34th Annual Stellar Awards held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a weekend filled with praise and celebration.
The most rewarding part was seeing all the Detroit natives represented in a big way.
Among them were Worship Pastor, Amish McDonald.
The amazingly talented gospel quintet, Shelby 5.
Stellar Award and Sunday Best Winner, Tasha Page-Lockhart. Who is, by the way, a 2019 Stellar winner.
Gospel music’s power couple, Tammi and Gerald Haddon. Who are multiple Stellar Award Winners but were nominated and won for their work with the legendary Bishop Noel Jones & The Sanctuary Choir of The City of Refuge. Another Detroiter spotted was the show-stopping, Lexi Allen.
Lexi is a Gospel Singer, Songwriter, TV Host & YouTube Sensation. She hosted the Stellar Awards Pre-Show with Pastor Charles Jenkins.
As if that wasn’t enough, our brother, Detroit native, multiple award-winning Praise & Worship Leader, and Recording Artist. Who introduced a new
sound to the gospel sector many years ago with his classic track, Shabach. But didn’t stop there, he’s given us hit after hit for several decades. Songs like, Broken But I’m Healed, There Is A Name, I Will Bless The Lord, and everyone’s all-time favorite, The Presence Of The Lord Is Here. Yes, it is none other than Mr. Byron Cage.
Who also performed a song from his soon to be released 2019 project. The God-Mother of Gospel Music, the legendary Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, was a part of the Stellar weekend festivities as well. (Not pictured here). We were also represented for our musical contribution to gospel music; we also showed out in other categories. Veteran, Program Director and Midday Host for the Detroit Praise Network, Randi Myles was nominated for Radio Announcer Of The Year.
To make the show even better, our very own Queen Of Soul, the late and great, Ms. Aretha Franklin, was celebrated. Her youngest son, Kecalf Franklin and grandson Jordan Franklin came to watch as their late mother/grandmother was honored with a soul-stirring tribute given by R&B powerhouse, Regina Belle, music sensation, Kelly Price and one half of the legendary gospel duo Mary Mary, Erica Campbell.
As a Detroiter, it was remarkable to see us represented with such excellence. Though a few of the individuals mentioned are no longer residents of this great city, the fact that they were born, raised and reared in gospel music right here in this very place makes me proud. There are so many talented and gifted gospel musicians, singers, songwriters, broadcasters in this city.
The Stellar Awards will broadcast on BET Network April 21, 2019, (Easter Sunday) at 7:00 p.m. ET. Want to know who stole the red carpet? Stay tuned for my Stellar Fashion Favorites. As we cover red carpet fashions from the 34th Annual Stellar Awards. -CJI