CHICAGO,
IL (October 26, 2012) - Two of Gospel music's biggest acts will
share the microphone when Kirk Franklin and
Tina and Ericka Campbell of Mary
Mary co-host the 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The annual
salute to Gospel's best and brightest performers returns to Nashville's iconic
Grand Ole Opry House Theater Saturday, January 19, 2013. The Stellar Awards will
air in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets around the
country and on the GMC network from January 19 to March 3, 2013. Today the
nominees in twenty-eight categories of excellence were announced via webcast (www.thestellarawards.com) and social
media.
With more than 30,000 fans logging online to cast their
votes for their favorite projects of the year, show co-hosts and WEtv reality
stars Mary Mary lead the list of nominees with nine total nominations based on
their latest disc, "Go Get It." Nominations include "Song of the Year,"
"Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year," and "Contemporary CD of the Year," in
addition to recognition for the project in the "Producer of the Year," "Music
Video of the Year" and "Recorded Music Packaging of the Year"
categories.
Newcomer
Charles Jenkins who, in addition to earning a "Best New Artist"
nomination for his debut CD "The Best of Both Worlds," garnered recognition in
seven additional categories including "Artist of The Year" and "Song of The
Year." Other multiple nominees include superstars Marvin Sapp
and Fred Hammond with six nominations each, both nominated in
the hotly-contested "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "CD of the Year" categories;
legendary Andre Crouch with five nominations, including "Artist
of the Year" and "Song of the Year" for his disc "The Journey"; and "Best New
Artist" contender Isaac Carree with five nods for his solo
debut "Uncommon Me."
Memphis’ most dynamic young gospel ensemble, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis,
has taken a large leap ahead on its trek to stardom. The group’s debut
CD “Live in Memphis” (EPM Music Group) has debuted at #9 on Billboard’s
coveted Top Gospel Albums chart. "WOW,” the 24-year old Tharpe says. “I
am totally in awe of the favor of God on my life and the life of my
music ministry. This is my very first CD, and to see that it has debuted
in the Top 10 on the charts, brings about an overwhelming, awesome
feeling."