Motown Gospel and Capitol CMG celebrate a staggering 28 Stellar Award nominations across the company’s chart-topping artist roster. With 10 nods, hitmaker Pastor Mike, Jr. earns the most nominations of any artist this year, a testament to the impact of his innovative music and the strength of his recent partnership with Motown Gospel & Capitol CMG’s Re:Think, via Blacksmoke Worldwide.

Tye Tribbett also dominates this year’s list, with 9 nominations for the fan-favorite album, All Things New, Tribbett’s first new album since 2017. The project is fueled by hits like “Get Up,” and three #1 radio singles—“We Gon’ Be Alright,” “Anyhow,” and “New.”

Fifteen-time Stellar Award-winner and powerhouse vocalist Tasha Cobbs Leonard is slated to co-host the star-studded awards taping alongside popular singer/songwriter Jonathan McReynolds. For her acclaimed Hymns project, which features hit singles “The Moment” and “The Church I Grew Up In,” Cobbs Leonard earns another 5 nominations to her credit, including for Artist of the Year.

Rounding out the roster’s nominated artists are Brian Courtney Wilson, whose latest album, Transitions, features the anthemic “Always Peace,” and Gene Moore, nominated for his feature on PJ Morton’s buzzed-about “The Better Benediction.”

“This year’s nominations are a true reflection of the creativity, the reach, and the impact of our artists and their incredible music,” says EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel and SVP of Marketing for Capitol CMG.

Adds Monica Coates, Co-Executive Director and VP of A&R/Creative for Motown Gospel: “The past year has been such an exciting time for gospel music. I am grateful for everyone who has supported our artists and their visionary projects. I am especially thankful for Mr. Jackson and the team at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards for continuing to invest in this beloved genre.”

The 38th Annual Stellar Awards will be taped live on July 15, 2023 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on broadcast dates and times, visit TheStellarAwards.com.

RCA Inspiration celebrates 16 nominations for the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards coming up this summer, with nominations for album and song releases in 12 categories, including the major categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, and Album of the Year.

The acclaimed projects receiving nominations include the hit collaboration Kingdom Book One by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), Clarity by DOE (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration), and the releases of Worship & Justice by William Murphy and the Kingdom Business: Season 1 Soundtrack.

Garnering 8 Stellar Awards nominations, the GRAMMYⓇ-winning acclaimed live collaboration by chart-toppers Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin is nominated in album and song categories. The group’s live album Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), #1 hit Gospel single “Kingdom” (feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore), and the single “Bless Me” are nominated for: Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“Kingdom”), Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year (“Bless Me”), and Producer of the Year (producers: Tony Brown, Jonathan Jay, Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, Norman Gyamfi).

Garnering 6 Stellar Awards nominations is chart-topper DOE, whose hit debut album Clarity was released in partnership between Jonathan McReynolds’ Life Room Label and RCA Inspiration. Clarity (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration) and her #1 hit Gospel single “When I Pray” are nominated for: Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“When I Pray”), Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year (“When I Pray”), and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (packaging: Tyler Simien).

Rounding out the Stellar Awards nominations are a nomination for Special Event Album of the Year, for the release of the Kingdom Business: Season 1 Soundtrack, featuring original music from the popular BET+ series “Kingdom Business,” and a nomination for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (packaging: Tim Parker), for the album Worship & Justice by William Murphy.

The 38th Annual Stellar Awards will be taped in Las Vegas, NV on July 15th, 2023 and premiere on the new Stellar TV Network on July 24th.

Chart-topper Kelontae Gavin has launched a new single from his upcoming album, with the release of the song and visualizer for “Good Love” feat. Kim Burrell. Following his first single and music video release of “Live Again,” “Good Love” Kelontae marks his second single featured from his upcoming album, Testify.

The album is now available for pre-order, with the album’s first two singles, “Live Again” and “Good Love” feat. Kim Burrell available instantly with digital pre-save/pre-add. While “Live Again” is an upbeat celebration of joy and faith, “Good Love” showcases Kelontae’s soulful side and demonstrates his ability to convey powerful emotions through song.

“Good Love” provides a deep reflection on God’s love and how it can heal wounds, bring hope, and transform lives. Kelontae Gavin’s smooth, rich vocals complement a contemporary gospel instrumental with a funky twist. Grammy-nominated artist Kim Burrell joins him on this track, together contemplating various themes related to God’s constant love in the midst of life’s changes. Scheduled to release on July 21st, Testify will be Kelontae’s third full-length album.

Kelontae Gavin: Testify Album Pre-Order. Get Kelontae’s Songs “Live Again” and “Good Love” Instantly with Album Pre-Save/Pre-Add Today.  https://kelontaegavin.lnk.to/TestifyPR

Kelontae Gavin became a viral sensation as a teenager back in 2014, after a recording of him singing Reverend Paul Jones’ Gospel classic “I Won’t Complain” in his high school cafeteria went viral. With multiple #1 hits on Billboard and Mediabase Gospel charts, he has continued to be a sought-after, acclaimed live singer, songwriter and worship leader, bringing a fresh voice and insight to all his performances. He has released two full-length albums The N.O.W. Experience and The Higher Experience. At only 24 years old, Kelontae has already won a Stellar Award, received two Dove Award nominations as well as over 55 million audio streams and his career shows no signs of slowing down. Coming up almost 10 years since that viral video changed his life, earlier this year during his birthday Kelontae wanted to reflect on that upcoming anniversary, with a surprise birthday blessing to celebrate the cafeteria worker Kimberly who he sung to that day, revisiting his former high school with her (check out his story here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqZBkSDh7Z-/?hl=en).

Next up, Kelontae Gavin continues a busy schedule of appearances this spring and summer across the country. He will be performing live at the 8th Annual Black Music Honors, taping May 19th at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA. Tickets are available now at: https://blackmusichonors.com. The TV special will premiere on the Stellar Network on June 3rd, and air throughout June in national broadcast syndication in tribute to Black Music Month (airs June 10th-July 2nd, check local listings), as well as air on Bounce TV on June 19th. Kelontae will be leading a 5-Day Worship School Challenge online, May 22nd-26th, check out more information and join the challenge at: https://worshipschoolweek.com/. The South Carolina native is also performing at The Gospel Experience in Charleston, SC on June 3rd. Details and tickets available here: https://the-gospel-experience.pushpayevents.com/booking/attendees/new. Check out “Good Love” and “Live Again” available now, and pre-order Testify before its July 21st release.

Holland – May 12, 2023 – Rising indie electronic music artist Sanchez Di Rupo is set to captivate audiences worldwide with this self-titled debut album, “Sanchez Di Rupo.” Bursting with innovation, creativity, and a mesmerizing fusion of musical genres, this independent release is poised to redefine the boundaries of sonic exploration.

“Sanchez Di Rupo” takes listeners on an exhilarating electronic journey through Sanchez’s unique musical universe, where electronic beats, classical motifs, world music influences, and ambient textures converge in a tapestry of musical collages. The album transcends traditional boundaries, offering a collection of eclectic and full-length compositions that immerse the listener in a captivating indie music experience.

Featuring 19 stunning tracks, the self-titled album, “Sanchez Di Rupo” showcases Sanchez’s unparalleled talent as a producer, composer, and sonic storyteller. Each composition is a meticulously crafted piece that combines various elements and influences to create an immersive and ever-evolving electronic adventure.

From the intricate layers of “Gondwanaland” to the harsh rhythms of “Test Mach” every track on the album unveils a new facet of Sanchez’s creative prowess.

Sanchez Di Rupo’s passion for music and tireless dedication to the craft shines through in every aspect of this self-titled debut album. As an independent artist, Sanchez has fearlessly embraced an uncompromising artistic vision, drawing inspiration from diverse musical traditions to weave together intricate and seamless musical tapestries.

Sanchez Di Rupo is thrilled to share a fresh musical vision with the world commenting: “This album represents a culmination of many years of exploration and experimentation. In good years and in bad years I took the opportunity to spend as much time as possible putting my mind at ease creating music as I like it.”

“Sanchez Di Rupo” will be available for streaming and download on all major music platforms starting May 12, 2023.

The album will also be accompanied by a visually stunning music video for two songs, “Like Clockwork” & “Verdi’s Animal Circus” which further enhances the immersive experience of Sanchez’s indie musical creations.

Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer and songwriter Lauren Daigle will be previewing her highly anticipated {self-titled} album before it is available everywhere on May 12. A one-night-only live concert from The Novo in Los Angeles will be streamed below on May 11 starting at 11 pm ET.

Led by GRAMMY-winning producer Mike Elizondo and featuring co-writes with award-winning songwriters, including Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Amy Wadge, Jason Ingram, Lori McKenna, and Jon Greene, Daigle created a new body of work that showcases the multi-faceted artist’s stunning and powerful voice, rich storytelling and incredible musicality.

This fall, Daigle will embark on a highly-anticipated US arena tour, The Kaleidoscope Tour, which kicks off on September 6 in Memphis, TN.

Lauren Daigle To Preview New Album At Live One Night Only Concert May 11

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For the first time in history, an all-female worship tour is coming across the country. The first-of-its-kind It’s Time Tour has made its way to Miami, Atlanta, D.C., and more. The show occurred at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theatre in NYC last Friday (5.5).

The tour features headliner and 5x GRAMMY Award-winning powerhouse vocalist Naomi Raine, who will release her debut live album ‘Cover The Earth’ on June 2nd.

Naomi Raine Wraps Week One Of Gospel’s First-Ever All-Female Tour

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On the tour, Naomi has performed many of her new solo tracks, as well as chart-topping songs she’s written for Maverick City Music including “Jireh” and “Promises.” Attendees have also seen Naomi sing alongside Natalie Grant, Tamela Mann, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and TAYA on the It’s Time Tour.

Bethel Music Worship School will take place this summer in Redding, CA from July 17-21. The renowned and much-anticipated event, which began over two decades ago, is an opportunity for passionate worshipers, leaders, songwriters, musicians, and creatives to come together to grow, learn, and expand their craft. 

This year guest speakers Bill Johnson and Ray Hughes will be joined by special guest 15-time GRAMMY Award winner and gospel music’s most highly decorated female artist CeCe Winans and members of the Bethel Music Collective. 

“It’s an absolute dream and honor to have CeCe a part of school this year!!” shares Bethel Music President Jenn Johnson. “As a personal hero of mine, far beyond her incredible gift and songs, is her integrity, longevity, and the way her life gives all the glory to God.”

Over the course of five days, participants will have the opportunity to attend over 50 classes led by teachers who are experts in their field ranging from worship leading and songwriting to music publishing and studio production. 

The Bethel Music Collective including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Kristene DiMarco, John Wilds, Paul and Hannah McClure, Josh Baldwin, Bethany Wohrle, Emmy Rose, David Funk, Zahriya Zachary, and Edward Rivera will be in attendance to share their testimonies and experiences creating music for the Lord.

ALI performed Tori Kelly’s “Never Alone” during The Voice Playoffs this week. Kelly debuted the track, featuring Gospel great Kirk Franklin, in 2018 on her Capitol Records project Hiding Place. 

At the end of yesterday’s episode, ALI was not selected by Coach Kelly Clarkson to move on to the Lives round. Watch The Voice Mondays at 8/7c on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

ALI Covers Tori Kelly’s “Never Alone” On ‘The Voice Playoffs’

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Turn Your Eyes (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) Volume II, the new project from Point of Grace, has become the Platinum-selling, GRAMMY-nominated trio’s latest hit recording, debuting in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart and landing at #3 on iTunes’ Top Christian Albums chart following its April 28 release.

In addition, multiple selections from the Fervent Records (Curb | Word Entertainment) set have been added to a range of noteworthy playlists, including Spotify’s New Music Friday Christian (“At The Table”) and Pandora’s New Christian Music Now (“Turn Your Eyes”), among others.

In celebration of the bestselling collection, Point of Grace recently headlined a special album release concert in Nashville. The evening also featured appearances from Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Wes King and Dove Award-winning worship leader and recording artist Travis Cottrell and was among the highlights of Point of Grace’s sold-out Circle of Friends Weekend.

Held twice a year, the exclusive weekend brings together fans from around the country for three days of intimate performances, VIP appearances, and unique outings curated by Point of Grace. Special guests at the recent Circle of Friends Weekend included GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Cindy Morgan, who presented a reading from her debut novel, The Year of Jubilee, and acclaimed singer/songwriter Skye Peterson, who shared several original songs for attendees at Nashville’s North Wind Manor.

Last week, Point of Grace was featured on the historic Grand Ole Opry, where they shared selections from Turn Your Eyes. The trio also stopped by WSM Radio/Circle Television’s “Coffee, Country & Cody” morning show and Moody Radio Network’s “Dawn & Steve In The Morning” to chat about the new album, among other key appearances.

Produced by Cindy Morgan, Turn Your Eyes (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) Volume II pays homage to the rich history of Christian music through the decades. Genre luminaries themselves for 30 years, Point of Grace delivers signature new arrangements of seven beloved classics and two originals, including a cover of Wes King’s 1993 hit “I Believe”; the newly penned “At The Table”; treasured hymn “It Is Well”; and a stirring rendition of Rich Mullins’ iconic anthem “Awesome God,” among other selections.

One of the most awarded and beloved groups in Southern Gospel this century, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound is celebrating 20 years of music and ministry with a milestone recording event to be held next week in Europe.

Among a string of long-awaited concerts in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany this month, the multi-GRAMMY nominated genre tastemakers’ May 20 show at Rafaël Evangelism Center in Amsterdam will be recorded for a forthcoming live album.

“The Netherlands holds a special place in our hearts,” Haase shares. “It’s such a beautiful country with a rich history, and we’ve always received a warm welcome from audiences. We thought it would be an extraordinary place to record our 20th anniversary project. This album will not only be a celebration of two decades, highlighting the songs that have defined our career, but it’s a celebration of God’s faithfulness.”

Live In Amsterdam: A 20th Anniversary Celebration will showcase renditions of such Ernie Haase & Signature Sound favorites as “Oh, What a Savior” and the Dove Award-winning “Reason Enough,” among many others. Reflecting on the quartet’s unparalleled career as they stand poised for the future, the recording is set to release later this year from Gospel leader StowTown Records, the label co-founded by Haase.

“Over the years we’ve had the privilege of singing in so many special places, including the National Day of Prayer, NBA games, NASCAR races, Franklin Graham Crusades, Gaither Homecoming events, and our own tours, both across America and around the world,” Haase continues. “But the biggest highlight for us is the friends we have made along the way and the fans who have become like family.

The testimonies of what God has done in their lives—and the fact that He used our music in some fashion to bring about the grace they needed—is the greatest achievement we could ever hope to gain this side of heaven.”