This week, no. 1 singer/multi-instrumentalist Blessing Offor appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show to perform his hit single “My Tribe.” The performance video can be found below. While on the show, he also spoke about he used the piano to deal with losing his vision.

Recently, Blessing’s full-length debut My Tribe officially became the BIGGEST STREAMING DEBUT from a solo male artist at Capitol CMG, propelling an appearance on the cover of Apple’s New Music Daily playlist.

The album – which Billboard calls “a testament to his own hard-fought journey” – debuted in the Top 20 position on three Billboard charts – Christian /Gospel Albums, Top 200 Christian/Gospel Albums, and Current Digital Albums charts.

Named as an Amazon Breakthrough Artist of 2023 and Pandora Artist to Watch 2023, Blessing appears to be “Rollin’” along, surpassing 120M global streams, and continuously proving that he is an artist not to be missed.

PITTSBURGH, PA –May 15, 2023 – Blue-collar music veteran, John Vento has announced the release of his highly anticipated album, “Brick By Brick,” on May 19th, 2023. The album has been in the making for three years and is a true testament to Vento’s passion and dedication to his craft.

Produced by Vento and fellow Pittsburgh music stalwart, David Granati, “Brick By Brick” is a rock and roots-inspired album that captures the essence of Vento’s musical journey. The album is an ode to his blue-collar background and the struggles and triumphs that shaped his life. With his signature gritty vocals, Vento takes listeners on a reflective journey through americana, telling the tales of the working man.

The album features all-newly recorded and mastered versions of several of Vento’s chart-topping singles, as well as previously unreleased material. 

John explains, ”Three years ago, I got in touch with David Granati to schedule some studio time. We wanted to finish a few songs that we had started, but never completed, on our last project (“Love, Lust, & Other Wreckage” – 2018). These sessions were my first studio vocal recordings since I had two vocal cord procedures the prior year. But thanks to the coaching of Beth Claussen and some of Dave’s homemade red wine, I got through it!  Finishing those few tunes led to a creative surge (maybe it was the wine), and the next thing I knew, we were working on a bunch of new songs.’

“Even though I had no plans for another album, I came up with a working title of ‘Brick by Brick.’ It meant taking it one song at a time and creating whatever might come in a structured method. We released five new tracks over the first year (2020 – 2021), but by late 2021, I realized we were rushing the process and not giving the material all the love and attention needed to create good music. That’s when I got serious and critical with everything we were working on. With David Granati, Bob Zigerelli, and George Perilli as my main guys, it was easy to get serious and critical! These dudes are pros and high-level music makers, a true blessing for someone like me. Now,15 new songs later, ten of which will be featured on the album, we’re excited to release it!”

Watch the video “Brick by Brick”

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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