Jonathan McReynolds was the top winner at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, taking home six trophies during a ceremony that included a posthumous tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
Thanks to his album Make Room, Chicago gospel artist McReynolds was crowned artist of the year Friday night (March 29) and his song “Not Lucky” was named song of the year. He also took home honors for best contemporary male vocalist, contemporary CD and producer of the year.
Jekalyn Carr was named female vocalist of the year and the Walls Group won the award for duo/chorus group of the year. The best new artist trophy went to Jabari Johnson.
The tribute to Franklin was performed by Kelly Price, Regina Belle and Erica Campbell. Members of Franklin’s family were presented with the inaugural Aretha Franklin ICON Award.
Gospel legend Delores Washington Green of the Caravans was given the Legend Award. And James Robinson Jr., Jackie Patillo and Phil Thornton were inducted into the Stellar Honors Hall of Fame.
Kirk Franklin returned to host the live taping of the awards show at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena. The Stellar Awards will be telecast on BET on April 19.
See Full Winners List below
ARTIST OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds Make Room, Entertainment One
SONG OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Terrell Demetrius Wilson & Anna B. Not Lucky, I’m Loved, Entertainment One
MALE VOCALIST OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds Make Room, Entertainment One
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALISTOF THE, YEAR
Jekalyn Carr One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
GROUP/DUO OF THE, YEAR
The Walls Group The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
NEW ARTIST OF THE, YEAR
Jabari Johnson Day of Redemption, Entertainment One
CD OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds Make Room, Entertainment One
CHOIR OF THE, YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
PRODUCER OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds & Darryl “Lil Man” Howell Make Room, Entertainment One
CONTEMPORARY GROUP/DUO ARTIST OF THE, YEAR
The Walls Group The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE, YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit/SRT/Shanachie
CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds Make Room, Entertainment One
TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE, YEAR
VaShawn Mitchell Cross Music, Tyscot
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE, YEAR
Tasha Page Lockhart/span> The Beautiful Project, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE, YEAR
Jekalyn Carr One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds Make Room, Entertainment One
TRADITIONAL CD OF THE, YEAR
Jekalyn Carr One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE, YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds Not Lucky, I’m Loved, Entertainment One
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE, YEAR
Casey Cross Won’t He Do It, RCA Inspiration
TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE, YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE, YEAR
New Direction When All God’s Children Get Together, New Haven Records
SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE, YEAR
Fred Hammond The Best of Fred Hammond, Verity/Sony Music
RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE, YEAR
Flame God Knows, Clear Sight Musi
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE, YEAR
Pure N Heart “Be You” 15 Years Unplugged, Music2ChangeU
QUARTET OF THE, YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit / SRT/Shanachie
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE, YEAR
Israel Houghton Road to DeMaskUs, RCA Inspiration
PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE, YEAR
Todd Dulaney Your Great Name, Entertainment One
GOSPEL RADIO OF THE YEAR WINNERS
MAJOR MARKET OF THE YEAR
* WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta
LARGE MARKET OF THE YEAR
* WFMI-FM 100.9 FM, Virginia Beach
MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR
* WCGL AM 1360/FM 94.7, Jacksonville
SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR
* WIMG 1300AM, Ewing
INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR
* uGospel Radio, http://uGospel.com
GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR
* Dwight Stone, WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta, GA
