Stars of Music, Film and Television Come Out to Celebrate 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards

Marvin Sapp Leads the List of Winners with Eight Awards, Newcomer Jonathan Nelson Wins Three and Ricky Dillard and The New G. Take Home Two

Nashville, Tenn. – The 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards were handed out on Saturday, January 17th at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn. Leading the list of winners is chart-topping traditional gospel singer Marvin Sapp with eight awards including “Artist of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Male Vocalist of the Year,” and “CD of the Year.” Jonathan Nelson nabbed three Stellar statues including “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Group/Duo of the Year” and “Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year” for the CD “Right Now Praise,” from Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose. The ladies shined bright this evening with Jessica Green taking home the "New Artist of the Year" award and The Clark Sisters winning in the "Special Event of the Year" category.

Don Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Central City Productions, brought the prestigious award show back to Nashville , Tenn. for the 4th consecutive year, bringing excitement, anticipation and gospel music’s brightest stars to Music City . Super stars of music, film and television came out in support of the show’s 24th year, including “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd, actors Sheryl Lee Ralph and Clifton Davis, and R&B Singer Mario of “Dancing with The Stars.” Stellar performances came from the always energetic Tye Tribbett, this year’s “Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance CD of the Year” winner Kirk Franklin and last year’s Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year” winner, Da’ T.R.U.T.H.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air nationally on March 7, 2009 on WGN America and on March 1, 2009 on the Gospel Music Channel. Gospel Music Channel (GMC), the nation’s fastest-growing television network and the first and only 24/7 television network devoted to all forms of gospel music, will be the exclusive cable home for the 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. GMC will premiere the Stellar Awards on Sunday, March 1, 2009. For more information about the Gospel Music Channel, log on to www.gospelmusicchannel.com.