Another Stellar Affair Uplifts Gospel’s Grandeur

Stellar co-host Tye Tribbett got the crowd hyped with his famed energetic performances, shouting out “Victory” and experiencing one of his own as he was named “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and the winner in the URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE/PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR category.

Among the most moving moments of the night was Patti LaBelle’s soul-stirring selection, “Walk Around Heaven,” garnering her an overwhelming standing ovation from the full house. After decades of success in soul and R&B genres, LaBelle has delivered her first CD devoted to her gospel roots and applauded the gospel music industry for their support of her latest endeavor.

Stellar sweetheart Vickie Winans graced the stage in a beautiful red velvet gown and lifted the crowd with the powerful song “The Rainbow.”

Co-host Kirk Franklin continued to show his musical diversity by joining forces with former dc Talk front man tobyMac for a lively performance of “Let It Go,” from Franklin’s certified platinum CD, “Hero,” which won him a Stellar Award for “CD of the Year.” Franklin’s performance featured a dynamic stage entrance in a pale blue Camero, in which he gave accounts of his inspiring life story in the song, “Let It Go” that touched on past hardships and mistakes and the power of forgiveness.

Other artists picking up 2007 Stellar honors included Bishop G.E. Patterson for “Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year,” CeCe Winans for “Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year,” the Pastor Shirley Caesar for “Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year,” and “Song of the Year,” nod went to Issiah D. Thomas for the inspiring single “I Will Bless the Lord,” performed by Byron Cage at the start of the show.

Bishop Paul Morton featuring Kurt Carr and Bartholomew concluded the star-studded show with a foot-stomping finale of “We Made It” bringing the crowd to its feet swinging a sea of white towels over their heads in jubilant dance.