The 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards was filled with exciting and moving performances and I received some of the hottest backstage interviews ever. Hosted by Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans and Israel Houghton the night was one to remember.

Mary Mary and Tye Tribbet

Everybody’s favorites Mary Mary opened the night of performances singing "Heaven" off their self-titled project Mary Mary, along with the electrifying “Ty Tribett who took the song to another level that really rocked the crowd and kicked the show into high gear.

I talked with Ty backstage about how he was asked to open up with the sister act and he stated that when he got the call it was great for him.“I was like yes...whatever! Mary Mary are my friends but yet I am still a fan, still a praise partner of theirs. I have their CD in my car and so (during the performance) that’s what you saw tonight just excited (to be on stage with them).” I asked him how he channels all of that energy on stage and could I have some it? He said “What you see is just the joy of the Lord!”

The big winner of the night was Donald Lawrence, who received 10 nominations, and took home six Stellar Awards.The Artist of the Year winner stopped by and as always was looking very dapper! His stylist the twin brothers Ron and Ronald out of Soho New York hooked him up with a beautiful blue suit. Donald has been working in the industry for over 15 years and to see him receive so many honors by his peers was very heart warming. I asked him how he felt about wining so many awards “It feels great but what really felt good was to watch Jonathan Nelson win. (Jonathan wrote the tune “Healed” off Donald’s project which garnered him a Stellar for Song of the Year) "He is a new songwriter and to have him win was really great!" added Donald. "I had a song in that category but I voted for him myself.” he concluded. Donald’s project “Speak Life” is still climbing the charts and he just completed a live recording entitled the “Finale” with the Tri City Singers. I told him we were sad about the ending of such a wonderful group but he explained that several people in the group have landed independent deals so look out for them.

J Moss, who also received 10 nomination nods, followed Lawrence picking up three awards, including "New Artist of the Year." When we hooked up backstage he and the other principals of PaJam, Paul “PDA” Allen and Walter “Stone” Kearney, talked about his awards. “To be able to share this win with my family and my boys was really awesome” he stated. I asked if he had enough shelf room at home for all of the awards because not only did he win New Artist, he also won Contemporary Vocalist of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year. He said he was going to enjoy brining home new “furniture” and that this was a great night. J Moss is a member of the Clark family which really represented at the program because Kierra “KiKi” Sheard also won the Stellar for “Best Contemporary Female Artist” I told J I want to be an honorary family member when I grow up. J also introduced me to his new act a group called 21:03 an all boy band that we should look out for in April.
For More of the article and back stage pictures see-Stellar Awards Wrap Up Stellar Awards Wrap Up