ELEV8 Magazine MAR / APRIL 2016 | Page 38

By Carlton McConnell It was the ‘Super Bowl’ of Gospel Music…the 2016 Stellar Awards celebration. The 31st edition of this annual event was held at the Orleans Arena in the Las Vegas. For one day, February 20th, the so-called “Sin City,” became “Salvation City,” with more than 10-thousand people from across America on hand for what may have been the greatest praise and worship session on the planet! This year’s hosts for the taped 2 hour show recognizing top Gospel performers of 2015, were comedian Ricky Smiley and actress Sherri Shepard. It was, in fact, a historic night, as Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, won a total of 10 Stellar awards for their album, “Everyday Jesus.”  That eclipsed the previous record of 7 Stellars given to Bishop Marvin Sapp in 2009. Other multiple award winners at this year’s show were Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago (4 Stellars), and Tasha Cobbs (3 Stellars).  There was a special, surprise guest who attended the awards program, the former First Lady, Secretary of State, and current presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.The 2016 Stellar Awards show premiered March 6th at 5pm - on the cable channel, TV One.