2018 Stellar Awards Honors Top Winners J.J. Hairston, Tasha Cobbs, Artist Of The Year Travis Greene

Tasha Cobbs Leonard performing at 2018 Stellar Awards
Gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard performing at the 2018 Stellar Awards. |

The 33rd Annual Stellar Awards show held at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas last weekend saw several show-stopping Gospel performances and honors being handed out to winning nominees. Hosted, by Gospel icon Kirk Franklin, the show included appearances by mainstream acts such as recent crossover Gospel artist Snoop Dogg and Tori Kelly, as well as a reunion by sister duo Mary Mary.

In terms of wins, the big winner of the night was arguably JamesTown Music/Entertainment One recording artist J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise who could smile on the way home after bagging six Stellar Awards. Hairston won Song of the Year for "You Deserve It;" CD of the Year for his album You Deserve It; Choir of the Year; Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for "You Deserve It;" Contemporary Choir of the Year; as well as Praise and Worship CD of the Year also for You Deserve It.

Another big winner was RCA Inspiration recording artist Travis Greene who had another big year after bringing home seven awards in 2017, this year being awarded four Stellar Awards, winning Producer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and the Stellar Awards' top honor, Artist of the Year.

Another close contender was Motown Gospel recording artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard who was similarly honored, taking home four Stellar Awards for CD of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, as well as Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for her album Heart. Passion. Pursuit.

In somewhat of an upset, Anthony Brown & group therAPy who led the nominations going into the awards with eleven nominations ended up returning home with two Stellar Awards for Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year.

Nominations are decided by a first round of voting by members of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA), and a second round of voting by members of the public. The show is set to premiere on TV One this Friday.