Kirk Franklin Announces 2013 Stellar Award Nominees

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Monday, October 29, 2012

Gospel music great Kirk Franklin has announced the nominees for the 2013 Stellar Awards via webcast on Monday.

Franklin, who will co-host the awards show, delivered the nominations to fans through convenient modern technology. The webcast revealed the names of dozens of Gospel music artists, including some who were nominated several times.

The musical duo Mary Mary garnered an impressive nine nominations, earning them the most of any other artist for 2013.

Tina and Erica Campbell of Mary Mary will also serve as co-hosts of the awards show.

"We've participated in the Stellar Awards for years and always look forward to it," said Tina, according to a press release.

"Serving as hosts this year with our friend and colleague Kirk Franklin is an added bonus- we're looking forward to having an amazing time," added Erica.

Following closely behind, Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago received eight nods. Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond both received six nominations, while gospel music star Andrae Crouch and Isaac Carree received five nominations each.

This year, Kurt Carr will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, Bishop TD Jakes will be the recipient of the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, and Inez Andrews will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award.

This year the Stellar Awards will recognize the best radio stations serving urban Gospel music. Voting for "Radio Station of the Year" began today and will run through Nov. 25.

The 28th Annual Stellar Awards will take place on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee's Grand Ole Opry House.

For a full list of this year's nominees, visit thestellarawards.com.

Meanwhile, Mary Mary's television series of the same name returns to WeTv on Thursday, Dec 6 at 10 p.m. EST.