The 29th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be hosted at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium on Jan. 18. Hailed as “gospel music’s biggest night,” the award show honors top gospel artists from 2013 and will feature performances by Hezekiah Walker, Donald Lawrence, Shirley Caesar, The Winans Brothers and more.

“I am once again humbled by the continued growth of the Stellar Awards, which this year lead us to move to a bigger venue—double the size of the Grand Old Opry,” said Don Jackson, founder and executive producer of the Stellar Awards. “The time, talent and commitment exhibited by the artists continues to make our sold-out live show a must-see event.”

Newcomers Anthony Brown & Group Therapy have eight nominations for the group’s self-titled debut album (Tyscot Records/Word Distribution), including Song of the Year, Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Industry veteran Tye Tribbett’s Greater Than (Motown Gospel/Capitol Christian Distribution) also received eight nominations, including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year and Producer of the Year.

Other artists with multiple nominations include Tamela Mann, Israel & New Breed, Tasha Cobbs, Fred Hammond United Tenors and John P. Kee & New Life.

Daytime Emmy Award-winner, author and comedienne Sherri Shepherd will co-host the show along with syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley.

In addition to the regular awards, special honors will be conferred upon Grammy-winner Hezekiah Walker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Pastor Maceo Woods for their contributions to the gospel music industry. The Stellar Awards will also present special categories highlighting top radio stations serving urban gospel music audiences.

The Stellar Awards will also play host to finalists of Take Me to the Stellar Awards Emerging Artist Competition. Amateur or up-and-coming signers or songwriters can submit their songs online before the event, and finalists chosen by a panel of judges will be able to perform at the event.

The show will air live on the UP television network, as well as being syndicated on 150 local stations across the nation in the following weeks.

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