Radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley and actress Sherri Shepherd will return as co-hosts of the 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, having hosted together in 2014. This year’s Stellar Awards will be held Feb. 20 at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena.

The 2016 Stellar Awards nominees in 28 categories were revealed Wednesday, with gospel heavyweight Anthony Brown, a contender for both Male Vocalist of the Year and Producer of the Year, topping the list with 10 nominations. The prolific songwriter and his bandmates Group therAPy were also nominated for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.

Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago received eight nods, the second-highest number overall. Jenkins is nominated for Producer of the Year and Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, and his critically-acclaimed group is competing for Song of the Year, CD of the Year, Choir of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year.

With eight and six nominations respectively, Erica Campbell and Tasha Cobbs demonstrate the powerful impact of women in gospel music, recognized for Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Campbell also received a nod for Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, while Cobb garnered one for Praise and Worship CD of the Year.

Richard Smallwood, nominated for Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year, and his group, Vision, are in contention for Choir of the Year, Traditional Choir of the Year, Special Event CD of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year. Other artists earning multiple nominations include Israel & New Breed, Jonathan McReynolds, Tina Campbell, The Rance Allen Group, Casey J and Dorinda Clark Cole.

Don Jackson, founder and executive producer of the Stellar Awards, commented on the nominations.

“I am pleased that God has blessed us with celebrating 31 years as the most respected awards brand in gospel music and in the faith-based community,” Jackson said. “We will honor those who have contributed to the growth and success of gospel music as a genre, as well as demonstrate why this art form remains critical to the legacy of American music.”

Jackson will bestow special honors upon superstar Yolanda Adams and faith-based comedian Jonathan Slocumb. O’landa Draper will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Ambassador Bobby Jones Legends Award will be presented to Joe Ligon.

Confirmed Stellar Award performers include Kirk Franklin, Anthony Brown & Group therAPy, Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago, Tasha Cobbs, Travis Greene and Casey J. Additional performers and presenters will also be announced.

The Stellar Awards show taping is open to the public. Hotel and ticket packages are also available through the Orleans Arena.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards pre-show is scheduled for Feb. 19 to showcase non-televised awards winners. Also, the Stellar Gospel Radio Awards & Showcase will be held on Feb. 20, honoring top radio stations and announcers serving urban gospel music audiences.

For a complete list of nominees, visit thestellarawards.com.

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