Hezekiah Walker dominates Stellar Awards

Written by Eric Tiansay

Monday, 18 January 2010 03:41 PM America/New_York

Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir performed during the 25th Annual Stellar Awards. Photo credit: Jeanne Reasonover/The Tennessean

Verity Records artist Hezekiah Walker and his Love Fellowship Choir took home five Stellar Awards at the weekend, garnering trophies in the Artist of the Year, Contemporary CD, CD of the Year, Contemporary Choir of the Year and Choir of the Year categories.

Walker and his Brooklyn, N.Y.-based choir were recognized during the 25th Annual Stellar Awards, which celebrated the achievements of African-American artists in gospel music at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Jan. 16.

Sister duo Mary Mary picked up four awards: Song of the Year for "God In Me" from The Sound (Columbia Records/Integrity Music/Provident-Integrity Distribution); Urban/Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year, also for "God In Me"; Group Duo of the Year; and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year.

The Stellar Awards was hosted by Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Vickie Winans (Destiny Joy Records), who won the Female Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year awards. EMI Gospel performer Smokie Norful nabbed the Male Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Male of the Year categories, while newcomer Verity Records artist Crystal Aikin was recognized in the New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female of the Year categories.

The Stellar Awards were taped for broadcast Feb. 28 on the Gospel Music Channel. Click here for a complete list of Stellar winners.