(A pregnant   Erica Campbell(L) and her sister Tina who recently had a new baby boy on the red carpet)

After dominating the Gospel music charts through praise worthy singles “God In Me” and “Wait On The Lord,” Mary Mary and Donnie McClurkin walked away with music’s biggest honor Sunday (see full list of Gospel winners below)

Mary Mary, on the strength of the hit single “God In Me,” is up for Best Gospel Song while both Smokie Norful and Donald Lawrence earned nominations based on the strength of their album’s “Smokie Norful Live” (Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album) and “The Law of Confession, Part I” (Best Traditional Gospel Album) respectively.

Vickie Winans, Kierra Sheard, Heather Headley, J. Moss, Mandisa, and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. also received nominations.

McClurkin, winning the first Gospel award of the night, picked up Best Gospel Performance for the inspirational single “Wait On The Lord” feat. Karen Clark Sheard.

Accepting the award after briefly embracing acting presenter Tonex, Sheard applauded McClurkin for helping her to pick up a fourth Grammy.

Each award was presented during a pre-telecast ceremony, hours prior to the actual 52nd Annual Grammy Award presentation, airing at 8pm on CBS.

And the winners are…

Best Gospel Performance
(For solo, duo, group as collaborative performances. Singles or tracks with vocal containing Gospel lyrics. All genres of Gospel music are eligible.)

•Free To Be Me
Francesca Battistelli

•Jesus Is Love
Heather Headley Featuring Smokie Norful
Track from: Audience Of One

•I Believe
Jonny Lang With Fisk Jubilee Singers
Track from: Oh Happy Day

•Wait On The Lord - WINNER
Donnie McClurkin Featuring Karen Clark Sheard
Track from: We All Are One (Live In Detroit)

•Born Again
Third Day
Track from: Revelation

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Its been over 30 year and the Clark sisters are still going strong, and if you thought that whole ‘Last Album’ business the ladies pulled a few years back have them siting down somewhere chillin… think again! These divas are still touring!!! On January 23, 2010 the legendary Clark Sisters put on a show in Brooklyn College’s Walt Whitman Theatre. This event was organized by the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts. And with the release of Superintendent Sheard and First Lady Karen’s new label Karew Records we don’t see them taking a seat any time soon.


(While on the road The Clark Sisters often make there concerts a family affair. Above at Brooklyn College  while singing ‘I Tried Him and I Know Him’ they shine the spotlight on Jackie and Karen’s Daughters, Angel and Kierra while Karens son J Drew is on drums.)

The Clark Sisters are Grammy award winning artist, and are known for carrying on the legacy of their mother, the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who was the founder of the Clark Conservatory of Music in Detroit. If you’ve been under a rock and not formally introduces to the Clark Sisters they are four real sisters Jacky Clark Chinsholm, Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark-Terrell, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard. They have been singing gospel music for three decades.

(The ladies having fun in Brooklyn)

♫IF YOU MISSED IT:A CLARK FAMILY CHRISTMAS♫

Throughout these decades several of the sisters have had very successful solo careers. The group officially reunited in 2007 when they recorded their Grammy winning finale album “One Last Time.” Which we all knew would not be there last time, and it wasn’t, they came together again recently for their Christmas Album. Some of their other noted albums include “Sing Sing Sing,” “Is My Living in Vain?,” and “Miracle.”

For more information on the Clark Sisters their story ,and music please visit there site

www.theclarksisters.com

With the recent disaster in Haiti, people all over the world have tried to find ways to lend a hand, from sending text messages to donating money to send to organizations all over the world for relief efforts. On January 16, 2010, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee was supposed to be a night where artists took a break from recording. At the 25^th Annual Stellar Awards more than 150 artists joined Kirk Franklin in the recording of “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” to raise funds to help people in Haiti.

(Pastor Donnie prepares the hearts and minds of the fellow artist)

(Kirk teaches parts to Pastors Marvin Sapp and Marvin Winans )

Some of the gospel greats included on the song are BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary,Judith Christie McAllister, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jeremy Camp, Pastor Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jessica Reedy,Karen Clark-Sheard, Kiki Sheard, Bishop Paul Morton, and James Fortune. There were at least 100 people piled into the recording studio to sing the chorus of Kirk Franklin’s song.

(Pastor Sapp lays down his part)

Franklin spoke with the producer of The Stellar Awards asking if cameras would be able to capture the recording of the song. GMC aired the video On January 22 and has kept it in heavy rotation sense then. The national “Hope for Haiti” telethon also aired that night in efforts to raise money for Haiti. The Stellar Awards will premiere February 28, 2010. For more information on Haiti relief efforts visit www.redcross.org

(Bishop Paul Morton and Pastor Shirley Ceasor have no problem leanding their talents)

“We see these people as God’s children,” Franklin said.“We want to do our part and I just want people to know that the gospel community can respond to a powerful natural disaster, and for the first time it will.”

Created in 1985 by Chicago-based production company Central City Productions Inc., the Steller Awards is the most popular gospel music awards show in the United States. Its first show was tapped at the Arie Theater in Chicago and since then has been tapped in various cities throughout the country.

(Ever smooth Bobby Jones Smiles for the cameras)

(David and Tamela Mann glow on the red carpet)

(The CARAVANS posing and looking stunning)

This year’s Awards were held at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee.Hosts of the evening were gospel artist Vickie Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklin.

(James Fortune all smiles on the red carpet)

Hezekiah Walker was one of the biggest winners of the night taking home awards that include Choir of the Year, Contemporary Choir of the Year, CD of the Year, and Contemporary CD of the Year for his album “Souled Out.” He also won the coveted Artist of the Year.

(Yolanda Adams always giving us a youthful edge)

(Karima Kibble)

Other artist highlights of the night were Mary Mary winning Song of the Year for their hit single “God in Me,” Group Duo of the Year, Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year. Also Smokie Norful won Male Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Male of the Year.

(The Clark/ Moss crew always keeping it in the family)

“By bringing together Hollywood personalities, superior production and sophisticated staging, the Stellar Awards has become a major promotional event for labels, artists and Gospel Muisc.” (www.nowplayingnashville.com)

Check below for more information on nominees and award winners.

STELLAR AWARD WINNERS RECAP

( Note: ** Means the person won in the category.)

Artist of the Year

Donald Lawrence; The Law of Confessions Part 1 Quiet/ Verity
**Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship; Souled Out; Verity Records
Kierra Sheard, Bold Right Life, EMI Gospel
Vickie Winans, How I Got Over, Destiny Joy Records Part 1; Quiet Water/Verity

Song of the Year (Songwriter; Song - Album; Label)
Donald Lawrence, “Back II Eden” - The Law of Confession Part 1, Quiet Water/Verity
Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship, “I Am Souled Out”- Souled Out, Verity Records
**Mary, Mary, “God in Me” - The Sound, Columbia
Vickie Winans, “How I Got Over” - How I Got Over, Destiny Joy Records

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(BET Celebrates 10 years of bringing both old and new school together! Dr. Bobby Jones & Y’anna Crawley receive applauds after their performance)

With enriching sounds that elevate our souls and performances by some of the world’s most talented artists, BET’s annual special, “Celebration of Gospel” marked its 10^th anniversary this year, delivering some of the most eye watering and memorable moments in entertainment once again.

(Tye Tribbett lends a very animated performance)

It seemed as though every person at downtown’s LA Orpheum Theatre were pulled to their feet in bliss by some of the most angelic voices in gospel music; which include a duet by Fantasia and mom Diane Barrino-Barber. The two delivered an emotional tribute to ten year host Steve Harvey.

(Fantasia and mom Diane Barrino-Barber performing a tribute to host Steve Harvey at the 10^th anniversary of BET’s “Celebration of Gospel”)

(Bishop Noel Jones on the red carpet)

Harvey was eventually brought to tears as the two sang being embraced by his wife’s arms as she comforted him. Other highlights of the evening included outstanding performances from gospel singing sensations Bebe and Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Fred Hammond, Rance Allen Group and James Fortune along with duets from the soulful Anthony and Tarsha Hamilton, Kelly Price and Ledisi.

(Donald Lawrence hits up the red carpet)

(Anthony and Tarsha Hamilton before their duet at BET’s 10^th anniversary of “Celebration of Gospel”)

(Yolanda Adams shines in her red cut out gown)

The gloomy LA rain seemed to be unable to overcast the bright faces and enthusiastic personalities that strolled down the red carpet that evening. Most celebrity female artists including Fantasia, Elise Neal, and Kelly Price sported a popular “Rihanna” look going for an asymmetrical cut of various lengths. The color black and beige also seemed to be the perfect color for the night.

( Y’anna Crawley rocking a blond streaked hair  on the red carpet at the 10^th anniversary of BET’s “Celebration of Gospel”

(BeBe Winans is joined by his children on the red carpet)

“Sunday Best” winner Y’anna Crawley captured everyone’s attention as she strutted down the red carpet sporting a spiked and studded look. Executive producer of the show, Stephen Hill decided to sport a more relaxed look down the carpet wearing jeans and black.

(Gospel Artist Deleon Seffield)

(Kelly Price one of the performers for the evening goes casual for her red carpet appearance)

From the performances to the party wear, this year’s celebration was one that will definitely be unforgettable. More photos of the backstage happenings are available online BET.com .