SiriusXM’s Kirk Franklin to co-host the virtual 2020 Stellar Gospel Music Awards special

 The “greatest night in gospel music” returns to television when the 35th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards premieres on BET Networks as a two-hour virtual special on Sunday, August 23 at 6pm ET, which will be co-hosted by SiriusXM host and Kirk Franklin’s Praise (Ch. 64) namesake, Kirk Franklin.

Also simulcast on BET Her, the virtual production will acknowledge all award winners from the Stellar Awards pre-show and main show, with select categories being presented in the broadcast. Along with Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds and Koryn Hawthorne will also host as the show celebrates 35 years of excellence in the genre with inspirational performances from gospel music’s most celebrated artists and honors the contributions of first responder heroes on the front lines of the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic.

Confirmed performers include Anthony Brown, CeCe Winans, James Fortune, Koryn Hawthorne, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Jonathan McReynolds, Travis Greene, Kierra Sheard, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbett, Tauren Wells, Zacardi Cortez, Pastor Mike Jr, DOE, Rich Tolbert Jr., and more. Emerging artists set to make their Stellar Awards debut include Group Fire, Keyla Richardson, Melvin Crispell III, and Titus Showers.

The Stellar Awards recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, honors gospel music icons, and acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals instrumental in advocating for the industry. Previously announced nominees for the 2020 Stellar Awards include veteran gospel collective Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers, who leads the field of nominees with nine nominations. Other top nominees include gospel icon and Stellar Awards host Kirk Franklin and powerhouse singer, producer, and performer Tasha Cobbs Leonard with eight nominations each. For the complete list of the 35th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees, please visit www.thestellarawards.com.

More of the biggest names in gospel and a few additional surprises are being added to the growing list of top performers appearing in this year’s show, presented by AT&T and also sponsored by State Farm.

After its premiere, an encore presentation of the Stellar Awards is scheduled for 9pm ET. The award show will also run in national broadcast syndication in 210 markets starting on Tuesday, August 25 through Wednesday, September 30 (check local listings).