January 19, 2009

By By Deborah Evans Price, Nashville

Marvin Sapp took top honors at the 24th annual Stellar Awards Jan. 17 at the Grand Ole Opry House, winning eight awards, including artist, song, male vocalist and CD of the year for his Verity/Zomba release "Thirsty" which has dominated the charts and airwaves during the past year.

Among the other big winners during the evening was newcomer Jonathan Nelson, who nabbed Stellars for contemporary CD of the year, group/duo of the year and contemporary group/duo of the year for the CD "Right Now Praise," from Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose. Ricky Dillard and New G. won two awards for choir of the year and contemporary choir of the year.

The legendary Clark Sisters won the Stellar in the special event of the year category for "The Best of the Clark Sisters Encore" and the sisters' Dorinda Clark-Cole was named female vocalist of the year. Newcomer Jessica Green won the new artist of the year accolade.

Produced by Central City Productions, headed by chairman/CEO Don Jackson, the show featured appearances by "The View's" Sherri Shepherd, actors Sheryl Lee Ralph and Clifton Davis, R&B Singer Mario. Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin and Da' T.R.U.T.H. were among those performing during the event. The show is slated to air in syndication.

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