Entertainment
2018 STELLAR AWARDS NOMINEES CELEBRATED AT ASCAP AND MOTOWN GOSPEL “MORNING GLORY” BREAKFAST IN LAS VEGAS
LAS VEGAS, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), along with Motown Gospel, celebrated music’s most prestigious names in gospel at the 9th annual “Morning Glory” Breakfast reception honoring the 2018 Stellar Awards nominees. One of the premier events leading up to the 33rd Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the event took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Las Vegas and was hosted by multi-platinum songwriter, Lashawn “Big Shiz” Daniels.
The program featured uplifting performances by Motown Gospel artist and Grammy-nominated singer Kenny Lattimore, who professed that while he is well known for his R&B songs, his love for gospel music has always been strong. The audience was moved by his spirit-filled performance of his song “We Want to See You,” showcasing his signature falsetto as he belted out a high note for 10 seconds at the close of the song.
Last year’s host and newly signed Motown Gospel artist, Lexi, hit the stage to perform her newest single, “In the Room,” and dedicated her new album to her late husband.
Stellar and Dove Awards winner Brian Courtney Wilson brought everyone at the reception to their feet in praise and worship while he performed his song, “A Great Work,” from his new album of the same name.
The room was full of gospel music’s tastemakers, artists and Stellar Awards nominees including: Anthony Brown, J.J. Hairston, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Janice Gaines, The Williams Brothers, Bishop Cortez Vaughn, Dana T. Sorey, Bryan Popin, Marcus Hodge, The Showers, Darnell Williams, Bizzle, Charles Butler, Gene Moore, JAVEN, Derek Blanks, Jason Nelson and Kelontae Gavin.
“It’s always a pleasure partnering with Motown Gospel for our annual Morning Glory Breakfast,” says Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP’s Senior Vice President, Membership. “Each year we get to celebrate such inspiring talent, while recognizing our members for their Stellar Awards nominations and their contributions to gospel music.”
ASCAP executives Moya Nkruma, Cristina Chavez, Jason Reddick and Jonathon Jones presented each ASCAP member and Stellar Awards nominee in attendance with a plaque to commemorate their musical accomplishments this year. Monica Coates and EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel, were among the label staff in attendance.
“We were, once again, thrilled to have another successful event with our longtime partner, ASCAP,” shared EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel. “Our artists and writers are some of the most prolific and gifted in the industry, and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate them.”
