Highlights of the 29th Annual Stellar Awards- Gospel Music's Biggest Night of The Year

The nights big winner Tamela Mann with her husband Actor David Mann (Getty Images)

Every year the Gospel music community comes together to celebrate and spread the love of Christ through music. It's a night that all of the industry's who's who assemble together to enjoy each other's company and celebrate the incredible music they've shared with the world. The 29th Annual Stellar Awards went live in Nashville, TN -as it has since 2006. This years' hosts were The View's Sherri Shepherd and Comedian Ricky Smiley. I must say they both looked great.

Attendees were amped to have gospel legend Hezekiah Walker open the show, everyone in Gospel knows theres nothing like a Hezekiah Walker set!! The night continued with performances from half of the gospel duo Mary Mary- Erica Campbell, Tasha Cobbs, Rev. Shirley Caesar, and others. A couple of my favorite moments of the night were Jonathan McReynolds singing his hit record No Gray, and Ricky Dillard closing the show out with a beautiful record titled, Amazing written and led by Tiff Joy a singer/songwriter out of Chicago, IL.

SEE ALSO: Interview: KayKi Speaks with Gospel's New Favorite Voice Jonathan McReynolds

As awards were passed out it was clear that it was a huge night for another favorite, Tamela Mann. She took home seven Stellar Awards by the nights end, including artist of the year! Clearly, this was her year! Her hit record Take Me To The King touched the masses. The  creators set aside a portion of the show to honor a few special people. Hezekiah Walker received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award, which was well deserved. Congresswoman Shiela Jackson Lee, and Pastor Maceo Woods were also honored. A special moment was set aside to honor the late President Nelson Mandela as well.

The Stellar Awards is always a time of celebration. Gospel music is so important for the soul. These artists have managed to spread the love of Christ through their music, and they sound great doing it. Check out a list of the main categories and winners below, a few photos, as well as a video of Ricky Dillard's close Amazing, ft. Tiff Joy!

Artist of the year: Tamela Mann
Song of the year: "Take Me to the King," Kirk Franklin
Male vocalist of the year: Tye Tribbett
female vocalist of the year: Tamela Mann
Group/duo of the year: Anthony Brown & Group Therapy
New artist of the year: Tasha Cobbs

Hosts Rickey Smiley & Sherri Shepherd

Erica Campbell

James & Cheryl Fortune 

Jessica Reedy

Kirk Franklin

Kierra Sheard and Karen Clark Sheard

Isaac & Dietra Carree

Tasha Cobbs

VaShawn Mitchell