GMC has signed a renewal deal with Central City Productions to remain the exclusive cable home of gospel music's premier annual event, the Stellar Awards.
The agreement encompasses the 2011 Stellar Awards event, as well as GMC's exclusive-to-television airing of the nominations announcement and concert performances, plus The Stellars Tribute to the Holidays, featuring holiday gospel favorites.
The Stellar Awards nominations event and concert will air exclusively on GMC as a live special from Nashville on Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. ET. The Stellars Tribute to the Holidays will premiere on GMC in late November, while the networks will air 2011 Stellar Awards - the 26th annual -- on March 6 at 8 p.m.
"As America's leading destination for gospel music fans, GMC is proud to remain the exclusive cable home for gospel's biggest night," said Leslie Chesloff, GMC's executive vice president, programming, in a statement. "We are especially pleased to be expanding our coverage with the Stellars holiday special and live prime-time nomination announcements, which in and of itself will be a riveting event with performances by some of gospel's biggest names."
At last year's event, Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir took home five Stellars, including artist of the year, choir of the year and contemporary choir of the year. Walker & LFC's album Souled Out was recognized as the CD of the year and contemporary CD of the year.
