Stellar Awards’ first-round ballot highlighted by Houston artists

Stellar Awards Academy members have a short time left in casting their first round ballot for the 27th Annual Awards show. This year’s first round ballot has many Houston connections. Houston-bred artists Yolanda Adams, Lecrae, Brian Courtney Wilson, James Fortune & FIYA, Luke Mercer, Kim Burrell, Jennifer Holliday and Preashea Hilliard are all listed.

Locally-based record labels are getting recognition also. Matthew Knowles’ MusicWorld Gospel is listed 18 times with entries for Trin-i-tee 5:7 & Brian Courtney Wilson. Kerry Douglas’ Black Smoke Music World Wide is listed 25 times with entries for James Fortune & FIYA, Earnest Pugh, Lonnie Hunter, Keith Wonderboy Johnson and Preashea Hilliard.

Other mentions include Kirk Franklin’s Hello Fear, which Houston’s Nikki Ross is featured on. Also, Ricky Dillard’s Keep Living is listed, it features Ross and Houston choir master Carnel Davis Jr., who is a part of the background choir, New G.

Lakewood Church music head, Israel Houghton is also listed seven times on the ballot.

Members of SAGMA have until Sept. 2nd to vote.