This year’s package of nominees is a musical potpourri with a mix of traditional, urban, contemporary, rap and hip-hop and jazz artists up for award consideration. J Moss (left) dominated the 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards list of nominees by picking up 11 nominations and Donald Lawrence (also left) was right behind him with 10 nominations for the most prestigious awards in gospel music. The two artists will go head-to-head in a number of categories, including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year.

J Moss’ recording, The J Moss Project, also collected nominations in the New Artist of the Year, Urban/Inspiration Single/Performance of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories.

Lawrence’s single “Celebrate” is also up for Song of the Year. In addition, his CD entitled, I Speak Life garnered nods for Producer of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year with Donald Lawrence & Co.

Sister duo Mary Mary placed second to Lawrence and Moss with six selections stemming from their popular self-titled project Mary Mary. Not far behind Mary Mary is the group Rizen with five nods and solo artist Smokey Norful with three. Donnie McClurkin, who will serve as a co-host for the 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Show on January 21, received nominations for Artist of the Year and Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year. For a complete listing of all nominations, please visit www.thestellarawards.com.

The awards show, which has been in Texas for the past two years, is moving back to Nashville after a 10-year hiatus from hosting the awards. The taping of the 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Show takes place January 21, 2006 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and will air in syndication from January 28 through March 5, 2006. The awards show will be co-hosted by Vicki Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Israel. Please check local listings for dates and times.