Grammys Have Announced Their Nominees for 2024
The gospel categories for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards recognizing outstanding achievements in the gospel music genre were recently publicized. Some of this year’s most notable artists who have made the cut as nominees in these categories include Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kirk Franklin, and Tye Tribbett. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will be televised live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8:00p ET/5:00p PT.
Maverick City Music Singer Kicked Off Flight for Refusing to Stop Singing
Bobbi Storm, a member of the super collective Maverick City Music, found herself nearly getting booted off a Delta Airlines flight on November 10th after refusing to follow the directives of a flight leader who asked her to stop singing and talking on the plane. Storm, who insisted God told her to do so and that she wasn’t breaking any laws, posted an Instagram saying she’s sung on at least 50 flights without any complaints. After exchanging words, the flight leader warned her, “If you’re not able to follow my instructions, you will not be able to take this flight” which prompted her to take her seat, but she still proceeded to sing “We Can’t Forget Him,” while fellow passengers listened and awkwardly clapped.
Billboard Awards Named its 2023 Gospel Nominees
The Billboard Music Awards have announced the finalists for the November 19th ceremony and some gospel purists are breathing a collective sigh of relief that there is only one category this year naming Kanye West for the genre, but it’s still for a major category, Top Gospel Artist. Kanye started drawing ire over the last few years for besting nearly all gospel honors due to the success of his crossover albums’ sales, digital downloads, streaming numbers, radio airplay, and social media engagement. This time nominees in categories such as Top Gospel Album will include Jonathan McReynolds, Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Zacardi Cortez, and Whitney Houston, who is posthumously recognized for “I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston.”
Koryn Hawthorne Announces Engagement
Grammy-nominated gospel singer and Season 8 finalist of NBC’s “The Voice,” Koryn Hawthorne is ready to say I do. The beautiful bride-to-be shared the news through an exclusive Essence magazine photoshoot with fiancé Hunter Register. Hunter, a childhood friend, grew up with Koryn in Lafayette, Louisiana. Hawthrone says he is the partner she prayed for but never imagined she’d find in the boy she used to run and share concession stand snacks with many years ago. Hunter surprised Koryn by popping the question at a beautiful location surrounded by their family and friends, and the loving couple are already discussing plans for the big day.
Last Words…
Vatican Gives Nod to Baptize Transgenders
The Vatican has delivered a new stance concerning transgender individuals and baptism, saying it is now okay to do so. The Vatican had not previously had a policy regarding the baptism of transgender individuals. This new stance will proceed on a case-by-case basis, following the guidance of local bishops and the individual’s sincere desire to live a life of faith. There will undoubtedly be ongoing discussions and debates surrounding this topic, however the Catholic Church continues to strive to uphold its principles of compassion, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals.
