Tasha Cobb Leonard’s Prayer for Beyoncé As She Goes on ‘Renaissance’ Tour Causes Controversy…

Hello World,

So in addition to folk getting up in arms about the ticket prices to Beyoncé ‘s “Renaissance World Tour,” which was announced last Wednesday, folks are also criticizing Tasha Cobbs Leonard for praying for Beyoncé. More specifically, they are criticizing her for the actual prayer that she prayed. Below is her prayer that she posted on her IG page.

I don’t necessarily see anything wrong with that prayer although it probably could have been a private prayer but in our social media-driven lifestyles, much of what we formerly kept to ourselves is now fodder for our feed…

Marcus Rogers, whom I must admit I’ve never heard of before today, but who is a minister according to his website,  did not respond to the prayer in the way that Tasha Cobbs Leonard anticipated. Below is his response:

How do I feel about his prayer? I feel he has a right to pray in the way that he wants to just as much as Tasha Cobbs Leonard has a right to  pray the way she wants to…I will let the good Lord decide which prayer He intends to answer. Or may He may answer both but it may not be in the way that either of them intended when they prayed…I will say this, after the pandemic, if your personal relationship with God doesn’t include discernment regarding spiritual matters, you should pray for discernment because otherwise you will be dumb out here…I would not go to a Beyoncé concert for spiritual direction and furthermore, she does not market herself as an artist who provides spiritual direction…I would go for entertainment purposes only as I enjoy some of her music. However, on the other hand, there are some secular artists who openly provide spiritual direction. I went to a Kem concert (Soul II Soul Tour) last night, and he had everyone stand up and give God praise for making it through the pandemic so…

Incidentally, this spring, the powerhouse women of Gospel and Christian music are coming together for a must-see worship experience. Kicking off on Tuesday, April 25 at James L. Knight Center in Miami, FL. GRAMMY-winning artists Naomi Raine and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, 9x GRAMMY-nominee Natalie Grant and globally renowned vocalist TAYA will join together for “It’s Time Tour 2023.”

“It’s Time” will visit 21 cities across the U.S. including Atlanta, New York and Houston. Fans can expect to see solo performances from each artist. The co-headliners will also share the stage for a few songs each night.

IT’S TIME 2023 TOUR DATES:

Tues., Apr. 25 | Miami, FL | James L Knight Center

Wed., Apr 26 | Bradeton, FL | Bayside Community Church

Thurs., Apr 27 | Orlando, FL | Calvary Orlando

Fri., Apr. 28 | Jacksonville, FL | Florida Theater

Tues., May 02 | Atlanta, GA | Fox Theatre

Wed., May 03 | Charlotte, NC | Ovens Auditorium

Fri., May 05 | New York, NY | Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden

Sat., May 06 | Philadelphia, PA | The Met

Sun May 07 | Washington, DC | The Theater at MGM National Harbor

Tues., May 09 | Boston, MA | Boch Center Wang Theatre

Thurs., May 11 | Wallingford, CT | Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Thurs., May 18 | St. Louis | Faith Church

Sun., May 21 | Houston, TX | 713 Music Hall

Mon., May 22 | San Antonio, TX | Summit Christian Center

Wed., May 24 | New Orleans, LA | Saenger Theatre

Thurs., May 25 | Birmingham, AL | BJCC Concert Hall

Fri., May 26 | Southaven, MS | Landers Center

Sat., May 27 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium

Tues., May 30 | Cincinnati OH | Princeton Pike Church of God

Wed., May 31 | Indianapolis, IN | Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

Thurs., Jun 01 | Wyoming, MI | Grand Rapids First Church

Click HERE to buy tickets…

Anyway, that’s all I have to say about that…

What say you?

Any thoughts?

 

Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s Facebook Post About Her New Dress Gets Some Negative Comments…

Hello World,

On the same day that Lizzo cried on an IG Live video about “fat-phobic” “racist” and “hurtful” comments directed toward her after she released her new song “Rumors” featuring Cardi B., in the gospel music world, Tasha Cobbs Leonard also received some negative comments after she posted pictures of herself in a new dress. Below are some of the negative comments:

Beautiful dress but it’s too much for an already big person.

You are beautiful young lady But that dress does you no justice. Those kind of styles make you look two sizes larger. That’s why I don’t wear those type. Just being honest with love. Blessings 🌹

Tasha, I love you and I love your music – every song. I am not trying to put you down or anything, I am just being honest in a loving way. The color of the dress suits you very well but the style is not for you. I have seen you in some gorgeous gorgeous outfits!

This dress is really ugly but she is beautiful.

Y’all stop trying to butter up her cookie… you know this dress is wrongly made for her.

Agreed. It’s not made well for her. Looks like she’s in a curtain.

When I first saw the dress I kept thinking float, ugly and wrong that dress is not cute it’s too much fabric and she need to go back to wearing clothes that snatch her body into shape not tents.

Despite the negative comments, most of the comments were overwhelmingly positive. Below is the Facebook post…

As someone who has struggled with body image issues over the years, I hesitate to comment specifically on these types of issues, but my basic thought is: If you like it, I love it. However, because your girl is thick from the waist down, I tend to wear form-fitting clothing to make me look more “snatched.” Sometimes, they are too form-fitting for my husband’s tastes, but I have to live and be confident in this body, not him so…

Regarding Lizzo though, Jill Scott is a beautiful curvy woman and has never received the feedback that Lizzo has…I wonder why…anywho, I digress…

But what say you?

Any thoughts?

Winners of 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Announced, Premieres Sunday, Aug. 1 at 8/7c on BET (PHOTOS)!

Hello World,

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrated its 36th year honoring excellence in gospel music, featuring soul-stirring performances that will awe audiences who love sounds of inspiration. Hosted by gospel chart-toppers Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribbett, this year’s ceremony showcased an eclectic mix of gospel legends and industry standard-bearers along with the unstoppable force of young, contemporary artists who are spreading the good news in new ways. The annual celebration, set to premiere Sunday, August 1st at 8PM ET/PT on BET,  underscored the power of artists who boldly proclaim a Christ-centered identity, represent the unique sounds of their region, and display the rich diversity filling gospel music with a healing and uplifting energy that reaches the masses. 

A new generation of gospel artists showed up and showed out during the celebration as a testament to the genre’s staying power. Among them, Pastor Mike Jr., nominated for multiple Stellar Awards this year, performed “Big,” and host Jekalyn Carr belted her songs, “Change Your Story” and “Jehovah Jireh.” Maverick City Music treated audiences to the harmonious sound of “Jireh,” and various emerging artists such as JokiaTerrian, and Nia Allen were spotlighted as up-and-coming gospel talent. 

Big winners at the 36th Stellar Gospel Music Awards include Pastor Mike Jr., who was named Artist of the Year and won Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. Kierra Sheard was feted during the ceremony with Song of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, and Maverick City Music won both New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Other multiple Stellar Awards winners include Jonathan McReynolds, who was named Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and as part of a group that won Producer of the Year; and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose wins included Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year.  

Select categories and winners are featured on Instagram @TheStellarsSocial media lit up during the event, generating more than two million impressions with posts featuring performances, winners, and other notable moments. The audience and performers were pleased to return to an in-person ceremony after the Stellar Awards went virtual last year due to pandemic lockdowns. COVID-19 safety protocols were enacted as part of the in-person event.   

Among many highlights from “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” Yolanda AdamsTamela Mann, and Avery*Sunshine joined together to deliver a powerful tribute to Lady Tramaine Hawkins, who was honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Toyota. The trio performed a medley including widely-known Hawkins’ songs such as “Holy One,” “Changed,” and “Going Up Yonder.” The Clark Sisters, who received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by AT&T, also performed rousing renditions of “Is My Living In Vain,” “Blessed & Highly Favored,” “You Brought The Sunshine,” and “His Love.” The legendary group received three nominations for this year’s Stellar Awards. 

Kierra Sheard gave a spirited offering of “Something Has To Break,” and Sheléa and Christina Bell sang The Clark Sisters’ classic hit “You Brought The Sunshine.” Leading nominee Jonathan McReynolds lifted his voice to the sounds of “Grace” and “Movin’ On,” joined by Mali Music, and CeCe Winans burst into song with “Never Lost” and “Believe For It.”  

Viewers worldwide can expect to witness these dynamic performances and find out who won across all categories when the Stellar Awards airs Sunday, August 1, on BET, BET Her, and BET Gospel at 8 p.m. ET / PT. The show will also air August 2 on BET International. The ceremony, held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, July 10, will also be carried in various markets for national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 5.  

The Stellar Awards not only recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, but also honors gospel music icons and those who have been instrumental in advocating for the gospel industry. Top nominees for this year’s ceremony include former Stellar Awards host Jonathan McReynolds, who received eight nominations this year. Anthony Brown & group therAPyKierra SheardMaverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr. each received seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist of the Year. Other celebrated artists receiving multiple Stellar nominations include Tasha Cobbs LeonardThe Clark SistersRev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir, the Chicago Mass Choir, and host Jekalyn Carr. 

See photos, taken Photography By Gip III for Central City Productions, from the Stellar Awards below:

Maverick City with Award…

Shirley Caesar…

LaTocha Scott…

Jonathan McReynolds on stage with award…

Lady Tramaine Hawkins…

Master P and son…

Jekalyn Carr and Jawaan Taylor…

Yolanda Adams and daughter Taylor…

The Clark Sisters on carpet…

 

Jordan Kelly and Kierra Sheard Kelly…

Lecrae…

AT&T is proud to be this year’s presenting sponsor. With support from additional sponsors, including State Farm (Song of the Year presenter), Toyota, P&G (Traditional Female Vocalist presenter), and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the 2021 Stellar Gospel Music Awards is set to be the gospel event of 2021.For additional updates, follow The Stellar Awards on social media and check our website 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:  WWW.STELLARAWARDS.COM  AND BET.COM 

Any thoughts?