Popular gospel recording artist Smokie Norful adds two more awards to his mantle garnering the Male Vocalist and Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year at the STELLAR AWARDS this past weekend.   Norful was recognized for his current chart topping release Smokie Norful Live.

The highly recognized awards program taped their historic 25th Anniversary show this past weekend in Nashville at the famous Grand Ole Opry.   The widely regarded gospel awards show brings together and recognizes the best in gospel music and this year was its best year ever.   Norful was a part of  the landmark telecast in a once in a lifetime performance with Richard Smallwood. The classically trained pianists performed a medley of their biggest hits on grand pianos.  The beautiful segment was a true highlight of the show.    "It's an exciting time in life, music, ministry, and career." said Norful. "I was truly humbled to be a part of such a pivotal moment in the history of the Stellars."

The Stellar Awards are set to air in syndication nationwide in January and February (check your local listings) and will premiere on cable on the Gospel Music Channel on February 28th.

"Dear God," the second single from  Smokie Norful Live debuted on the R&R Gospel chart at #30. The powerful ballad is in the vein of his smash hit "I Need You Now," which features Norful at his best - at the piano singing a song of praise and gratitude to God.  

Additionally, Norful lent his talents to a special Haitian relief song, "Song For Pain," written and produced by Kirk Franklin. Recorded in Nashville during the Stellar weekend, Norful was among the artists who donated their time to this charitable effort, which will be released digitally this week and all proceeds from the sales of the single will be donated directly to humanitarian efforts in Haiti. 

Norful is a multiple award winner having received a Grammy Award in 2004 and several Stellar, Dove and Image Awards. His gold-selling release I NEED YOU NOW shot Norful into mainstream opening doors for him to minister worldwide and positioning him to be one of gospel music's significant artists.