The Huntsville Music Office is celebrating the success of two of its own after the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Saturday, Aug. 16.

ADIA Andrews, a Huntsville native and official Music Ambassador for the city, won New Artist of the Year and took home Song of the Year for “Amen,” a collaboration with Michael McClure Jr., Terrell Anthony Pettus, Andrea Crouch, David “DLo” Outing and Pastor Mike Jr.

Fellow ambassador Dante’ Pride was nominated for Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year for “Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah” featuring Lisa Page Brooks. Pride delivered a powerful live performance during the ceremony.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, often called the “Grammys of Gospel,” spotlight the brightest stars in gospel and inspirational music.

Andrews’ win and Pride’s nomination underscore Huntsville’s growing role as a hub for creative talent and affirm the impact of the Huntsville Music Ambassador Program.

“ADIA and Dante’ exemplify the very best of Huntsville’s music scene and the caliber of artists participating in the Music Ambassador Program,” Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella said. “Their recognition at the Stellar Awards demonstrates the strength of incredible talent we have within our community that we are so proud to champion.”

Huntsville’s Music Ambassador Program is the first strategic music export program in the country to be launched and administered at the municipal government level. Others have adopted the model, including the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture’s Tulsa On Tour ambassador program.