NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For nearly 30 years, the Tennessee State University New Direction Gospel Choir has used music as a platform for ministry, culture, and academic excellence. Now, the powerhouse ensemble is setting its sights on the biggest stage in gospel music. With a storied legacy and a string of national victories under its belt, New Direction has officially entered its name for consideration in the 2026 Stellar Awards.
The timing is perfect. This year, the Stellar Awards, referred to as the “Grammys of gospel music,” has introduced a brand-new category: “HBCU Choir of the Year.” The addition celebrates the excellence, tradition, and voices of Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide. For New Direction, the category feels like a custom-built opportunity to showcase its three-decade commitment to musical brilliance. The anticipation on TSU’s campus is real, as the official nominations are scheduled to be announced on June 3.
“When the opportunity arose to apply for this new Stellar Awards category, we knew it was a chance to showcase who we are as an organization,” said Justin Butler, the director of New Direction. “After submitting our performance materials, choir history, and accomplishments, we felt confident that our students deserved to be in the conversation. They work just as hard as any choir in the country, and this nomination reflects the excellence, passion, and commitment they have demonstrated throughout the year.”
The push for a Stellar Award nomination is a natural next step for a choir that has spent years racking up major accolades. New Direction captured national attention as the overall winner of the 2025 How Sweet the Sound gospel competition, where they also took home the inaugural HBCU Choir category and the People’s Choice Award. That win earned them a coveted spot on last year’s 40th Annual Stellar Awards stage, where they captivated audiences as a featured Emerging Artist. On special occasions, the choir has even combined its vocal talents with TSU’s world-renowned, Grammy-winning marching band, the Aristocrat of Bands.
The group’s resume is vast. Over its nearly 30-year journey, generations of students have traveled the world, performed on BET’s Sunday Best, sang for Pope Francis during a European tour, and graced the stage at the Essence Festival.
“Every achievement has been built on the dedication, sacrifice, and faith of generations of TSU students,” Butler said. “This Stellar Award nomination is more than recognition for one year of work, it reflects nearly three decades of excellence, ministry, and perseverance. It honors not only the students who are in the choir today, but also the alumni, directors, advisors, and supporters who helped build this legacy.”
For those who have watched the students practice late into the night while balancing rigorous academic schedules, the potential award represents years of poured-out devotion.
“If the Tennessee State University New Direction Gospel Choir were to win a Stellar Award, it would be a moment of tremendous pride and gratitude,” said Dr. Deborah Chisom, who has served as an advisor to the choir for more than 15 years. “This accomplishment would represent the dedication, faith, talent, and perseverance of generations of students who have used music as a ministry and a platform for excellence. It would affirm the hard work that has been poured into this organization over the years.”
Chisom added that for TSU, the achievement would transcend a simple trophy. “It would be a national recognition of the excellence, culture, and rich musical tradition that exists at our institution. A Stellar Award would shine a spotlight on TSU’s commitment to developing students spiritually, academically, and artistically.”
As June 3 approaches, the choir waits with faithful optimism, knowing they have already left an indelible mark on gospel music.
“Whether we win or not, we are proud to be recognized among the nation’s top gospel choirs,” Butler said. “To bring a Stellar Award to TSU would be a tremendous achievement for our choir, our music program, and the university as a whole.”
Featured Photo: The vast resume of the newly 30-year-old New Direction Gospel Choir includes performance for the Pope, appearance on BET’s Sunday Best, and gracing the stage at the Essence Festival. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
