The nominees for the 42nd Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced recently and some of the brightest Gospel artists were recognized.

The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. The show will take place at the historic Shrine Auditorum in Los Angeles, California and will air on Friday, March 4, 2011 on FOX at 8PM ET. Holly Robinson Peete and Wayne Brady will be the hosts.

"This year more than ever we need to celebrate the achievements of minorties in the arts," said NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vicangelo Bulluck, who serves as executive producer of the awards telecast in a recent press release. "Inclusive and multicultural, the NAACP IMAGE AWARDS is truly a diverse American awards show. It showcases the hottest names in television, film and music. You couldn't ask for better hosts than Wayne and Holly to lead us in this celebration."

Tyler Perry was shown much love as he received a resounding 19 nominations for his various movie and television projects. Along with Perry the new show Are We There Yet received top honors including best comedy, best actor and best actress nods.

In the music department several artists were nominated including newcomer Willow Smith-Outstanding New Artist nominee and the beautiful Sade-Outstanding Female Artist respectively. So glad to see Sade back on the scene.

The Gospel artists lauded for their work are;

Kirk Whalum-The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III"
Marvin Sapp-"Here I Am"
Brian Courtney Wilson-"Just Love Deluxe"
Tamela Mann-"Master Plan" -Tamela Mann
Mavis Staples-"You Are Not Alone"

To learn more about the NAACP Image Awards log on to their website at www.naacpimageawards.net