The 19th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by Yolanda Adams,
celebrates the year in gospel music with a night of harmonious and
inspired entertainment. American Airlines is proud to again support the
Stellar Gospel Music Awards as the official airline and help encourage and
promote the achievements of gospel music worldwide.

The Stellar Awards show was taped Jan. 10 at Houston`s George R. Brown
Convention Center. It was also hosted by Donnie McClurkin and Kirk
Franklin, with performances by award-winning gospel music artists Vicki
Winans, Rizen, Byron Cage and many others. The telecast will air in
syndication from Jan. 26 through Feb. 22, 2004. Please check local
listings for dates and times. For more information, visit
http://www.stellarawards.com/ .

“American has a long tradition of community involvement and we are
especially honored to be part of such a prestigious night to spotlight the
successes of gospel music artists and commemorate the rich influence of
the gospel music industry,” said Sharyn Holley, American`s managing
director- Diversity Strategies and Corporate Citizenship. American also
sponsored a radio promotion that gave eight Chicago and New York residents
a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to experience the powerful night in
person with an exclusive trip to the ceremony. Hilton Hotels provided
overnight accommodations. To win the contest, radio station callers sang
their favorite old-time gospel song on-air and DJ`s chose their top
favorites.
“Out of all the people in the world, I still can`t believe I was chosen.
It was an awesome experience, everyone was so kind, and I am so grateful
to the awards, American and Hilton for making it all possible,” said
winner Sharon Jones of Newark, N.J.

“The Stellar Gospel Music Awards represents the rich and wonderful past,
present and future of gospel music. Hilton Hotels is proud to partner with
American Airlines in support of this prestigious event,” said Floyd Pitts,
Senior Director of Diversity Programs for the Hilton Hotels Corp.

This year, the awards presented gospel music legend Shirley Caesar with
the James Cleveland Award, given annually to an artist who has made a
major impact in the development and advancement of gospel music. Co-host
Kirk Franklin was inducted into the Stellar Gospel Music Hall of Fame for
his pioneering work in gospel music.

American Airlines is the world`s largest carrier. American, American Eagle
and the AmericanConnection regional carriers serve more than 250 cities in
over 40 countries with more than 3,900 daily flights. The combined network
fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American`s award-winning Web site,
AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus
personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a
founding member of the oneworld Alliance.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent
hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises
more than 2,100 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its
portfolio includes many of the world`s best known and most highly regarded
hotel brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy
Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden
Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations Company(R) and Homewood Suites by
Hilton(R). The following trademarks are owned by Hilton Hospitality, Inc.:
Hilton(R), Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R),
Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations
Company(R) and Homewood Suites by Hilton(R). Conrad(R) is owned by Conrad
Hospitality, LLC.
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