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24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in “Dreamgirls,” so you could say she went diva on Broadway. She won a Tony Award nomination for the role, which makes her a bit of an expert on diva. In fact, she wrote a book about it, “Redfining Diva.” Ralph writes: “A diva loves the women she sees in the mirror; a diva knows her own talent and strength; and a diva knows the first step on the road to fame is respecting herself.” When she isn’t delivering diva mantras, Ralph is playing a mama to one, first to Brandi in “Moesha” and then Lauryn Hill in “Sister Act 2.” She’s currently playing Jennifer Hudson’s mama on “Smash.”