Steve Harvey did it again!

The multimedia personality brought his black-star-power-filled eighth annual 'Hoodie Awards' to the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas and turned the supersize venue out with a sold-out audience, heart-tugging musical performances and awe-inspiring nods to everyday people.

For eight consecutive years, the King of Comedy and his staff have honored community businesses and leaders, in 12 categories, in recognition of the everyday efforts and strides that the stars of our neighborhoods make in their cities and towns.

This year, the presenting sponsor was Ford, which gave the winner of the Community Leader Award a new 2011 Edge. Other categories included Best High School, Best High School Teacher, Best Church, Best Fried Chicken, Best Nail Salon, Best Detailing, Best Barbershop and Best Gospel Choir.

'The Hoodies' were created by Harvey and his longtime friend and business partner Rushion McDonald in an much-warranted effort to celebrate regular people and their contributions to their community.


"I believe that we're all created equal and it's not fame or fortune that makes an ordinary person extraordinary, but it's the things they do to help others and to uplift their communities that makes them special," the best-selling author and new 'Family Feud' host said.

Among the luminaries joining Harvey & Co. for this year's festival of good from the hood were Sherri Shepherd, Dwele, Michael Clarke Duncan, Omarosa, Holly Robinson Peete, Victoria Rowell, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, Antonia "Toya" Carter, George Wallace and Tank.

The legendary soul trio The O'Jays opened the show with a 30-minute set of their biggest hits, including 'She Used to Be My Girl,' 'Backstabbers' and 'Love Train.' R&B diva Angie Stone brought her treasure trove of modern-day classics to the masses; even calling up an endless stream of black men up onstage with her during her performance of her song 'Brotha.'

Fantasia Barrino, the 2004 'American Idol' winner who has been the subject of much mainstream media attention after her controversial affair with a married father of two was unveiled, brought down the house with a rousing performance of new and old songs. The 26-year-old 'Bittersweet' singer – who recently attempted suicide with a bottle of aspirin – brought the audience (of 17,000) to their feet during her set, which seemed like part tribute to Prince and part testimony.

The awards ceremony is the centerpiece of a three-day event packed with activities that included financial seminars and cooking demonstrations, a plus-size jeans fashion show, a comedy showcase, a beach party and a fundraising golf tournament.