(June 3, 2026) - Central City Productions proudly announces the nominees for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. across 31 categories (+ 6 Gospel Radio categories), honoring the year’s best and brightest in gospel music. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Returning for another unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, the 2026 show is set to be hosted by Kirk Franklin; and feature electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and special honors recognizing gospel legends and rising stars alike, all under the theme “Feels Like Home.” Tickets are available now by visiting StellarAwards.com or by visiting Ticketmaster.

Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “As we celebrate the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, we are reminded that gospel music continues to be one of the most powerful forces for inspiration, healing, and hope in our communities. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have honored the artists, songwriters, musicians, and visionaries whose faith-filled contributions have shaped culture and touched lives around the world. As we begin this new chapter, we proudly celebrate the enduring legacy of gospel music while embracing the next generation of voices who will carry its message forward for years to come.”

"It is truly an honor to return as host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have celebrated the artists, songwriters, musicians, and leaders who continue to use gospel music to inspire, heal, and bring people closer to God. Every year, this stage reminds us of the incredible power of faith, community, and music to impact lives around the world. I'm excited to join the gospel music family in Charlotte as we celebrate another historic year of excellence, innovation, and ministry through song,” shares Kirk Franklin.

Adding to the excitement, August 12th - August 15th, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS EXPERIENCE, a three-day fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show. STELLAR PLUS will feature Master Classes, Unplugged performances, a Songwriters Symposium, Fitness Zone, Comedy Experience, Vendor Marketplace. For more information on Stellar Plus Events visit stellarplusexperience.com.

The Stellar Awards Pre-Show and Gospel Radio Awards will feature an evening of dynamic performances and presentations of the non-televised awards - all set to take place Friday, August 14th at the Carolina Theatre (Charlotte, NC). Tickets will be available to the general public, with the official on-sale date to be announced soon.

The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.

This year’s Stellar Awards is presented by Procter & Gamble, Chevrolet, Walmart, Johnson & Johnson and AT&T.

41st Stellar Awards taping tickets are available now at stellarawards.com. A full list of the 41st annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit stellarawards.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.

ABOUT THE STELLAR TV NETWORK

Launched in April of 2023 under the management of Central City Productions, Inc., The Stellar Network fills the void for a family-friendly, entertainment, lifestyle network targeting Black audiences. The Stellar Network is the first in uplifting content with positive, inspirational, and entertainment programming. Stellar’s goal is to be the most preferred network to Black audiences in the country. The Stellar Network can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Vizio & Vizio WatchFree+ (app), and Xumo Play. For more information visit www.stellartv.com

ABOUT CENTRAL CITY PRODUCTIONS

Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer, programmer, and syndicator of its exclusively owned African-American programming. Celebrating 55 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), America’s Black Forum (www.americasblackforum.com), Mentoring Kings and Queens, and Black History Honors among many others. For more information, visit www.ccptv.com.

About Kirk Franklin

Music Icon, Innovator, and 20-Time GRAMMY® Award Winner Kirk Franklin is a 20-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon. For over three decades, he has been a transformative force in contemporary Gospel Music, masterfully blending Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop to create a unique and enduring sound that resonates across generations. Known as one of the most impactful and innovative figures in modern music, Franklin continues to expand the reach of Gospel Music, redefining its place in mainstream culture.

In October 2023, Franklin released his latest solo album, Father’s Day (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), which has received widespread critical and commercial acclaim. The album’s #1 hit single, “All Things,” earned Franklin his 20th GRAMMY Award at the 2024 GRAMMYs, where it won Best Gospel Performance/Song. This milestone cements Franklin’s status as the most decorated artist in Gospel Music history. Franklin’s influence extends far beyond the recording studio. He recently headlined The Reunion Tour 2.0, following its highly successful debut in 2023. This year’s tour featured a star-studded lineup of Gospel icons, including Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, and Marvin Sapp, with special guest Kierra Sheard-Kelly.

Beyond the accolades and chart-topping success, Franklin is passionate about making Gospel Music accessible to new audiences. He works tirelessly to ensure the genre reaches greater heights through collaborations with renowned artists such as Mariah Carey, Khalid, Lil Baby, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Michael Jackson, and Wyclef Jean. These ground-breaking partnerships have expanded Gospel’s influence, bringing its message of hope and redemption to diverse listeners worldwide. Franklin is equally committed to uplifting communities and nurturing the next generation of artists. Through his Camp Lotus, he provides aspiring musicians and singers with mentorship and resources to pursue their dreams. He also supports charitable organizations like Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, using his platform to advocate for causes close to his heart.

In March 2023, Franklin made history by becoming the first artist to achieve 100 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songwriters chart—a groundbreaking milestone on any Billboard songwriters’ chart. His SiriusXM channel, Kirk Franklin’s Praise, continues to bring Gospel Music to millions of listeners, while his ventures into film and television further amplify his creative vision. Franklin has executive-produced acclaimed projects like BET’s “Kingdom Business” and Lifetime’s “Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas” and “The Night Before Christmas.” In 2023, Franklin co-hosted TVOne’s dating show “The One” alongside his wife, Tammy Franklin, offering a fresh take on love and relationships.

Through his artistry, innovation, and dedication to community, Kirk Franklin remains a trailblazer whose impact transcends music. He continues to inspire millions around the world, using his platform to share a message of faith, love, and perseverance.