GOSPEL MUSIC'S GREATEST NIGHT, THE 41ST STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS, SET TO IMPACT CHARLOTTE, NC ON AUGUST 15TH
TASHA COBBS LEONARD SET TO RECEIVE
THE ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD
PASTOR MIKE JR. SET TO RECEIVE
THE THOMAS A. DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
THE 41ST STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED PERFORMANCE LINEUP FEATURING LE'ANDRIA JOHNSON,
KIERRA SHEARD, JEKALYN CARR, DARREL WALLS, JOHN P. KEE,
TYE TRIBBETT FEAT. ABLAZE, JUSTCORDELL,
LISA KNOWLES-SMITH & THE BROWN SINGERS, PJ MORTON, & MORE
CEREMONY HOST KIRK FRANKLIN SET TO DELIVER SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
41ST STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS SET TO PREMIERE ON
THE STELLAR NETWORK
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29TH AT 8PM/7C;
ENCORE PRESENTATION AT 10PM/9C
41ST STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
SET TO AIR SUNDAY, AUGUST 30TH AT 8PM/7C ON BET
2026/07/21.TashaCobbsLeonardAndPastorMikeJrSetToBeHonoredAt41stStellarAwards.asp NEWS SOURCE: Cr8 Agency July 21, 2026
(July 21, 2026) - Today, Central City Productions announced the first wave of performers and special honorees for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by Kirk Franklin. Under this year's theme, "Feels Like Home," gospel music's greatest night will bring together the genre's most celebrated artists, trailblazers, and rising stars for an unforgettable evening of worship, inspiration, and world-class performances. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Spectrum Center. Tickets are available now at StellarAwards.com.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will deliver an unforgettable night of music and celebration with an all-star lineup of performances from Aaron Cole, Childlike CiCi, Darrel Walls, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz featuring Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha, JustCordell, John P. Kee, Le'Andria Johnson, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, and Vincent Bohanan & SOV. Spanning traditional gospel, contemporary worship, choir music, and genre-blending collaborations, this year's performance lineup reflects the depth, diversity, and continued evolution of gospel music while celebrating the artists who are inspiring audiences around the world through faith, excellence, and powerful musical ministry.
This year's ceremony will also recognize two of gospel music's most influential voices with special honors celebrating their extraordinary impact on the genre. Tasha Cobbs Leonard will be presented with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, honoring her remarkable career, global influence, and powerful legacy as one of the most transformative worship leaders and recording artists of her generation. Additionally, Pastor Mike Jr. will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to gospel music, chart-topping success, and unwavering commitment to expanding the reach of the Gospel through innovation and ministry. Together, these prestigious honors celebrate two artists whose music, leadership, and faith continue to inspire millions around the world.
"This honor means more to me than I can fully express. Gospel music has given me a place to share my faith, my testimony, and every part of my journey, and I have never taken that privilege lightly. To receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award is deeply humbling, not only as a celebration of what God has allowed me to accomplish, but also as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with this platform. I'm grateful to my family, my team, the gospel community, and every person who has allowed this music to become part of their lives," shares Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
Pastor Mike Jr., shares, "I'm truly honored to receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award. This recognition is bigger than me, it's a testament to God's faithfulness and the incredible people who have supported this journey. I pray my music and ministry continue to inspire hope, faith, and purpose for generations to come."
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards proudly recognizes Procter & Gamble (P&G) as the event's Title Sponsor. General Motors/Chevrolet serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Artist of the Year Award, while Walmart is the Presenting Sponsor of the Song of the Year Award. Tide proudly presents the HBCU Choir of the Year Award, and Olay serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Award. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital joins this year's celebration in honoring Tasha Cobbs Leonard as the recipient of the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award. Additional support is provided by Walt Disney World Resort, AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Rhythm and Rise Cruise, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Mecklenburg County, WBTV and Praise 102 Charlotte.
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jacksonwith Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson-Pressley as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
The Greatest Night in Gospel Music, The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on The Stellar Network, available on Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios, with the broadcast debuting on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET with an encore presentation at 10 p.m. EST (check your local provider for channel availability). The celebration will make its national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET before expanding to audiences nationwide through broadcast television syndication from September 5 through September 27, 2026. In Charlotte, WBTV (CBS) will serve as the local television broadcast partner. Bounce TV will air the ceremony on Saturday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music 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.
2025 - 2026 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees
Category #1: Artist of the Year
Darrel Walls; Heart of Mine; Tyscot Records / Gumbo Studios
Jekalyn Carr; Jekalyn X The Legends; Waynorth Music
Kim Person; Reflections; Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Tasha Cobbs Leonard; TASHA; Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Tye Tribbett; Only On The Road (Live); Motown Gospel, Freligious Music
Category #2: Song of the Year
Able ft. Kim Burrell ~ Paul Sylvester Morton Jr. ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
Come Jesus Come ~ Stephen McWhirter, Tara McWhirter, Hank Bentley, and Bryan Fowler ~ Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
On The Way Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia Andrews, Karl Powell, Michael McClure Jr., Jeremy James, Jaicko Raphael Lawrence, Israel Allen, & Erica Campbell ~ Rock City Media Group
Promises (Live) ~ Alescia Knowles-Smith ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Your Love ~ Kim Person ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Category #3: Male Artist of the Year
Asaun Bynum ~ True To Him ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Darrel Walls ~ Heart of Mine ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
John P. Kee ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Jonathan McReynolds ~ Still (Live) ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Tye Tribbett ~ Only On The Road (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Freligious Music
Category #4: Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year
Adia ~ On The Way EP ~ Rock City Media Group
Jekalyn Carr ~ Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Waynorth Music
Kim Person ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Lisa Knowles Smith ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Maranda Curtis ~ Worship Restored ~ ButterflyWorks/Red Alliance Media
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ TASHA ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Category #5: Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Asaun Bynum ft. LeekGoHard ~ Jesus I love You ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
CeCe Winans & Pastor Shirley Caesar ~ Come Jesus Come ~ Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
Jason Clayborn x Melvin Crispell III ~ Whatever It Is ~ Jay Clay Music/Tyscot
Jonathan McReynolds ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Still (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Category #6: New Artist of the Year
Ablaze ~ Ablaze ~ Independent
Asaun Bynum ~ True To Him ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Bishop Charles Ellis & Greater Grace Worship Choir ~ Bishop Charles Ellis & Greater Grace Worship Choir ~ Graceful Records
United Music & Arts Conference Choir ~ Clap Your Hands ft. Beverly Crawford & Craig Hayes ~ High C
Category #7: Album of the Year
Heart of Mine ~ Darrel Walls ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
Reflections ~ Kim Person ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
TASHA ~ Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Category #8: Choir of the Year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach ~ Secret Place ~ Millie’s Boy Muzik
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Live in New York ~ Independent
Category #9: Producer of the Year
Alescia Knowles-Smith & Frederick Perry ~ Revival: Live in Dallas (Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers) ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Donald Lawrence & Cedric Thompson ~ Global Love Alive (London) ~ Platoon
Kim Person & Phillip Bryant ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Category #10: Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity ~ Chain Breaker 2.5 ~ ManHaddon Ministries/Tyscot Records
Jason Clayborn x Melvin Crispell III ~ Whatever It Is ~ Jay Clay Music/Tyscot
Jonathan McReynolds ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Still (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Mariah Carey (feat. The Clark Sisters ~ Jesus I Do ~ MARIAH/gamma.
Red Hands ~ Red Hands ~ Black Suit Music/Anderson Music Group/TAMLA Records
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ft. John Legend ~ Church ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
The Group Fire ~ I Can Count On You ~ Jet Records North/East
Category #11: Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Brandon Camphor & One Way ~ In Christ Alone ~ TOMii Entertainment
Darrel Petties & Take 2 ~ Word ~ Independent
Lucinda Moore featuring Bishop Paul S. Morton ~ Someone who cares (the lala song) ~ Nalah Music Group/New Day Christian Distributor
Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
Category #12: Contemporary Male Artist of the Year
Darrel Walls ~ Heart of Mine ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studio
Jonathan McReynolds ~ Still (Live) ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Thomas Ware ~ The Book of Thomas ~ Blockbuster Records/CHMG Music Group
Zacardi Cortez ~ Ibhar: The Journey (Chapter 2) ~ Blacksmoke Music
Category #13: Traditional Male Artist of the Year
E. Dewey Smith ~ Songs Daddy Used To Sing ~ Pebble Street Records
Earnest Pugh ~ We Wanna See You, Vol 1 Live ~ Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
JJ Hairston ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Category #14: Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
Adia ~ On The Way EP ~ Rock City Media Group
Crystal Aikin ~ Lord I Need Your Help ~ Godshand Management Services LLC/Mixed Bag Entertainment
Erica Campbell ~ Trust and Obey - London ~ My Block Records Inc.
Kim Person ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Nia Allen ~ Lord I Love You ~ Lewis-Kortez Group
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ TASHA ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Category #15: Traditional Female Artist of the Year
Blanche McAllister-Dykes ~ Words (Donald Lawrence) ~ Platoon
Bobbi Lane ~ He Never Failed Me ft. Paul Porter ~ Taylor Music Group
K. Jeanette ~ Jesus Is My Friend ft. Shawn Bigby ~ Devine Records
Lucinda Moore ~ Someone who cares (the lala song) ft, Bishop Paul S. Morton ~ Nalah Music Group/New Day Christian Distributor
Category #16: Contemporary Album of the Year
Fred Hammond Presents Sensere: The Soul Of Future Worship Vol. II ~ Sensere ~ Wrightsound M&E
Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
TASHA ~ Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
The Book of Thomas ~ Thomas Ware ~ Blockbuster Records/CHMG Music Group
Category #17: Traditional Album of the Year
Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Musi
Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I; ~ John P. Kee & New Life ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Category #18: Urban Single or Performance of the Year
Church Parking Lot ft. Tasha Page-Lockhart ~ Otis Kemp ~ Revive 5.0 Entertainment
Do It Again ~ Kirk Franklin ~ Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records
Jesus I love You ~ Asaun Bynum ft. LeekGoHard ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Make A Way ~ VaShawn Mitchell ~ VMan Entertainment/Fair Trade Services
On The Way Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia ~ Rock City Media Group
The Light ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong Music/Lewis-Kortez Group
Category #19: Music Video of the Year
I Am Happy ~ Allen Carr & Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Music
Find Jesus ~ Deitrick Haddon ~ ManHaddon Ministries/Tyscot Records
You Matter ~ Maurice Griffin ~ World Changing Entertainment
On the Way Remix ( Adia ft. Erica Campbell) ~ Will Thomas ~ Rock City Media
Category #20: Traditional Choir of the Year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach ~ Secret Place ~ Millie’s Boy Muzik
Bishop Brian D. Moore & The Life Center Choir ~ Always Come Through ~ Independent
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Category #21: Contemporary Choir of the Year
Ablaze ~ Ablaze ~ Independent
Johnny Sanders Featuring Faith On Full ~ A Song ~ Just 1 Global Productions/Johnny Sanders Presents LLC
Sounds of Blackness Feat Jamecia Bennett, NUNNABOVE, Atlanta Drum Academy ~ We’re Unstoppable ~ Sounds of Blackness/AtomicK Records
Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Live in New York ~ Independent
Voices of Fire ~ Ophanim ~ EZ FLO Innovations LLC/PW Music/Warner Records
Category #22: Traditional Artist of the Year
E. Dewey Smith ~ Songs Daddy Used To Sing ~ Pebble Street Records
Jekalyn Carr ~ Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Waynorth Music
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Category #23: Special Event Album of the Year
Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents: Almost Home - A Ramp Record with Friends ~ Bishop S.Y. Younger ~ Ramp Records, Under Exclusive License to MNRK Records LP
Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ John P. Kee & New Life ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Category #24: Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year
All We Like Sheep ~ Childlike CiCi ~ Capitol Christian Music Group, TAMLA
Party in Heaven ~ Mike Teezy ~ MTEntertainment, LLC
Reconstruction ~ Lecrae ~ Reach Records
Walking with Purpose ~ DFG SUL ~ Independent
Category #25: Youth Project of the Year
AMG Kidz x Wilson World; Boombox; Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records
Janessa Smith; Lift Him; Inspired Recording
Pure N Heart; Alphaeus Anderson Presents Pure N Heart Celebrate Jesus 20yrs; Music2ChangeU
Category #26: Quartet of the Year
Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
The Flying Clouds of South Carolina ~ Don't Leave Me ~ Blockbuster Records
The Gospel Legends ~ Jesus Is The Man ~ 4Winds/Malaco Records
Tim White ~ Help Live In Chicago ~ Independent
Category #27: Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Brianna Dowd & JJ Hairston – The Live Reunion – Motown Gospel/Jamestown Music
Kim Person & JP Designs Art – Reflections – Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Octavius Holmes – Jekalyn Carr x The Legends – Waynorth Music
This Monday, July 20
ALBUMS Emery Styrofoam [Emeryland]
This Friday, July 24
ALBUMS Leanna Crawford Thank God [Provident] Charles Wesley Godwin Christian Name [Big Loud] eddieM UnReleased - EP [Syntax] Ezra Worship Initiative Great and Glorious God EP [NCS] The Inspirations Songs For Our American Culture [Horizon] Josh Snodgrass Acoustic Worship (independent) Tyraels Ascension Grave Seeker [Rottweiler]
SINGLES LamonTT Blackshire WORLD CUP - Single [Syntax] Bill B. Here & Home (ft. Davion Morye) - Single [Syntax] Beach Chapel Give You The World - Single (independent) Chris Caro BRICK! - Single [Syntax] dex the nerd who loves Jesus Dance Like David (ft. Drea LP) - Single [Syntax] Koryn Hawthorne His Favorite - Single [Motown Gospel] Elle Limebear Give Me Joy - Single [Wings] Lloyd Nicks Paper-Maché - Single [Wings] Andy Riemersma Holding Me Down - Single [Dream] Troy Patterson The Nikes (ft. Mont Pringle) - Single [Syntax] Troy Patterson Blood & Crypt (ft. Semaj Spitz) - Single [Syntax] Sleeping At Last Echo - Single (independent) Joel Vaughn Like God Does - Single (independent) Phil Wickham Everyday Hallelujah - Single [Fair Trade]
Next Friday, July 31
ALBUMS Pat Barrett, Worship Together Burn in Us [Capitol CMG] Joseph Habedank The Worship Album [Gaither] Sower Contrast (independent) Starflyer 59 Disappointed EP [Velvet Blue]
SINGLES Hillside Recording Come Back Home - Single (independent) KNGDM REVIVAL OPEN MY EYES - Single [Dream] We Are Messengers Room For You - Single [Wings]
Shane Davis Releases "Gold Dust" to Christian Radio
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Emery 
