Feels Like Home: The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Set to Ignite Charlotte with Night of Worship and Celebration
Get ready for gospel music’s most anticipated night of the year as the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards descends upon Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, bringing together the genre’s most celebrated artists, trailblazers, and rising stars for an unforgettable evening of worship, inspiration, and world-class performances. Under the theme “Feels Like Home,” this year’s ceremony promises to deliver an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and spiritual connection, hosted by the incomparable Kirk Franklin, who is also set to deliver a special performance. The star-studded lineup features an extraordinary array of talent spanning traditional gospel, contemporary worship, and genre-blending collaborations, including Le’Andria Johnson, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, Darrel Walls, John P. Kee, Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, PJ Morton, JustCordell, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, and many more. With performances from Aaron Cole, Childlike CiCi, Melvin Crispell III, and Vincent Bohanan & SOV, this year’s roster reflects the depth, diversity, and continued evolution of gospel music while celebrating artists who are inspiring audiences worldwide through faith, excellence, and powerful musical ministry.
This year’s ceremony will shine a spotlight on two of gospel music’s most influential voices with prestigious honors that recognize their extraordinary impact on the genre. Tasha Cobbs Leonard, one of the most transformative worship leaders and recording artists of her generation, will be presented with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, celebrating her remarkable career, global influence, and powerful legacy. “This honor means more to me than I can fully express,” shares Cobbs Leonard. “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.” 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. “This recognition is bigger than me—it’s a testament to God’s faithfulness and the incredible people who have supported this journey,” he shares. Together, these honors celebrate two artists whose music, leadership, and faith continue to inspire millions around the world.
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including Title Sponsor Procter & Gamble (P&G), Presenting Sponsors General Motors/Chevrolet and Walmart, and supporting partners such as Walt Disney World Resort, AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The ceremony will premiere on The Stellar Network on Saturday, August 29, at 8 PM ET, with an encore presentation at 10 PM ET, and will make its national cable debut on BET on Sunday, August 30, at 8 PM ET. From the red-carpet glamour to the soul-stirring performances and heartfelt tributes, this year’s Stellar Awards promises to be more than an awards show—it will be a sacred gathering, a celebration of faith, and a testament to the power of gospel music to heal, unite, and inspire. Tickets are now available at StellarAwards.com. Don’t miss gospel music’s greatest night—it’s going to feel like home.
