(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.
(The Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable
Achievement Award Recipient)
(The Aretha Franklin Icon Award Recipient)
(41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Host
(Performer)
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 Jackson with 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.
