CHARLOTTE, N.C.— July 20, 2026 — As the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards prepares to make its highly anticipated return, the 5th Annual Stellar Plus Experience will transform Charlotte into the epicenter of gospel music, faith, culture and entertainment with three immersive days of exclusive events, interactive programming and unforgettable fan experiences.
Now in its third year, the Stellar Unplugged Music Experience, presented by Amazon Music in partnership with The Recording Academy, returns as one of the weekend’s signature events, featuring Stellar Award-winning artists Jonathan McReynolds and Koryn Hawthorne, alongside acclaimed recording artists Blanca and ANTHNY. This year’s programming will feature appearances by acclaimed artists, entertainers and thought leaders, including Kelontae Gavin, Dr. Jay Barnett, Lil Rel Howery, Griff, Damon Williams, Kelly Kellz and Ryheem Johnson, with additional artists, speakers, and special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets Available Now at StellarPlusExperience.com
Taking place August 12–14, the official fan experience of Stellar Week invites attendees behind the scenes of Gospel music’s biggest week through intimate concerts, artist conversations, industry masterclasses, comedy, wellness activities, networking events and community outreach designed to bring fans closer than ever before to the artists, creatives and leaders shaping today’s gospel music landscape.
The Stellar Plus Experience has become one of the signature attractions of Stellar Week, creating meaningful opportunities for artists and fans to connect beyond the awards stage.
“Our vision has always been to create an experience where fans don’t simply attend the Stellar Awards—they immerse themselves in the culture surrounding gospel music, ” said Rhonda Sams, Founder and Executive Producer of Stellar Plus Experience.
“Stellar Plus allows people to learn, laugh, worship, discover new artists and build lasting relationships while celebrating the music that inspires us all.”
Programming begins Wednesday, August 12, with Stellar in Community followed by Stellar Plus
LIVE: From the Pew Podcast, featuring conversations with influential voices from across gospel music.
On Thursday, attendees can participate in SAGMA Masterclasses, Stellar Marketplace, Stellar
Talks, the Fitness Zone Dance Party, and the acclaimed Stellar Unplugged concert experience.
The celebration concludes on Friday with the Fitness Walk & Run, Emerging Artist Experience, Songwriters Symposium, and the fan favorite Stellar Plus Comedy Show.
“As Stellar Plus continues to grow, our goal is to create experiences that serve every generation
of gospel music fans, ” said Michele Murphy, Co- Founder and Talent & Events Director.
“Whether you’re discovering emerging artists, hearing the stories behind the music, connecting
with industry professionals or simply enjoying an incredible weekend, Stellar Plus has become
the place where the gospel community comes together.”
Tickets for all Stellar Plus Experience events are on sale now at StellarPlusExperience.com.
Follow @StellarPlusExp on Instagram and Facebook for programming updates and artist announcements.
About Stellar Plus Experience
The Stellar Plus Experience is the official immersive fan experience of Stellar Week, celebrating
gospel music through live entertainment, education, networking, wellness and community
engagement. Produced in conjunction with the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, Stellar Plus brings
fans, artists, and industry leaders together for three days of unforgettable experiences leading
into Gospel music’s biggest night.
