(NASHVILLE, TN) — August 20, 2026 — Motown Gospel celebrates an outstanding showing at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with its artists and affiliated releases earning five wins across some of the evening’s most competitive categories. The victories underscore the label’s continued commitment to championing innovative, faith-driven music while representing the breadth and evolving sound of Gospel music.
“Our artists continue to push Gospel music forward while remaining rooted in faith and authenticity. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished and grateful to the Stellar Awards for recognizing their impact,” shares EVP of Motown Gospel, Walter Thomas.
Among the evening’s big winners was GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Jonathan McReynolds, who earned two Stellar Awards for his acclaimed collaboration with Jamal Roberts, “Still (Live).”McReynolds was named Male Artist of the Year, while “Still (Live)” earned Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. Released via Motown Gospel/Life Room Label, the powerful live recording pairs two of Gospel music’s distinctive voices for a moving declaration of faith, perseverance and trust in God.
Motown Gospel also celebrates JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, who earned Choir of the Year for The Live Reunion: Washington, DC. The project brought Hairston and Youthful Praise together for a powerful celebration of their musical legacy, ministry and signature choir sound.
Rising artist Adia also took home a Stellar Award, earning Urban Single or Performance of the Year for the remix of her single “On The Way,” featuring Erica Campbell (Rock City Media Group). Released via Rock City Media Group, the collaboration blends contemporary Gospel, R&B and urban influences while delivering an uplifting message of expectation and faith.
Rounding out the wins, Christian hip-hop artist JustCordell earned Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year for his breakout track “Movin.” (Rock City Media Group) Released via Rock City Media Group, the high-energy record showcases JustCordell’s fresh approach to faith centered hip-hop.
GRAMMY Award-winning powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard was presented with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her extraordinary career, global influence and lasting contributions to Gospel music. Pastor Mike Jr. was honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, celebrating his remarkable impact on Gospel music and his continued ability to bridge faith, culture and contemporary sound.
Together, the five wins and two recognitions represent the dynamic range of artists and sounds connected to the Motown Gospel family. Follow Motown Gospel on social media using the handle @MotownGospel and by visiting HERE.
Complete List of Wins
CATEGORY #3
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds ~ Still (Live) ft. Jamal Roberts (Motown Gospel, Life Room Label)
CATEGORY #8
CHOIR OF THE YEAR
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC (Motown Gospel, JamesTown Music)
CATEGORY #10
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Still (Live) (Motown Gospel, Life Room Label)
CATEGORY #18
URBAN SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
On The Way Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia (Rock City Media Group)
CATEGORY #30
RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
Movin ~ JustCordell (Rock City Media Group)
About Motown Gospel
Motown Gospel is one of the most prominent gospel music companies in the world, boasting over two decades of chart-topping and award-winning artists, albums, and songs. A division of Capitol CMG/Universal Music Group, the world’s leading Christian music company and market leader in recorded music, distribution, and music publishing, Motown Gospel’s artist roster includes Tasha Cobbs Leonard, William Murphy, Tye Tribbett, Pastor Mike Jr., Koryn Hawthorne, Ricky Dillard, JJ Hairston, Me’Kayla, Karen Clark Sheard and more.
