Tasha Cobbs Leonard will be presented with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award in recognition of her remarkable career, global influence, and powerful legacy in gospel music.
“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,” Cobb shared with EBONY.
“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.”
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. I pray my music and ministry continue to inspire hope, faith, and purpose for generations to come,” said the pastor.
Produced by Central City Productions, the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards is themed “Feels Like Home,” as gospel music’s greatest night brings together the genre’s most celebrated artists, trailblazers, and rising stars. Kirk Franklin will host the evening, which takes place on August 15 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The night will present awards in 31 categories, with Darrel Walls, Jekalyn Carr, Kim Person, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Tye Tribbett nominated for Artist of the Year.
The Song of the Year nominees include: “Able” ft. Kim Burrell, “Come Jesus Come,” “On The Way” Remix ft. Erica Campbell, “Promises” (Live) and “Your Love.” The Gospel Radio of the Year winners will also be chosen.
The evening is also set to deliver an all-star lineup of performances from Aaron Cole, Childlike CiCi, Darrel Walls, 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.
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 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on The Stellar Network on August 29 (check your local provider for channel availability). The celebration will make its national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, August 30.
Tickets are available now at StellarAwards.com.
