41st Annual Stellar Awards Recap and Air Dates
- The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards recognized influential voices in gospel music.
- The event featured powerful performances and collaborations representing multiple generations.
- The Stellars can be seen on television starting August 20th 8:00 p.m. on BET with a repeat broadcast at 10:30 p.m.
41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Celebrates “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music”
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards brought gospel music’s biggest stars, legendary voices and rising talent together for an unforgettable celebration of faith, community and musical excellence.
Hosted by Kirk Franklin, the 45-time Stellar Award winner and 20-time GRAMMY Award winner, the ceremony took place Saturday, August 15, at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center. This year’s theme, “Feels Like Home,” marked a new chapter for the Stellar Awards as the prestigious celebration made its home in the Queen City.
The evening featured powerful performances and collaborations representing multiple generations of gospel music. Aaron Cole performed with Tenroc and Jonathan McReynolds, while emerging artists Céjae and JustCordell showcased the future of the genre.
The star-studded lineup also included Darrel Walls, Maranda Curtis, Marvin Sapp, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, William Murphy, Vincent Bohanan & SOV, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, and more.
Among the night’s most memorable moments were special honors presented to two influential voices in gospel music. Tasha Cobbs Leonard received the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her remarkable career and lasting contributions to gospel music. Pastor Mike Jr. was honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his impact on the genre through music and ministry.
The ceremony also delivered an impressive lineup of collaborations, including Jekalyn Carr with Karen Clark Sheard and Yolanda Adams; Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz with Isaac Carree, Jazze Pha, Gaz Money and Johnny Gill; John P. Kee with Zacardi Cortez; Kelontae Gavin with Melvin Williams and Paul Porter; and Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE.
The celebration extended beyond the stage with appearances from presenters including Erica Campbell, Jonathan Nelson, KEM, Lil Rel Howery, Marvin Sapp, Shirley Caesar, Travis Greene, VaShawn Mitchell, Vickie Winans, Charles Jenkins, Jamal Roberts, MAJOR., and more.
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards served as the centerpiece of the Stellar Plus Experience, a multi-day celebration featuring live performances, emerging artist showcases, industry programming, comedy, community events and opportunities for fans and gospel music professionals to connect.
When to Watch
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on The Stellar Network on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation at 10 p.m. ET.
The awards will make their national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, August 30, at 8 p.m. ET, with an additional presentation at 10:30 p.m. ET.
The ceremony will also air through broadcast television syndication from September 5 through September 27, 2026, with Bounce TV airing the show Saturday, September 5, at 1 p.m. ET. Check local listings for availability.
For additional information and updates, visit StellarAwards.com.
The Stellar Network is available on select platforms, including Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Vizio, Vizio WatchFree+ and Xumo Play.
