It was a night of glitz, glam, and soul-stirring music as the gospel community gathered in Nashville, TN for one of its most celebrated events—the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards—and history was made. Recorded live at the historic Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the Stellar Awards honored the very best in gospel music, from powerhouse performers to the professionals working faithfully behind the scenes.
Pastor Mike Jr poses with his Stellar Awards. Photo courtesy Cr8 Agency
The evening’s biggest winner was Pastor Mike Jr., who swept the night with an astonishing nine awards, winning in every category for which he was nominated. His wins included the coveted Artist of the Year—marking the fourth consecutive time he has earned the title. He also took home Album of the Year for I Got Away EP and Song of the Year for his uplifting anthem “Amen.”
Hosted by gospel royalty and real-life siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans, the show delivered unforgettable moments that ignited hearts and spirits. Performances by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Dante Pride, Pastor Mike Todd & Transformation Worship with Adia, and William Murphy brought the house to life.
Gospel recording artist Ce Ce Winans. Photo courtesy The Stellar Awards.
A special highlight came when CeCe Winans herself was honored with the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Award for her album More Than This (Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services).
The Stellar Awards—often called the “biggest night in gospel music”—continues to shine thanks to the vision of Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson, who was also honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. The powerhouse production team included Jennifer J. Jackson (Producer and Executive in Charge of Production), Michael A. Johnson (Producer and Director), Erin Johnson (Talent Producer), and Daniel Moore (Music Director).
The Stellar Awards were a part of Stellar Plus Week, 2days of immersive industry and fan-focused events prior to the big show. It also presented a highly attended pre-awards show at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) sponsored by Compassion International.
On a personal note, I want to congratulate the Internet Station of the Year Award winner, GODRadio1.com as part of their San Diego-based team, which also carries my Lin. Woods Gospel Entertainment Show, I am especially proud of this recognition.
Walter Ko and Evangel holding the Stellar Award they received for GODRadio1.com for their Internet Radio Station of The Year
The 40th Stellar Awards premieres on the Stellar Network Saturday, August 30th at 8PM and 11PM EST, followed by its broadcast on BET Sunday, August 31st at 8PM ET/7PM CT. Afterward, fans can catch it in national broadcast syndication. To find out when it airs in your city, visit StellarAwards.com.
With Pastor Mike Jr.’s historic sweep and CeCe Winans’ continued reign as gospel royalty, the 40th Stellar Awards once again proved why it remains the ultimate celebration of gospel music, faith, and inspiration.
For a complete list of Stellar Award Winners, click here.
By Lin. Woods, Family and Faith Entertainment Writer
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