The Stellar Awards Return to BET to deliver Gospel’s biggest night and Celebrates Faith, Legacy and the Future.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by gospel superstar Kirk Franklin, will make its national cable TV premiere on BET, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation at 10:30 p.m. ET. Taped live at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, this year’s theme is “Feels Like Home.”
The theme reflects what the Stellar Awards have represented for more than four decades, a home for gospel artists, musicians, songwriters, industry leaders and fans who believe in the power of Gospel music to inspire, uplift, encourage and bring people together.
Lisa Knowles Brown and the Brown Singers at the 41st Annual Stellar Awards in Charlotte, NC. Photo courtesy The Stellar Awards.
This year’s ceremony features an impressive lineup of performances representing the many sounds of Gospel music including Aaron Cole, Céjae, Darrel Walls, Jekalyn Carr, Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz featuring Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha, JustCordell, John P. Kee, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, Maranda Curtis, Marvin Sapp, William Murphy and Vincent Bohanan & SOV.
Host Kirk Franklin will also take the stage for a special performance. The evening will spotlight two artists whose contributions to gospel music have made a lasting impact. Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, while Pastor Mike Jr. will be presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
Kierra Sheard Kelly at the 41st Annual Stellar Awards in Charlotte, NC. Photo courtesyThe Stellar Awards
Additional performances included Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Maranda Curtis, Marvin Sapp, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, William Murphy, Vincent Bohanan & SOV, and more.
The celebration also features a star-studded group of presenters, including Adia, Charles Jenkins, Erica Campbell, Jamal Roberts, Jonathan Nelson, KEM, Keyla Richardson, Lil Rel Howery, MAJOR., Marvin Sapp, Nate Brown, Shirley Caesar, Travis Greene, VaShawn Mitchell and Vickie Winans, with a special appearance by NotKarltonBanks.
For me, one of the most important things about the Stellar Awards is that it is more than an awards show. It is a celebration of gospel music, history, its influence on culture and its ability to speak to generations.
From the church pews to concert stages, radio, television and streaming platforms, gospel continues to evolve while holding on to its message of faith, hope and perseverance.
Additionally, the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on The Stellar Network, on Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET with an encore presentation at 10 p.m. EST (check your local provider for channel availablity).
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards will also run in broadcast television syndication nationwide from September 5th through the 27th.
The show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson. Jennifer J. Jackson serves as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production, with Michael A. Johnson taking up the helm as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson-Pressley as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
For more information and the complete list of winners, visit Stellar Awards. Join the conversation with #TheStellars.
By Lin. Woods
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