The Queen City was shining Saturday night as some of gospel music’s biggest names gathered at the Spectrum Center for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards hosted by Kirk Franklin. This year’s theme, “Feels Like Home,” was fitting as Gospel Music’s Greatest Night made its way to Charlotte, bringing together gospel legends and emerging talent for an evening celebrating faith, artistry, and the soul of the genre. The night featured powerful performances, special collaborations and memorable honors.
One of the evening’s standout moments came when Tasha Cobbs Leonard received the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her incredible career and lasting influence on gospel music. Pastor Mike Jr. was also honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his contributions to the genre and his continued impact through music and ministry. The stage was graced by some sanging folks including Jekalyn Carr, Yolanda Adams, Karen Clark Sheard, Jonathan McReynolds, Marvin Sapp, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, PJ Morton, William Murphy, Tye Tribbett and many more.
The night also highlighted the next generation of gospel artists, with performances featuring Aaron Cole, Céjae and JustCordell, showing that the future of gospel music continues to shine. Beyond the performances, the Stellar Awards celebrated the community and culture surrounding gospel music. The ceremony capped the Stellar Plus Experience, a multi-day celebration featuring live music, emerging artist showcases, industry programming, comedy and community events throughout Charlotte.
Here is the full list of Award Winners:
[Full Winner’s List]
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on The Stellar Network, Saturday, August 29 at 8 p.m. ET, followed by an encore at 10 p.m. ET. The ceremony will make its national cable premiere on BET Sunday, August 30 at 8 p.m. ET, with an additional airing at 10:30 p.m. ET. After 41 years, the Stellar Awards continue to honor the voices, stories and ministry that make gospel music so powerful.
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And the celebration doesn’t stop here, because gospel music lives in our hearts, lifts our spirits, and ministers to us no matter where we are. It’s the soundtrack of our hope, our healing, and our everyday walk with God.