The Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2026 nominations are officially out. John P. Kee and Kim Person lead all nominees with seven nods each. Moreover, gospel superstar Kirk Franklin has been confirmed as the host for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Furthermore, the show will be taped live at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Franklin is returning to a role he clearly embraces. He described it as a true honor to rejoin the gospel music family in Charlotte to celebrate another year of excellence, innovation, and ministry through song. Consequently, his hosting appearance adds significant star power to an already impressive evening of gospel music celebration.
The top nominees and full artist of the year field
John P. Kee and Kim Person sit alone at the top of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2026 nomination count. Close behind them are Tasha Cobbs Leonard and JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, each with six nominations. Moreover, several other artists received four or more nods. Furthermore, the breadth of the nominee list reflects gospel music’s continuing vitality across multiple styles and generations.
Here are the nominees for Artist of the Year, one of the night’s most prestigious categories:
Darrel Walls Heart of Mine Tyscot Records and Gumbo Studios
Jekalyn Carr Jekalyn X The Legends Waynorth Music
Kim Person Reflections Blockbuster Records and KLP Music Enterprise
Tasha Cobbs Leonard TASHA Motown Gospel and TeeLee Records
Tye Tribbett Only on the Road Live Motown Gospel and Freligious Music
Additionally, artists receiving four or more nominations include Lisa Knowles Smith and The Brown Singers, Jekalyn Carr, and Vincent Bohanan and SOV with five nods each, and Jonathan McReynolds, Asaun Bynum, Adia, and Darrel Walls with four nods each. Consequently, the competition across categories is deep and competitive throughout the full nominations list.
Song of the Year and Album of the Year nominees
The Song of the Year category features five strong contenders spanning different gospel styles. The nominees are Able featuring Kim Burrell by Paul Sylvester Morton Jr., Come Jesus Come by Stephen McWhirter and collaborators, On the Way Remix featuring Erica Campbell by Adia, Promises Live by Alescia Knowles-Smith, and Your Love by Kim Person.
The Album of the Year nominees are equally compelling. Heart of Mine by Darrel Walls, Live in New York by Vincent Bohanan and SOV, Reflections by Kim Person, and TASHA by Tasha Cobbs Leonard are all in contention. Moreover, the range of artists across these categories demonstrates how well gospel music continues to serve both traditional and contemporary audiences. Furthermore, several of these albums have already generated strong streaming numbers and radio support ahead of the awards ceremony.
The Stellar Plus Experience surrounds the main event
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards is part of a broader three-day celebration called the Stellar Plus Experience, running from August 12 through August 15 in Charlotte. The experience includes Master Classes, Unplugged performances, a Songwriters Symposium, Fitness Zone, Comedy Experience, and a Vendor Marketplace. Moreover, the Stellar Awards Pre-Show and Gospel Radio Awards will take place Friday, August 14, at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte. Furthermore, tickets for both the Pre-Show and the main ceremony are available now through Ticketmaster and the official Stellar Awards website.
Don Jackson, founder of the Stellar Awards and chairman of Central City Productions, described gospel music as one of the most powerful forces for inspiration, healing, and hope in communities across the country. Additionally, the show’s production team includes executive producer Jackson, producer Jennifer J. Jackson, director Michael A. Johnson, talent producer Erin Johnson, and music director Daniel Moore. Consequently, the 41st Stellar Awards arrives with a full-scale production and community experience designed to match the significance of the music being celebrated.
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