Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Pastor Mike Jr. Set to Receive Special Honors at the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards
Kirk Franklin will host Gospel music’s biggest night as Kierra Sheard, Tye Tribbett, John P. Kee, Jekalyn Carr, PJ Morton and more prepare to take the stage in Charlotte.
Central City Productions has announced the first wave of performers and special honorees for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by 19-time GRAMMY Award-winning Gospel icon Kirk Franklin.
Presented under the theme “Feels Like Home,” the highly anticipated celebration will unite Gospel music’s most influential artists, legendary trailblazers and emerging voices for an unforgettable evening of worship, inspiration and world-class musical performances.
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be recorded on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tickets are currently available through the official Stellar Awards website.
An All-Star Night of Gospel Music
This year’s ceremony will feature a diverse lineup of performances representing traditional Gospel, contemporary worship, choir music and genre-blending collaborations.
Artists scheduled to perform include:
Aaron Cole, Childlike CiCi, Darrel Walls, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, JustCordell, John P. Kee, Le’Andria Johnson, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, Vincent Bohanan & SOV and Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE.
The evening will also feature Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz alongside Isaac Carree and legendary producer Jazze Pha.
Through its combination of established voices and emerging talent, the performance lineup reflects the depth, diversity and continued evolution of Gospel music. It also celebrates the artists who continue to impact audiences around the world through faith, musical excellence and powerful ministry.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard to Receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award
GRAMMY Award-winning worship leader and recording artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
The honor recognizes Cobbs Leonard’s remarkable career, global influence and lasting impact as one of the most transformative worship leaders and Gospel recording artists of her generation.
Her music has reached audiences around the world, with anthems such as “Break Every Chain,” “For Your Glory” and “Gracefully Broken” becoming defining songs within churches and worship communities.
“This honor means more to me than I can fully express,” Cobbs Leonard shared. “Gospel music has given me a place to share my faith, my testimony and every part of my journey, and I have never taken that privilege lightly.”
“To receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award is deeply humbling, not only as a celebration of what God has allowed me to accomplish, but also as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with this platform. I’m grateful to my family, my team, the Gospel community and every person who has allowed this music to become part of their lives.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will join this year’s celebration in honoring Cobbs Leonard as the recipient of the award.
Pastor Mike Jr. to Receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award
Chart-topping recording artist and pastor Pastor Mike Jr. will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
The award recognizes Pastor Mike Jr.’s groundbreaking contributions to Gospel music, his continued chart success and his commitment to expanding the reach of the Gospel through innovative music and ministry.
Known for songs including “Big,” “I Got It” and “Impossible,” Pastor Mike Jr. has helped introduce Gospel music to new audiences while remaining firmly rooted in faith, purpose and the message of Jesus Christ.
“I’m truly honored to receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award,” Pastor Mike Jr. shared. “This recognition is bigger than me. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness and the incredible people who have supported this journey.”
“I pray my music and ministry continue to inspire hope, faith and purpose for generations to come.”
Together, the two special honors celebrate artists whose music, leadership and unwavering faith continue to inspire millions of listeners around the world.
Sponsors and Production Team
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards recognizes Procter & Gamble as the event’s title sponsor.
General Motors and Chevrolet will serve as presenting sponsors of the Artist of the Year Award, while Walmart will present the Song of the Year Award.
Tide will present the HBCU Choir of the Year Award, and Olay will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Award.
Additional support is being provided by Walt Disney World Resort, AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Rhythm and Rise Cruise, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Mecklenburg County, WBTV and Praise 102 Charlotte.
The ceremony is executive produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production.
Michael A. Johnson will serve as producer and director, Erin Johnson-Pressley as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
Television Broadcast Schedule
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on The Stellar Network on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.
The Stellar Network is available through select Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios television providers. Viewers are encouraged to check their local listings for channel availability.
The celebration will make its national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET, with an additional presentation at 10:30 p.m. ET.
The ceremony will then expand to broadcast television audiences nationwide through syndication from September 5 through September 27, 2026.
In Charlotte, WBTV, the local CBS affiliate, will serve as the official local television broadcast partner.
Bounce TV will also air the ceremony on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET.