The Stellar Gospel Music Awards takes Charlotte, NC with host Kirk Franklin

The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Spectrum Center on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Under the theme “Feels Like Home” the show is set to be hosted by 45X Stellar Award winner and 20X GRAMMY winner, Kirk Franklin.

It is truly an honor to return as host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have celebrated the artists, songwriters, musicians, and leaders who continue to use gospel music to inspire, heal, and bring people closer to God… I’m excited to join the gospel music family in Charlotte as we celebrate another historic year of excellence, innovation, and ministry through song, shared Franklin.

During the Stellar Award weekend, fans can take part in the Stellar Plus Experience August 12 – August 15. Stellar Plus will feature Master Classes, Unplugged performances, a Songwriters Symposium, Fitness Zone, Comedy Experience, and Vendor Marketplace. For more information on Stellar Plus Events visit stellarplusexperience.com.

Fans can also secure a seat for the Stellar Awards Pre-Show and Gospel Radio Awards. The night will feature an evening of dynamic performances and presentations of the non-televised awards – all set to take place Friday, August 14 at the Carolina Theatre (Charlotte, NC). Tickets will be available to the general public, with the official on-sale date to be announced soon.

Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc., Don Jackson, said,

As we celebrate the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, we are reminded that gospel music continues to be one of the most powerful forces for inspiration, healing, and hope in our communities… As we begin this new chapter, we proudly celebrate the enduring legacy of gospel music while embracing the next generation of voices who will carry its message forward for years to come.

This year’s nominees include Darrel Walls, Adia, Jonathan McReynolds, Childlike CiCi, Mike Teezy, Janessa Smith and more. John P. Kee and Kim Person tie for top nominations with 7. Tasha Cobbs Leonard and JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise tie with 6 nominations. Jekalyn Carr, Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers and Vincent Bohanan & SOV tie with 5 nominations.

Below is the complete list of nominations. Tickets for the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards are available now by visiting StellarAwards.com or by visiting Ticketmaster.

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