Motown Gospel & ReThink Music Shine Bright at the 40th Stellar Awards
It was a night of history, harmony, and holy fire in Nashville, TN, as Motown Gospel and ReThink Music dominated the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, walking away with an astounding 13 wins.
The biggest headline of the evening? Pastor Mike Jr.. The Birmingham powerhouse continued his historic run, sweeping the show with 9 awards, including the coveted Artist of the Year—making him the first artist in Stellar history to claim the title four years in a row. His hit “Amen” not only took home Song of the Year but also earned honors for Music Video of the Year and Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year, proving his ability to bridge traditional gospel with a fresh, urban edge.
The celebration didn’t end there. Ricky Dillard, a legend in his own right, kept the choir tradition alive, snagging Choir of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year. Gospel matriarch Karen Clark Sheard added to the winning streak with Recorded Music Packaging of the Year, while Transformation Worship claimed their first Stellar victory with Praise & Worship Song of the Year—a moment that marks their arrival as a new force in gospel music.
Brad O’Donnell, President of Capitol Christian Music Group, called the night a reflection of “extraordinary passion and talent,” while Walter Thomas, SVP of Motown Gospel, described the sweep as a “collective victory” that will continue to fuel life-changing music.
The 40th Stellar Awards, also known as “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” was taped at the historic Schermerhorn Symphony Center and will premiere August 30th on the Stellar Network, with an encore presentation on BET, August 31st.
With electrifying performances by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Dante Pride, Pastor Mike Todd & Transformation Worship, William Murphy, and Adia, the night underscored why gospel music continues to be one of the most powerful cultural and spiritual forces in the world.
And when the lights dimmed in Nashville, one truth rang clear: Motown Gospel and ReThink Music didn’t just win awards—they cemented their legacy.
What's Your Reaction?
