Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Pastor Mike Jr. to Be Honored at 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards; Kirk Franklin Hosts as Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, PJ Morton & More Take the Stage

The countdown to gospel music’s biggest night has officially begun.

The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards is preparing to return with an evening filled with worship, celebration, and unforgettable performances as Central City Productions announces the first wave of performers and special honorees for this year’s ceremony.

Hosted by gospel icon Kirk Franklin, the awards will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, under this year’s inspiring theme, “Feels Like Home.”

Known as gospel music’s premier awards celebration, this year’s ceremony promises to unite legendary voices, breakthrough artists, and trailblazing ministers for a night honoring the music, ministry, and messages that continue to inspire audiences around the world.

The first round of performers includes an impressive lineup featuring Aaron Cole, Childlike CiCi, Darrel Walls, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz featuring Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha, JustCordell, John P. Kee, Le’Andria Johnson, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, and Vincent Bohanan & SOV.

The diverse lineup reflects the continued evolution of gospel music, blending traditional gospel, contemporary worship, choir music, and innovative collaborations while celebrating artists whose faith continues to impact millions across the globe.

Beyond the performances, two of gospel music’s most influential leaders will receive some of the evening’s highest honors.

Award-winning worship leader Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to gospel music, worship, and ministry. Her powerful voice and unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel have made her one of the defining artists of her generation.

“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. To receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award is deeply humbling.”

Meanwhile, Pastor Mike Jr. will be presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, recognizing his groundbreaking success, innovative leadership, and commitment to expanding the reach of gospel music through ministry and creativity.

“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.”

The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards also continues its tradition of partnering with organizations committed to celebrating Black excellence and community impact. Procter & Gamble returns as the event’s Title Sponsor, while General Motors/Chevrolet, Walmart, Tide, Olay, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Walt Disney World Resort, AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, Rhythm and Rise Cruise, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Mecklenburg County, WBTV, and Praise 102 Charlotte join as supporting partners.

Executive produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production, the Stellar Awards remain gospel music’s premier celebration, recognizing the artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, and leaders whose work continues to inspire audiences around the world.

Fans will have multiple opportunities to experience the celebration following the live taping. The ceremony premieres on The Stellar Network on Saturday, August 29, before making its national cable debut on BET on Sunday, August 30, followed by broadcast syndication throughout September.

With Kirk Franklin returning to host, legendary artists receiving well-deserved recognition, and some of gospel music’s biggest names preparing to take the stage, the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards is once again poised to deliver an unforgettable evening celebrating faith, excellence, and the enduring power of gospel music.