Gospel music’s biggest night returned to Charlotte, North Carolina, with faith, celebration and a spirit of expectation as the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards brought some of the genre’s biggest names together.
Held at the Spectrum Center under the theme “Feels Like Home,” the Stellar Awards celebrated more than four decades of honoring the artists, musicians, songwriters and visionaries who continue to move gospel music forward.
But on the red carpet, The Black Wall Street Times went beyond the fashion, nominations and performances. We asked several stars one question that spoke directly to the faith at the center of the evening: “What are you expecting God to do for you in this season?”
Gospel legend Ricky Dillard echoed Ephesians 3:20, sharing that he is expecting God to do “exceedingly above all that we can think or imagine, and believing that what God has planned can be greater than anything we could envision for ourselves.”
Two-time Stellar Award-winning artist Maurette Brown Clark said she is having faith and “believing for something even greater than what she has already experienced,” adding that she expects God to do “greater than He’s done for me before.”
Following the success of her single “Get Better,” featuring R&B icon Q Parker, Grammy Award nominee Jai Vaughn said she is simply looking for God to “blow my mind.”
Four-time Stellar Award-winning artist Mali Music is looking for God to “fulfill his promises,” while actor and comedian Lil’ Rel Howery is leaving room for something beyond his own expectations, knowing that God can provide “the unthinkable.”
Those answers captured what made the Stellar Awards red carpet about more than celebrity and status. At its heart, the evening was about what has always been at the center of gospel music — the testimony.
Gospel Music’s Biggest Night
Gospel powerhouse Kirk Franklin hosted the awards. A 43-time Stellar Award winner and 20-time Grammy Award winner, Franklin not only handled hosting duties but also took the stage for a special performance.
This year’s lineup represented multiple generations and sounds within gospel music. Jekalyn Carr, John P. Kee, Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, PJ Morton, Darrel Walls, Marvin Sapp, Maranda Curtis and others took the stage throughout the night.
Honoring Gospel’s Impact
The evening also celebrated artists whose influence extends far beyond individual songs.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her artistry and lasting influence on gospel music.
Pastor Mike Jr. was honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, adding another milestone to a career that has helped introduce a contemporary sound and approach to gospel audiences.
The night’s winners reflected both established artists and those helping shape gospel music’s next chapter.
Darrel Walls earned Artist of the Year for Heart of Mine, while Alescia Knowles-Smith’s “Promises (Live)” earned Song of the Year. Jonathan McReynolds took home Male Artist of the Year, ABLAZE was named New Artist of the Year, and Vincent Bohanan & SOV earned Album of the Year for Live in New York.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by Kirk Franklin, air Sunday, August 30 at 8 p.m. ET on BET, with an encore at 10:30 p.m. ET.
