New York, NY – August 27, 2026 – Gospel music's greatest night returns to BET. The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by Kirk Franklin, airs on BET Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET, with an encore at 10:30 p.m. ET. Taped in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Spectrum Center under this year's theme, "Feels Like Home," the ceremony brings together gospel's most celebrated artists, trailblazers, and rising stars for a night of worship, inspiration, and world-class performances.
The broadcast delivers an all-star lineup of performances from Aaron Cole, Céjae, Darrel Walls, Jekalyn Carr, Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz featuring Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha, JustCordell, John P. Kee, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, Maranda Curtis, Marvin Sapp, William Murphy and Vincent Bohanan & SOV. Host Kirk Franklin will also take the stage for a special performance. Spanning traditional gospel, contemporary worship, choir music, and genre-blending collaborations, the lineup reflects the depth, diversity, and continued evolution of gospel music.
The evening will also honor two of gospel's most influential voices. Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, and Pastor Mike Jr. will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. previously shared, “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. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have honored the artists, songwriters, musicians, and visionaries whose faith-filled contributions have shaped culture and touched lives around the world. 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.”
"Gospel music brings community, culture, and connection together like nothing else, and that's what makes BET its perfect home," said Louis Carr, President, BET. "We're honored to celebrate the artists and creators whose gift moves millions, and to bring gospel's greatest night to our audience."
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson-Pressley as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
The celebration will make its national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET before expanding to audiences nationwide through broadcast television syndication from September 5 through September 27, 2026.