41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Set for Charlotte, John P. Kee Leads Nominations
The 41st annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be held on August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. John P. Kee and Kim Person each received seven nominations, the most of any artists. Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin will host the ceremony.
The 41st annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be taped live on August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gospel artist Kirk Franklin will serve as host.
John P. Kee and Kim Person lead all nominees with seven nominations each. Tasha Cobbs Leonard and JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise each received six nominations.
The awards are part of a three-day event called the Stellar Plus Experience, running from August 12 through 15. The experience includes masterclasses, unplugged performances, and a songwriters symposium.
Stellar Awards founder Don Jackson said gospel music remains one of the most powerful forces for inspiration and healing in communities across the country.
The awards show has recognized excellence in gospel music since 1985. Past hosts and performers have included some of the biggest names in the genre.
Charlotte was selected as the host city for the second time. The Spectrum Center, home of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, seats more than 19,000 people.
Tickets for the Stellar Plus Experience go on sale in July. The awards show will air on television at a later date.
