Darrel Walls Named Artist of the Year at 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Charlotte
Gospel singer Darrel Walls won Artist of the Year and Contemporary Male Artist of the Year at the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards, held August 15 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lisa Knowles-Smith led all winners with five awards, including Song of the Year.
Darrel Walls walked away from the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards with two of the night's top honors: Artist of the Year and Contemporary Male Artist of the Year. Both awards recognized his album "Heart of Mine," which has been one of the most-played gospel projects of 2026.
The ceremony took place August 15 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosted by Kirk Franklin. The event was part of the "Stellar Plus Experience," a multi-day series that included master classes, unplugged performances, and a songwriters symposium.
Lisa Knowles-Smith was the evening's most decorated artist, winning five awards. She took home Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus/Group of the Year, Quartet of the Year, Producer of the Year (shared with Frederick Perry), and Song of the Year for "Promises (Live)."
Vincent Bohanan and SOV won three awards for their album "Live in New York," including Album of the Year, Choir of the Year (tied with JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise), and Contemporary Choir of the Year.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. Pastor Mike Jr. was presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
Other multi-win artists included Jonathan McReynolds, John P. Kee, Jekalyn Carr, and The Brown Singers.
The awards show premiered on The Stellar Network on August 29, with a national cable premiere on BET on August 30. National broadcast syndication runs through September 27, 2026.
