John P. Kee Leads Nominations at 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Charlotte

Gospel artist and pastor John P. Kee entered the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards as a co-leader in nominations, tied with Kim Person at seven nods each.

The ceremony took place August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosted by Kirk Franklin. The event, themed "Feels Like Home," was part of the broader Stellar Plus Experience, which ran from August 12 to 15 and included master classes, a songwriters symposium, and a vendor marketplace.

Kee's nominated project, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I, was recognized in multiple categories, including Traditional Album of the Year, Traditional Male Artist of the Year, and Choir of the Year.

Kee, who leads The New Life Fellowship City of Praise in Charlotte, said his participation in the 2026 ceremony held particular personal significance. He attended to express gratitude following his recovery from severe health crises, including a battle with necrotizing fasciitis and a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Other performers at the ceremony included Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, Le'Andria Johnson, Tye Tribbett, PJ Morton, Melvin Crispell III, Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers, and Vincent Bohanan and SOV.

Tasha Cobbs Leonard received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, and Pastor Mike Jr. received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.

Kierra Sheard also came into the event with momentum, having received the BMI Impact Award and been named BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in July.