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Lisa Knowles-Smith and Darrel Walls were the big winners at the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which were taped live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday (Aug. 15). Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin hosted the show.
Knowles-Smith, 42, won five awards, four of them for the hit album Revival: Live in Dallas, which she recorded with The Brown Singers. Knowles-Smith won the Albertina Walker female artist of the year award; duo/chorus/group of the year and quartet of the year alongside The Brown Singers; producer of the year in tandem with Frederick Perry; and song of the year for “Promises (Live),” which she wrote under her real name, Alescia Knowles-Smith. The song reached No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart in June.
Walls, 35, won two awards: artist of the year and contemporary male artist of the year, both for Heart of Mine.
Vincent Bohanan & SOV won three awards, all for their album Live in New York: album of the year, choir of the year (in a tie with JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise), and contemporary choir of the year.
Other artists with two wins were Jonathan McReynolds, John P. Kee, Jekalyn Carr and The Brown Singers.
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Kim Person had tied with John P. Kee for the most nominations this year (seven each), but she was not a winner on the night.
In addition, Tasha Cobbs Leonard was presented with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. Pastor Mike Jr. received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
The show will premiere on The Stellar Network, available on Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios, with the broadcast debuting on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 8 p.m. ET with an encore presentation at 10 p.m. ET. The celebration will make its national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET before expanding to audiences nationwide through broadcast TV syndication from Sept. 5 through Sept. 27. In Charlotte, WBTV (CBS) will serve as the local television broadcast partner. Bounce TV will air the ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. ET.
The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards is executive produced by Don Jackson (founder of the Stellar Awards and chairman of Central City Productions, Inc.) 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.
Here’s the full nominations list, with winners marked.
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Overall Awards
Artist of the Year
WINNER: Darrel Walls; Heart of Mine; Tyscot Records / Gumbo Studios
Jekalyn Carr; Jekalyn X The Legends; Waynorth Music
Kim Person; Reflections; Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Tasha Cobbs Leonard; TASHA; Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Tye Tribbett; Only on the Road (Live); Motown Gospel, Freligious Music
Song of the Year
“Able” ft. Kim Burrell ~ Paul Sylvester Morton Jr.~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
“Come Jesus Come” ~ Stephen McWhirter, Tara McWhirter, Hank Bentley, and Bryan Fowler ~ Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
“On the Way” Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia Andrews, Karl Powell, Michael McClure Jr., Jeremy James, Jaicko Raphael Lawrence, Israel Allen, & Erica Campbell ~ Rock City Media Group
WINNER: “Promises (Live)” ~ Alescia Knowles-Smith ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
“Your Love” ~ Kim Person ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Male Artist of the Year
Asaun Bynum ~ True to Him ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Darrel Walls ~ Heart of Mine ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
John P. Kee ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
WINNER: Jonathan McReynolds ~ Still (Live) ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Tye Tribbett ~ Only on the Road (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Freligious Music
Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year
Adia ~ On the Way EP ~ Rock City Media Group
Jekalyn Carr ~ Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Waynorth Music
Kim Person ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
WINNER: Lisa Knowles Smith ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Maranda Curtis ~ Worship Restored ~ ButterflyWorks/Red Alliance Media
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ TASHA ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Asaun Bynum ft. LeekGoHard ~ Jesus I Love You ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
CeCe Winans & Pastor Shirley Caesar ~ Come Jesus Come ~ Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services
Jason Clayborn x Melvin Crispell III ~ Whatever It Is ~ Jay Clay Music/Tyscot
Jonathan McReynolds ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Still (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
WINNER: Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
New Artist of the Year
WINNER: Ablaze ~ Ablaze ~ Independent
Asaun Bynum ~ True to Him ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Bishop Charles Ellis & Greater Grace Worship Choir ~ Graceful Records
United Music & Arts Conference Choir ~ Clap Your Hands ft. Beverly Crawford & Craig Hayes ~ High C
Album of the Year
Heart of Mine ~ Darrel Walls ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
WINNER: Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
Reflections ~ Kim Person ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
TASHA ~ Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Choir of the Year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach ~ Secret Place ~ Millie’s Boy Muzik
WINNER: JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
WINNER: Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Live in New York ~ Independent
Quartet of the Year
WINNER: Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
The Flying Clouds of South Carolina ~ Don’t Leave Me ~ Blockbuster Records
The Gospel Legends ~ Jesus Is the Man ~ 4Winds/Malaco Records
Tim White ~ Help Live in Chicago ~ Independent
Producer of the Year
WINNER: Alescia Knowles-Smith & Frederick Perry ~ Revival: Live in Dallas (Lisa Knowles & The Brown Singers) ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
Donald Lawrence & Cedric Thompson ~ Global Love Alive (London) ~ Platoon
Kim Person & Phillip Bryant ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
PJ Morton ~ Heart of Mine (Darrel Walls) ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
Music Video of the Year
“I Am Happy” ~ Allen Carr & Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Music
WINNER: “Find Jesus” ~ Deitrick Haddon ~ ManHaddon Ministries/Tyscot Records
“You Matter” ~ Maurice Griffin ~ World Changing Entertainment
“On the Way Remix” (Adia ft. Erica Campbell) ~ Will Thomas ~ Rock City Media
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Specialized Categories
Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity ~ Chain Breaker 2.5 ~ ManHaddon Ministries/Tyscot Records
Jason Clayborn x Melvin Crispell III ~ Whatever It Is ~ Jay Clay Music/Tyscot
WINNER: Jonathan McReynolds ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Still (Live) ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Mariah Carey (feat. The Clark Sisters ~ Jesus I Do ~ MARIAH/gamma.
Red Hands ~ Red Hands ~ Black Suit Music/Anderson Music Group/TAMLA Records
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ft. John Legend ~ Church ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
The Group Fire ~ I Can Count on You ~ Jet Records North/East
Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
WINNER: Brandon Camphor & One Way ~ In Christ Alone ~ TOMii Entertainment
Darrel Petties & Take 2 ~ Word ~ Independent
Lucinda Moore featuring Bishop Paul S. Morton ~ Someone who cares (the lala song) ~ Nalah Music Group/New Day Christian Distributor
Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
Contemporary Male Artist of the Year
WINNER: Darrel Walls ~ Heart of Mine ~ Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studio
Jonathan McReynolds ~ Still (Live) ft. Jamal Roberts ~ Motown Gospel, Life Room Label
Thomas Ware ~ The Book of Thomas ~ Blockbuster Records/CHMG Music Group
Zacardi Cortez ~ Ibhar: The Journey (Chapter 2) ~ Blacksmoke Music
Traditional Male Artist of the Year
E. Dewey Smith ~ Songs Daddy Used To Sing ~ Pebble Street Records
Earnest Pugh ~ We Wanna See You, Vol 1 Live ~ Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
JJ Hairston ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
WINNER: John P. Kee ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
Adia ~ On the Way EP ~ Rock City Media Group
Crystal Aikin ~ Lord I Need Your Help ~ Godshand Management Services LLC/Mixed Bag Entertainment
WINNER: Erica Campbell ~ Trust and Obey – London ~ My Block Records Inc.
Kim Person ~ Reflections ~ Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Nia Allen ~ Lord I Love You ~ Lewis-Kortez Group
Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ TASHA ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
Traditional Female Artist of the Year
WINNER: Blanche McAllister-Dykes ~ Words (Donald Lawrence) ~ Platoon
Bobbi Lane ~ He Never Failed Me ft. Paul Porter ~ Taylor Music Group
K. Jeanette ~ Jesus Is My Friend ft. Shawn Bigby ~ Devine Records
Lucinda Moore ~ Someone who cares (the lala song) ft Bishop Paul S. Morton ~ Nalah Music Group/New Day Christian Distributor
Contemporary Album of the Year
WINNER: Fred Hammond Presents Sensere: The Soul of Future Worship Vol. II ~ Sensere ~ Wrightsound M&E
Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
TASHA ~ Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
The Book of Thomas ~ Thomas Ware ~ Blockbuster Records/CHMG Music Group
Traditional Album of the Year
WINNER: Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Music
Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
Throwback: An Evening With John P. Kee Part I; ~ John P. Kee & New Life ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Urban Single or Performance of the Year
“Church Parking Lot” ft. Tasha Page-Lockhart ~ Otis Kemp ~ Revive 5.0 Entertainment
“Do It Again” ~ Kirk Franklin ~ Fo Yo Soul Recordings/Tribl Records
“Jesus I Love You” ~ Asaun Bynum ft. LeekGoHard ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
“Make a Way” ~ VaShawn Mitchell ~ VMan Entertainment/Fair Trade Services
WINNER: “On the Way” Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia ~ Rock City Media Group
“The Light” ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong Music/Lewis-Kortez Group
Traditional Choir of the Year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach ~ Secret Place ~ Millie’s Boy Muzik
Bishop Brian D. Moore & The Life Center Choir ~ Always Come Through ~ Independent
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
WINNER: John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Contemporary Choir of the Year
Ablaze ~ Ablaze ~ Independent
Johnny Sanders Featuring Faith on Full ~ A Song ~ Just 1 Global Productions/Johnny Sanders Presents LLC
Sounds of Blackness Feat Jamecia Bennett, NUNNABOVE, Atlanta Drum Academy ~ We’re Unstoppable ~ Sounds of Blackness/AtomicK Records
WINNER: Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Live in New York ~ Independent
Voices of Fire ~ Ophanim ~ EZ FLO Innovations LLC/PW Music/Warner Records
Traditional Artist of the Year
E. Dewey Smith ~ Songs Daddy Used To Sing ~ Pebble Street Records
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr ~ Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Waynorth Music
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise ~ The Live Reunion: Washington, DC ~ Motown Gospel, Jamestown Music
John P. Kee & New Life ~ Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Special Event Album of the Year
WINNER: Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents: Almost Home – A Ramp Record with Friends ~ Bishop S.Y. Younger ~ Ramp Records, Under Exclusive License to MNRK Records LP
Live in New York ~ Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Independent
Sweet, Sweet Spirit ~ Ron Carter & Ricky Dillard ~ Motown Gospel, Blue Note Records
Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee Part I ~ John P. Kee & New Life ~ Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year
All We Like Sheep ~ Childlike CiCi ~ Capitol Christian Music Group, TAMLA
Party in Heaven ~ Mike Teezy ~ MTEntertainment, LLC
WINNER: Reconstruction ~ Lecrae ~ Reach Records
Walking With Purpose ~ DFG SUL ~ Independent
Youth Project of the Year
AMG Kidz x Wilson World; Boombox; Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records
Janessa Smith; Lift Him; Inspired Recording
WINNER: Pure N Heart; Alphaeus Anderson Presents Pure N Heart Celebrate Jesus 20yrs; Music2ChangeU
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Brianna Dowd & JJ Hairston – The Live Reunion – Motown Gospel/Jamestown Music
Kim Person & JP Designs Art – Reflections – Blockbuster Records/KLP Music Enterprise
Octavius Holmes – Jekalyn Carr x The Legends – Waynorth Music
WINNER: PJ Morton – Heart of Mine (Darrel Walls) – Tyscot Records/Gumbo Studios
Praise and Worship Album of the Year
Coritos Vol. 1; Israel & New Breed; Integrity Music/District 11
Jesus Over Everything (Live in Las Vegas); Naomi Raine; Tribl Records
WINNER: Promises; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand Music, FairTrade Services
Worship Restored; Maranda Curtis; ButterflyWorks/Red Alliance Media
Praise And Worship Song of the Year
“Be Glad” ~ Naomi Raine ~ Tribl Records
“Bless Your Name” ~ Maranda Curtis ~ ButterflyWorks/Red Alliance Media
“Proverbs 3” ~ Todd Dulaney ~ DulaneyLand Music, FairTrade Services
WINNER: “Your Name” ~ Jovonta Patton ~ Newton Street Entertainment/Integrity
Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year
“Headphones” ~ Lecrae ft. TI & Killer Mike ~ Reach Records
“Move It!” ~ 1K Phew Ft. Forrest Frank & 1K Pson ~ Reach Records
WINNER: “Movin” ~ JustCordell ~ Rock City Media Group
“10X My Blessings” ~ Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz ft. Isaac Carree, Jazze Pha, Gaz Money, & Blanco Brown ~ Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
HBCU Choir of the Year
Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University ft. Damien Sneed & The Levites and Kierra Sheard Kelly
Morgan State University Choir
NCA&T Fellowship Gospel Choir
Southern University Gospel Choir ft. Cameron Blain
WINNER: The Fort Valley State University Choir ft. Loren Michelle & Tiffany Boone
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Gospel Radio of the Year Nominees
Top Market of the Year
WINNER: WPZE Praise 102.5 ~ Atlanta
WPZS 102.5 and 610AM ~ Charlotte
WFTB 104.1 ~ Nashville
WPRS Praise 92.7/95.9 ~ Washington, DC
Medium Market of the Year
WDEK Columbia’s Praise 95.7|1170 AM ~ Columbia
WFMV 96.1FM 620AM ~ Columbia
WINNER: WXHL 89.1 FM Reach Gospel Radio ~ Wilmington
KFFH 93.7 FM ~ North Little Rock
Small Market of the Year
WINNER: WWDA FM 101.9 ~ Clarksville
WRNP 94.1 FM ~ Ft. Wayne
WEHA 88.7FM 100.3 ~ Atlantic City
WKTT 97.5 FM ~ Salisbury
Internet Station of the Year
Black Gospel Radio, https://BlackGospelRadio.net
Hands Up Radio, https://handsupradio.org
WINNER: WTRC Praise 98.3, https://live365.com/station/a33136
WVTC Detroit, https://wvtcdetroit.com
Syndicated Gospel Radio Show of the Year
WINNER: Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell with Arlen “Griff” Griffin & Cheryl Jackson
The Bobby Parker Show; Bobby Parker
The Tracy Morgan Show; Tracy Morgan
Willie Moore Jr.; Willie Moore Jr.
Gospel Announcer of the Year
Anna Johnson; WFLT 1420 AM, Flint, MI
Neiko Flowers; WPZE 102.5, Atlanta, GA
Pam Dixon; WEAM 100.7, Columbus, GA
WINNER: Trey Nickelson; WBZF-FM – Glory 98.5, Florence, SC
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