The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards is set to bring together some of gospel music's biggest names, with Kirk Franklin taking centre stage as host when the ceremony airs on BET in the early hours of Monday, August 31, 2026, for viewers in Ghana.
Gospel music fans are in for a major night of celebration as the Stellar Awards returns for its 41st edition, featuring performances from Jekalyn Carr, John P. Kee, Tye Tribbett, PJ Morton, Marvin Sapp, Darrel Walls and several other leading voices in contemporary gospel music.
This year's ceremony, themed "Feels Like Home," was recorded at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
For viewers in Ghana, the BET broadcast begins at 12:00 midnight GMT on Monday, August 31, 2026, with an encore at 2:30 a.m. GMT.
Kirk Franklin Returns to the Stellar Stage
Multiple Grammy Award-winning gospel star Kirk Franklin will host the ceremony and is also expected to deliver a special performance.
Franklin has been one of the most influential figures in modern gospel music, helping to bridge traditional gospel, contemporary Christian music, R&B and hip-hop while taking the gospel message to audiences around the world.
His presence as host adds another layer of excitement to a ceremony already packed with some of the genre's most recognised performers.
Star-Studded Gospel Performance Lineup
The 2026 Stellar Awards will feature performances from Aaron Cole, Céjae, Darrel Walls, Jekalyn Carr, John P. Kee, JustCordell, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, Maranda Curtis, Marvin Sapp, William Murphy and Vincent Bohanan & SOV.
Also taking the stage will be Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, while Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz will perform alongside Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha.
The diverse lineup is expected to showcase the many sounds shaping gospel music today, from traditional and choir gospel to contemporary worship and genre-blending collaborations.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Pastor Mike Jr. to Be Honoured
Two major gospel personalities will also receive special recognition during the ceremony.
Award-winning worship leader Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognising her influence and contribution to gospel and worship music.
Pastor Mike Jr. will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, adding another major honour to his growing career in gospel music.
Don Jackson, founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, said gospel music remains a powerful source of "inspiration, healing, and hope," with the Stellar Awards committed to celebrating both pioneers of the genre and the new generation carrying its message forward.
Celebrating More Than Four Decades of Gospel Excellence
For more than four decades, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards has provided a major platform for celebrating gospel singers, choirs, songwriters, musicians, producers and other personalities contributing to the growth of gospel music.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air for viewers in Ghana at 12:00 midnight GMT on Monday, August 31, 2026, with the encore following at 2:30 a.m. GMT.
Following the BET premiere, the programme is expected to enter broadcast television syndication across the United States from September 5 to September 27, 2026.
For gospel music lovers in Ghana and across Africa, the Stellar Awards remains one of the major international events to watch as the genre continues to expand its global influence.