2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards
NOMINEES
Watch on BET
Sunday, August 30, 2026
8 PM ET / 7 PM CT
Celebrate the artists, songs, albums, and creative achievements nominated for gospel music’s greatest night.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
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
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
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
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
Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers ~ Revival: Live in Dallas ~ EvoWorld Entertainment
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ablaze ~ Ablaze ~ Independent
Asaun Bynum ~ True To Him ~ Blockbuster Records/LRAE Entertainment
Bishop Charles Ellis & Greater Grace Worship Choir ~ 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
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 ~ Tasha Cobbs Leonard ~ Motown Gospel. TeeLee Records
CHOIR OF THE YEAR
B. Chase Williams & Shabach ~ Secret Place ~ Millie’s Boy Muzik
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
Vincent Bohanan & SOV ~ Live in New York ~ Independent
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
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
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
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
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
Darrel Walls ~ Heart of Mine ~ Tyscot Records / Gumbo Studios
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
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
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
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
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
Jekalyn X The Legends ~ Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Musi
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
On The Way Remix ft. Erica Campbell ~ Adia ~ Rock City Media Group
The Light ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong ~ Jor’Dan Armstrong Music/Lewis-Kortez Group
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
I Am Happy ~ Allen Carr & Jekalyn Carr ~ Waynorth Music
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pure N Heart; Alphaeus Anderson Presents Pure N Heart Celebrate Jesus 20yrs; Music2ChangeU
QUARTET OF THE YEAR
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Fort Valley State University Choir ft. Loren Michelle & Tiffany Boone
Watch on BET
Sunday, August 30, 2026
8 PM ET / 7 PM CT
