Events
Spoken Word Poetry Makes Its Debut at BET Experience!
The BET Experience is an annual event jam packed with endless entertainment highlighting some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. On June 26th, the BET EXPERIENCE AT LA LIVE presented by Coca-Cola brings you the gospel concert of the summer!!
This night features the anointed Tasha Cobbs and the inspiring Tye Tribbett!! Setting the atmosphere is the sensational Tim Bowman, Jr., powerful spoken word artist Ezekiel and Southern California newcomers Jason McGee and The Choir.
“This concert is a Free concert that promises to be spirit filled and a blessing to all in attendance.”
– BET Networks
While many of the artists names being featured tomorrow may be familiar to most, this may be your first time being introduced to Christian spoken word poetry! Because this style of art is a new addition to the lineup, we figured we would give you some background information on the featured poet for the day!
If you’re unfamiliar with Ezekiel Azonwu, he is just one the many amazing poets from the P4CM (Passion for Christ Movement) camp that you’ve been missing out on! Most well known for his performances at Rhetoric (the largest spoken word poetry event in Los Angeles) via P4CM, Ezekiel has been a traveling poet via many tours, concert events and conferences for over 7 years. He has also spent his time along with other poets such as Janette..ikz, Chris Webb and more facilitating poetry workshops to aspiring poets.
Ezekiel is known for his theatric and edgy style! He noticeably gives his all in every poem. Often touching on topics that are taboo, in one word Ezekiel can be summed up as “unafraid”. Check out a few samples of his work below:
In addition to poetry, Ezekiel also a hip hop artist!
Catch Ezekiel live near your city this fall for the Poets In Autumn Tour along with poets Jackie Hill Perry, Preston Perry, Janette..ikz and more! Most immediately, you can catch him along with the artists listed above long with a few surprises in Dallas, TX on July 9th for a special advanced recording of the coming Poets In Autumn Tour. Click here for your tickets to that July 9th event! Don’t wait. Tickets sell out quickly! If you miss them in Dallas, keep in mind that the full tour will begin making its rounds across several cities this fall. Subscribe to our email list to be the first to learn about future dates and locations of the coming fall tour!
As one last option, you can catch Ezekiel again in Los Angeles August 12th for “Rhetoric” – the largest spoken word poet event held by P4CM. This event is jam-packed with amazing poets, powerful messages and featured music artists! Check it out in you’re in the Los Angeles area. Details for Rhetoric can be found here.
Learn more about Ezekiel at www.iamezekiel.com
Stay connected with Ezekiel Azonwu on social media via the handle/title @wordsbyezekiel >>
TRANSPORTAION OPTIONS for BET Experience Gospel Showcase:
Convenient and easy LA Metro Park and Ride Locations –
The Expo Line ($1.75 per ride)Washington Blvd at National (Culver City)
La Cienega at Jefferson Blvd (Los Angeles)
Crenshaw at Jefferson Blvd
(West Angeles Church/Metro Parking Structure)Convenient and easy LA Metro Park and Ride Locations:
The Expo Line ($1.75 per ride)Washington Blvd at National (Culver City)
La Cienega at Jefferson Blvd (Los Angeles)
Crenshaw at Jefferson Blvd
(West Angeles Church/Metro Parking Structure)
The Stellar Plus Experience is the official, multi-day event leading up to the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. It’s a celebration of faith, music, and culture, offering a range of activities beyond the main awards show. This includes masterclasses, fashion showcases, comedy shows, and special events that enhance the overall Stellar Awards experience. This has also become the space for emerging talent show up and be heard. Don’t miss this experience during Stellar weekend! There will be something for everyone!
For more details on all of the available events for this year, visit the Stellar Plus Experience website: www.stellarexperienceplus.com
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
*Subject to change*
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025
10a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub
2p – 4p: Stellar Masterclass
7p – 8p: Stellar 40 Welcome Mixer
8p – 10:30p: Stellar Unplugged
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025
8:30a – 10a: Opening Keynote Address
8a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub
11a – 2p: GameChangers Fashion Experience
2p – 4p: Stellar Talks: Fireside Chat + Mixer
9:30p – 12a: Stellar StandUp Comedy Show
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025
4:30p: 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards
Presented by Central City Productions, the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards returns to Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on August 16, 2025—honoring the biggest names and brightest newcomers in Gospel music.
Founded by Don Jackson and produced by his team at Central City Productions, the Stellars have long been known as the “Grammys of Gospel.” And for four decades, they’ve remained the premier awards show dedicated to celebrating Black faith-based artistry, excellence, and impact across the globe.
This year’s show is packed with familiar favorites and breakout voices making waves in the culture. From CeCe Winans to Pastor Mike Jr., the nominee list reflects the evolution of Gospel music in real time—bridging tradition, innovation, and divine inspiration.
Check out the full list of nominees below:
Artist of the Year
- CeCe Winans – More Than This
- Jason Nelson – You Belong: Live in Durham
- Kenny Lewis & One Voice – The Healing Project
- Pastor Mike Jr. – I Got Away EP
- Tamela Mann – Live Breathe Fight
Song of the Year
- “Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.
- “Clap My Way” – Micah Lee
- “I Prayed For You (said a prayer)” – MAJOR.
- “That’s My King” – CeCe Winans
- “Yahweh” ft. Melvin Crispell III – Jason Nelson
Male Artist of the Year
- Chandler Moore
- Deitrick Haddon
- Doc McKenzie
- Jason Nelson
- Pastor Mike Jr.
Female Artist of the Year (Albertina Walker Award)
- ADIA
- CeCe Winans
- Dorinda Clark-Cole
- Karen Clark-Sheard
- Lisa Page Brooks
Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
- Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart
- FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole)
- Ted & Sheri
- The Group Fire
New Artist of the Year
- ADIA
- Bobbi Lane
- Josh Bracy and Power Anointed
- Micah Lee
- Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale
Album of the Year
- I Got Away EP – Pastor Mike Jr.
- Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
- More Than This – CeCe Winans
- The Healing Project – Kenny Lewis & One Voice
- You Belong: Live in Durham – Jason Nelson
Choir of the Year
- Bishop S. Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil
- Chicago Mass Choir – Greater Is Coming
- Ricky Dillard – When I Think
- The Mississippi Mass Choir – We Still Believe
Producer of the Year
- Dana Sorey – You Belong: Live in Durham
- FK&M team – Time Capsule – The Trilogy
- J. Drew Sheard – Still Karen
- Pastor Mike Jr. & DLo – I Got Away EP
- Stan Jones & team – We Still Believe
Praise and Worship Album of The Year
Praise and Worship Song of The Year
Leading the Pack:
- Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson are tied with 9 nominations each
- CeCe Winans follows closely with 8 nominations
- The Mississippi Mass Choir earns 6 nominations
See Full List of All 30 Categories Here:
This list is just a snapshot of the nominees. You can find a list of all 30 Categories here: https://www.thestellarawards.com/2025-nominees.html
Fans can vote June 16 – July 18th, 2025 at www.thestellarawards.com
Fan-voted categories include:
- Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year
- Praise & Worship Song of the Year
🔥 ArtSoul Radio + Stellar Awards: A Legacy of Showing Up | Over 10 Years Strong
For over a decade, ArtSoul Radio has been known for showing up for Christian music-not just reporting on award shows like the Stellars and Dove Awards, but for standing in the gaps others overlooked.
Long before CHH and Christian Soul artists were getting red carpet coverage, we were often the only media platform intentionally representing these genres-determined to amplify the sound of a movement that was often being ignored.
We’ll never forget moments like this throwback interview from 2016: when artist Jai (now Jai Vaughn), once spotting our team on the red carpet, paused and said:
“I’m coming to ones who actually play my music.”
That moment still speaks volumes. And it reminds us why we do what we do.
We have watched and captured the evolution of Christian music over the years, and we are excited to see the growth that has come to various award shows, media platforms, radio shows and more – including the evolution of the Stellar Awards as they continue to open their arms to new genres. We have watched the addition of new collaborations as Jai speaks about in the video above along with new features.
We’re here to support that growth, and to honor what the Stellar Awards have been building for decades. From past to present, we remain committed to uplifting the full spectrum of faith-based music and the community connected to it.
“We’re better together. Keep it locked all summer long for updates!”
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