BET to Air 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on August 1st at 8 pm EST / 5 pm PST
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The gospel event of the year, the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, will air on BETon Sunday, August 1st, at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT. Gospel legend Tye Tribbett and multiple Stellar Award winner Jekalyn Carr will host the highly-anticipated event, which will feature inspirational performances from the genre’s most celebrated artists.
The gospel event of the year, the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, will air on BETon Sunday, August 1st, at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT. Gospel legend Tye Tribbett and multiple Stellar Award winner Jekalyn Carr will host the highly-anticipated event, which will feature inspirational performances from the genre’s most celebrated artists.
Yolanda Adams, Kierra Sheard and Avery*Sunshine have been added to this year’s list of dynamic performers who will hit the Stellar stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN. Viewers can also expect moving performances from gospel superstars Jonathan McReynolds, J.J. Hairston, Maverick City Music, Pastor Mike Jr., Tamela Mann, Jason Clayborn, Hezekiah Walker, CeCe Winans and hosts, Tribbett and Carr. The Clark Sisters, who will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by AT&T, will deliver a moving performance at this year’s ceremony.
The Stellar Awards not only recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, but honors Gospel music icons and those who have been instrumental in advocating for the gospel industry. Top nominees for this year’s ceremony include Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr., each receiving seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist of the Year. Other celebrated artists receiving multiple Stellar nominations include Tasha Cobbs Leonard, The Clark Sisters, Rev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir, the Chicago Mass Choir, and host Jekalyn Carr. The incomparable Lady Tramaine Hawkinswill receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Toyota for her contributions to gospel music. The AT&T Dream in Black Emerging artist performers will include Jokia, Nia Allen, and Terrian.
AT&T is proud to be this year’s presenting sponsor. With support from additional sponsors, including State Farm (Song of the Year presenter), Toyota, P&G (Traditional Female Vocalist presenter), and McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the 2021 Stellar Music Awards is set to be the gospel event of 2021.
The Stellar Awards will tape live at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Saturday, July 10th and will air on BET, BET HER, and BET Gospel on Sunday, August 1st, as well as BET International on August2nd. For ticket updates, follow us on social media and check our website for the link to purchase. COVID-19 safety protocols are posted as well.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production and Producer. Michael A. Johnson will produce and direct this year’s award show. The Stellar Awards recognizes the year’s best performances in the gospel music genre, honors gospel music icons, and acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals instrumental in advocating for the gospel music industry.
About Central City Productions (CCP)
Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a distributor of original targeted programming to television and cable networks. CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, The Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), and Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringkings.com), among many others.
About BET
BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African American audience. The primary BET channel is in 125 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET+, the preeminent streaming service for the Black audience; BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.
ArtSoul Radio is a 24/7, online Christian Radio Station and Entertainment news site promoting new and diverse sounds in Christian music! We highlight both indie and mainstream artists in Contemporary Gospel, Pop, Soul, Hip-Hop, Alternative, and Spoken Word Poetry.
Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.
Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.
Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.
Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.
The Vibe
With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.
(June 12, 2025) – Central City Productions proudly announces the nominees for the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards presented by Procter and Gamble, across 36 categories, honoring the year’s best and brightest in gospel music. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Returning for another unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, the 2025 show will feature electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and special honors recognizing gospel legends and rising stars alike. Tickets are available now by visiting StellarAwards.com.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “For 40 remarkable years, the Stellar Awards have been a beacon of excellence, celebrating the voices, vision, and victories of gospel music. We honor not just the genre of gospel music, but the legacy of our history, our faith, our culture, and our community that has inspired Black & African American generations for four decades with our Stellar Gospel Music Awards.”
Public fan voting will take place in two categories this year, Urban Single or Performance of the Year and Praise and Worship Song of the Year. Fan Favorite Voting powered by Tide runs from June 16, 2025 until July 18, 2025 and those votes will determine the winners of those categories.
Nineteen-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike Jr. and Stellar Award winner, Jason Nelson lead the field of nominees this year with nine nominations each; both landing top nominations in the key categories Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year (Nelson’s You Belong: Live in Durham; and Mike Jr.’s I Got Away EP).
With eight nominations, Cece Winans is recognized in the top categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for More Than This. Winans’ More Than This also features the single, “That’s My King.”
Other artists earning multiple Stellar nominations include: Mississippi Mass Choir, Adia, Deitrick Haddon, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kenny Lewis & One Voice, Micah Lee, Tamela Mann, Chandler Moore and FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, and Marcus Cole).
The Stellar Awards also announced nominees for the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards in six categories, including top categories Gospel Announcer of the Year, Syndicated Gospel Radio Show of the Year, Internet Station of the Year, and Top Market of the Year.
Adding to the excitement, August 14th – August 16th, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS week, a fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show, sponsored by Chevy and Aflac. From Master Classes and soundstages, to fashion shows, comedy showcases and more – the Stellar Plus 1 week offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. For more information on Stellar Plus Events visit stellarplusexperience.com.
40th Stellar Awards taping Tickets are available now at stellarawards.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. Some of the biggest names in Gospel will appear as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and X, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
The 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Producer and Executive in Charge of Production; Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director, Erin Johnson as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.
This year’s Stellar Awards is presented by P&G (Procter & Gamble) with additional sponsorship provided by AT&T, AFLAC, State Farm, Walmart, Olay Body, Chevy and Tide.
A full list of the 40th annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website. For more information, please visit stellarawards.com and join the conversation using the hashtag #TheStellars.
ABOUT THE STELLAR TV NETWORK
Launched in April of 2023 under the management of Central City Productions, Inc., The Stellar Network fills the void for a family-friendly, entertainment, lifestyle network targeting Black audiences. The Stellar Network is the first in uplifting content with positive, inspirational, and entertainment programming. Stellar’s goal is to be the most preferred network to Black audiences in the country.The Stellar Network can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Vizio & Vizio WatchFree+ (app), and Xumo Play. For more information visit www.stellartv.com
ABOUT CENTRAL CITY PRODUCTIONS
Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a national broadcast television producer, programmer, and syndicator of its exclusively owned African-American programming. Celebrating 55 years of broadcasting Black excellence with uplifting and entertaining original television content, CCP’s award-winning television programs include the Black Music Honors (www.blackmusichonors.com), Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, Black College Quiz Show Series (www.blackcollegequiz.com), America’s Black Forum (www.americasblackforum.com), Mentoring Kings (www.mentoringking.com), Mentoring Queens (www.mentoringqueen.com), and Black History Honors among many others. For more information, visit www.ccptv.com.
Adia is making waves once again with her latest release, “Everlasting,” a passionate and powerfully crafted anthem that blends Christian R&B, worship, and soul into a heartfelt expression of faith and resilience.
Known for her unmatched vocal ability and deep lyrical storytelling, Adia’s return is both timely and refreshing. “Everlasting” is a track that reminds listeners of God’s unwavering presence and His eternal love, especially in life’s most uncertain moments.
“This song is a declaration,” Adia shared in a recent Instagram post. “No matter what comes, God is unshaken. His love for us is everlasting.”
A Sound That Moves the Spirit
From the first note, “Everlasting” draws you in with smooth production, warm harmonies, and a lyrical message that speaks directly to the soul. The track is perfect for fans of Christian soul, Gospel, and contemporary worship—offering both musical excellence and spiritual depth.
Whether you’re driving, praying, or just reflecting, this song belongs on every Christian R&B and worship playlist.
Streaming Now on All Platforms
“Everlasting” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, Tidal, and all major streaming platforms. The single is already being added to top faith-based and inspirational playlists, gaining early support from Christian R&B curators, Gospel radio stations, and influencers across the space.
🎧 Stream Adia’s “Everlasting” Now:
Why This Release Matters
Adia continues to be a standout voice in the growing movement of artists and Christian R&B who are shiftin the landscape of faith-based music. Her sound offers an authentic alternative for listeners who love God but are looking for something beyond traditional Gospel.
With “Everlasting,” she reminds us that faith can sound like soul, feel like worship, and still move like R&B.
Stay Connected
Follow Adia on social media for behind-the-scenes content, upcoming tour announcements, and more powerful music to come:
About Adia Adia is a Christian recording artist known for her smooth vocals, genre-blending sound, and bold lyrical storytelling. With previous hits like “Rags to Riches,” “We All Want Love,” and “Hold On,” she continues to be a defining voice in the Christian R&B and inspirational soul movement.