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:

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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

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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

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Male Artist of the Year

• Chandler Moore
• Deitrick Haddon
• Doc McKenzie
• Jason Nelson
• Pastor Mike Jr.

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Female Artist of the Year (Albertina Walker Award)

• ADIA
• CeCe Winans
• Dorinda Clark-Cole
• Karen Clark-Sheard
• Lisa Page Brooks

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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

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New Artist of the Year

• ADIA
• Bobbi Lane
• Josh Bracy and Power Anointed
• Micah Lee
• Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!”

Grammy Award nominated and Dove Award winning singer/songwriter Ryan Ellis joins the “Tam Fam” for a special interview and performance of “Better Days,” lifted from his album, Real Love which blends Ryan’s unique mix of Worship, R&B and Hip Hop.

While many remember Ryan from being one of the original members of “The Jabberwalkees” dance crew, he is now a successful singer/songwriter with a new message to share.

His latest album, Real Love is a reflection of his new purpose. More than a collection of songs, this album is a powerful mirror of who he is and of the powerful way God has been shaping his life.

He also shares the inspiration behind his album and title “Real Love”. While sharing he speaks on how God has been challenging him lately and how that shows up in his music. Tamron digs deeper as they begin to speak about one of the biggest losses in Ryan’s life – the loss of his 1 and 1/2 year old son and how that effected his faith journey for both him and his wife.

Ryan’s story of resilience and hope is not only encouraging, it’s a miraculous reminder of God’s love and His ability to carry us through every part of life.

Watch Ryan’s Performance Here

CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES

Harkening on the motifs Moore has become known for with Maverick City Music, Moore’s latest solo offering, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES, represents a new chapter in his career and personal life. The eight-track project captures an electrifying live performance that showcases Moore’s unique blend of soul, R&B, and inspirational music and features powerful collaborations with celebrated artists such as Israel Houghton, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine.

Recorded live in May 2024, CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES is a masterful collection of songs that blend Moore’s signature style with a fresh perspective, offering music that resonates deeply with his audience and solidifying his place as a powerful and inspiring force in the music industry.

Moore has collaborated with renowned artists such as Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, Elevation and Kirk Franklin. His rapid rise in the music world has earned him 5 Grammy Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award, 4 GMA Dove Awards, and 1 Soul Train Music Award, through his dynamic contributions and well-known collaboration with Maverick City Music.

In support of his new music, Moore performed the album’s premiere track “Lead Me On” on Fox & Friends this morning (Aug. 2) and closed the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, performing “Omemma,” which airs on BET on Aug. 3 (check local listings). “Lead Me On” is currently impacting at CCM Radio and will debut at Gospel Radio exclusively with Urban 1 on Aug. 2.

Fans can catch Moore later this summer and fall as a featured artist on the Kingdom World Tour from Aug. 8 – 26 throughout Africa/Europe, and the Good News Tour that runs stateside Oct. 3 – Nov. 26.

For more information, please visit https://chandlerdmoore.com/.

CHANDLER MOORE: LIVE IN LOS ANGELES Tracklist:

I Have A Father
Joy
What I Needed
All
Great I Am
Omemma
Lead Me On

About Chandler Moore

One of the most impactful and prolific artists in music, Chandler Moore hit the music scene with high regard from the industry and consumers alike. With his new project Chandler Moore Live in Los Angeles, he continues his path of success poised for solo work in addition to his successful hits and collaborations. Beyond his dynamic contributions as a member of Maverick City Music, Moore has also collaborated with Elevation Worship, Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, and Kirk Franklin. Through a rapid trajectory, Moore has received 5 Grammy Awards, 1 Billboard Music Award, 4 GMA Dove Awards and 1 Soul Train Music Award, yet is best known for his passionate live performances and storytelling approach to his lyrics. See more at https://chandlerdmoore.com/.

RELATED CONTENT: Watch Chandler & Israel Houghton Perform “Joy” Together

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About TRIBL Records

In the short time since its 2020 founding, TRIBL Records has revolutionized the Christian, Gospel, and Worship music marketplaces, disrupting the status quo and creating a diverse home for creatives everywhere. The ground-breaking company is home to the breakout collective Maverick City Music, as well as popular artists Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Maverick City Música, Travis Greene, Todd Galberth, and more. Boasting billions of global streams and chart-topping radio successes, TRIBL has garnered a seemingly endless array of peer, industry, and consumer-based accolades, including multiple GRAMMY® Awards, a Billboard Music Award, an American Music Award, numerous Stellar Awards, and several Dove Award wins. Learn more at https://tribl.com/.