Central City Productions proudly announces the nominees for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. across 31 categories (+ 6 Gospel Radio categories), honoring the year’s best and brightest in gospel music. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Returning for another unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, the 2026 show is set to be hosted by Kirk Franklin; and feature electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and special honors recognizing gospel legends and rising stars alike, all under the theme “Feels Like Home.”

Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “As we celebrate the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, we are reminded that gospel music continues to be one of the most powerful forces for inspiration, healing, and hope in our communities. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have honored the artists, songwriters, musicians, and visionaries whose faith-filled contributions have shaped culture and touched lives around the world.

As we begin this new chapter, we proudly celebrate the enduring legacy of gospel music while embracing the next generation of voices who will carry its message forward for years to come.”

“It is truly an honor to return as host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have celebrated the artists, songwriters, musicians, and leaders who continue to use gospel music to inspire, heal, and bring people closer to God. Every year, this stage reminds us of the incredible power of faith, community, and music to impact lives around the world. I’m excited to join the gospel music family in Charlotte as we celebrate another historic year of excellence, innovation, and ministry through song,” shares Kirk Franklin.

Adding to the excitement, August 12th – August 15th, this year’s Stellar Awards is part of the STELLAR PLUS EXPERIENCE, a three-day fun-filled extravaganza centered around the flagship show. STELLAR PLUS will feature Master Classes, Unplugged performances, a Songwriters Symposium, Fitness Zone, Comedy Experience, Vendor Marketplace.

The Stellar Awards Pre-Show and Gospel Radio Awards will feature an evening of dynamic performances and presentations of the non-televised awards – all set to take place Friday, August 14th at the Carolina Theatre (Charlotte, NC). Tickets will be available to the general public, with the official on-sale date to be announced soon.

The 41st 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 Procter & Gamble, Chevrolet, Walmart, Johnson & Johnson and AT&T.

41st Stellar Awards taping tickets are available now at stellarawards.com. A full list of the 41st annual nominees can be found on the official Stellar Awards website.

Gaither Music, The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, and the Gospel Music Association (GMA) have joined together to create a series of unique fan experiences during CMA Fest 2026, bringing Christian and Gospel music fans new opportunities to connect with artists, celebrate the genre’s enduring impact, and engage with Nashville’s vibrant music community.

One of the weekend’s featured CMA Fest experiences will take place at The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, where the Museum, Gaither Music, and the Gospel Music Association are partnering to celebrate the legacy and ongoing influence of Christian and Gospel music through live performances, artist interactions, fan activities, and exclusive giveaways throughout the festival.

The partnership will be highlighted on Friday at 2 p.m. CT when The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music hosts a live concert and jam session from its café in downtown Nashville. Featuring Gaither artists Jimmy Fortune, T. Graham Brown, and Mike Rogers for a live jam session, the event will be filmed and streamed live on @GaitherMusic Facebook and YouTube, as well as the Museum and artists’ pages, giving fans both in Nashville and around the world the opportunity to participate.

“The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music exists to tell the story of a genre that has shaped American music and inspired generations of listeners,” said Steve Gilreath, Founding Executive Director of The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music. “During a week when Nashville becomes the center of the music world, we’re excited to partner with Gaither Music to bring that story to life for CMA Fest attendees and celebrate the lasting influence of Christian and Gospel music.”

Throughout CMA Fest, attendees can also visit the Gaither Music booth (#331) at Fan Fair X inside Music City Center, where artist appearances and autograph signings will take place. Fans will have opportunities to engage with all three partner organizations through a variety of interactive experiences, including an exclusive scavenger hunt that will enter participants for a chance to win a grand prize package valued at more than $500.

The prize package includes a pair of tickets to the 2026 Dove Awards at Bridgestone Arena, a pair of tickets to The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, and a collection of apparel, CDs, DVDs, and other merchandise from Gaither Music and participating partners.

Fans exploring downtown Nashville during CMA Fest are invited to stop by the museum café to enjoy custom-crafted beverages (Good Morning Gloria!) and specialty treats created exclusively for the event.

Provident Entertainment has announced the promotions of John Loessy to Senior Director, Marketing, and Josh Schiffman to Senior Director, A&R, recognizing their significant contributions to the company’s artist development, creative strategy, and continued growth.

L to R: John Loessy, Senior Director, Marketing, Josh Schiffman, Senior Director, A&R

Since joining Provident Entertainment in February 2022 as Director, Marketing, Loessy has played a key role in accelerating the growth and visibility of some of Christian music’s most impactful artists. His strategic leadership has helped drive the success of artists including Brandon Lake and Matthew West, while also spearheading the marketing strategy behind Leanna Crawford’s emergence as a Dove Award New Artist of the Year winner.

In his new role, Loessy will continue leading brand development and strategic marketing initiatives across Provident Entertainment’s artist roster. His current roster includes Brandon Lake, Matthew West, Leanna Crawford, Zach Williams, KB, Lizzie Morgan, Tenroc, Madison Watkins, Taylor Hill, Patrick Mayberry, and Molly Kate Kestner.

“John’s promotion reflects the tremendous impact he has made at Provident Entertainment. I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand how he champions our artists, strengthens key partnerships, and invests in those around him,” shares Todd Stepp, SVP, Provident Entertainment. “His leadership has helped elevate emerging talent and broaden opportunities for established artists, contributing meaningfully to our continued growth. He leads with excellence, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. We are excited for the continued impact he will make in this new role.”

Schiffman, who joined the Provident family five years ago through Essential Music Publishing, has built a reputation as a trusted creative partner and relationship builder throughout the music community. Over the course of his tenure, he has cultivated meaningful partnerships with artists, songwriters, producers, and managers while developing emerging talent.

In this new role, Schiffman will continue focusing on artist acquisition and development while assuming broader strategic responsibilities across the A&R function. He will help strengthen music production and project delivery processes, improve cross-functional collaboration, and support operational excellence as Provident continues to expand. His artist roster includes Ben Fuller, Leanna Crawford, Bodie, Madison Watkins, Tenroc, and Molly Kate Kestner.

“Josh has made a tremendous impact since joining Provident five years ago. He brings a rare combination of creative instinct, strategic thinking, and a genuine heart for people. This promotion reflects both the influence he has already had on our team and the strong leadership he will bring as we enter our next phase of growth,” shares Sam Featherstone, VP of A&R at Provident Entertainment.

These promotions underscore Provident Entertainment’s ongoing investment in developing leadership talent and strengthening its ability to serve artists at every stage of their careers.

CCM Magazine has announced chart-topping Christian music trio CAIN as its June 2026 cover story, featuring an exclusive in-depth interview conducted by co-editor, Amanda Sekulow. The June rollout will include exclusive content across CCM’s platforms, including today’s cover reveal, the longform cover story and video interview (June 3), and exclusive performance videos filmed at CCM headquarters — available on CCMmagazine.com and the CCM Magazine YouTube channel (June 5).

Known for their infectious energy, authentic faith, and a string of No. 1 hits, siblings Madison Cain Johnson, Taylor Cain Matz, and Logan Cain are entering what they describe as a transformative new chapter. In the cover story, the band reflects on stepping away from the relentless pace of touring to focus on songwriting, family, church life, and a deeper pursuit of Christ.

“This is the start of a whole new era for us,” says CAIN. “For the first time in years, we stepped off the road just to write, go to church, and live a normal life. We think the songs that came out of that are the most honest we’ve ever made. It’s Jesus as the prize, not Jesus as the thing that gets you the prize.”

The feature explores the inspiration behind their new single, “Living Water,” as well as the vision for their upcoming “CAIN Live and In Worship” tour, which will bring a unique worship experience to every city by partnering with local worship leaders and creating space for prayer, ministry, and community.

CCM’s Amanda Sekulow says the conversation revealed a side of CAIN that audiences may not have seen before.

“The opportunity to collaborate with a band as unique as CAIN is rare, and I’m thrilled that we get to share part of their new chapter to the world,” says Amanda. “It’s an honor to be trusted with that.”

The cover story also offers personal reflections from each member of the trio as they discuss contentment, calling, parenthood, and redefining success through the lens of faith.

“The word over this whole season is contentment,” says Taylor Cain Matz. “Paul said he learned to be content in everything, whether I’m in prison or on top of the mountain. And I don’t want my daughter to grow up thinking we were out being rock stars. If they understand that we’re walking in the way of Jesus, that’s success to me.”

Madison Cain Johnson echoes that sentiment.

“This season reminded me why I started,” she says. “I’d gotten so caught up in chasing success that I forgot to actually enjoy any of it. Now, I just want to have fun, stay grateful, and I know now that when I can just sit and talk with Jesus, that’s enough, and everything else is a gift on top of it.”

For Logan Cain, the new music represents a return to foundational truths.

“We’re getting to write songs like, ‘If it’s not for Christ then it’s all for nothing,'” he explains. “If I was in a room by myself, this is what I’d want to sing over myself.”

According to CCM Magazine Publisher and Co-Editor, Logan Sekulow, CAIN’s story perfectly reflects the publication’s ongoing mission to highlight artists who are shaping the future of Christian music while remaining rooted in timeless truths.

“When we started exploring the future of CCM Magazine, CAIN was one of those artists that immediately caught our attention,” says Logan. “They represent the excitement about where Christian music is headed. Authentic faith, incredible songs, family values, and a message that connects across generations. Their story is bigger than hit songs. It’s a reminder of what the core of Christian music can be.”

For the band, the recognition carries special significance.

“Being the cover story for CCM is humbling in the best way,” CAIN shares. “We’ve been longtime fans, so this isn’t lost on us for a second. The Lord has a way of dropping a moment like this over you right as you step into a new season, and we are truly so grateful it’s part of the story.”

Following a successful inaugural year that culminated in the release of its first winning song, the Modern Sound Worship Song Contest is officially returning for 2026. Hosted by Modern Sound and presented by Cantinas Arts Foundation, the second annual contest also welcomes The Gospel Music Association as an official partner. Applications for the 2026 Modern Sound Worship Song Contest are now open until June 30 at modernsound.co. Additional details regarding submissions, eligibility, and deadlines will be announced through Modern Sound’s official channels.

Created to discover, encourage, and invest in emerging worship and Christian songwriters, the Modern Sound Worship Song Contest gives one winning songwriter the opportunity to have their original song professionally produced and released, alongside a music video, created single artwork and promotional support designed to help bring their music to a wider audience.

“The heart behind the Modern Sound Worship Song Contest is to discover, encourage, and pour into independent worship songwriters who are faithfully writing songs for the Church,” says Matt Hadley, founder of Modern Sound and Wander Creative. “Last year, we saw that vision come together through JL Johnson and ‘In The Middle,’ and we’re excited to open the door again in 2026 for another songwriter to take the next step with their music.”

The announcement follows the recent release of last year’s winning song, “In The Middle,” by inaugural contest winner JL Johnson. Released on May 29, the song serves as a tangible example of the contest’s mission in action: helping independent worship songwriters move from writing songs in private to sharing them with listeners around the world. Watch the official music video for “In The Middle”.

“Being selected as the first-ever Modern Sound Worship Song Contest winner was incredibly affirming,” says Johnson. “It encouraged me as a songwriter and reminded me that a song can reach further than we sometimes expect. My hope is that ‘In The Middle’ reminds listeners that even in the darkest seasons, God is still right there with them. Even when He feels distant, He is present, He cares, and He hasn’t left them alone.”

Holy Culture today announced the return of The Reconnect, a free two-day Christian Hip-Hop and worship experience scheduled for June 12 and 13, 2026, at Faith City Family Church in Newark, Delaware.

The gathering brings together music, faith, conversation, and community to reconnect people with purpose and build stronger pathways between culture and the Church.

The first Reconnect drew more than 1,500 registrations and welcomed hundreds of attendees, opening real opportunities for connection and ongoing community engagement. The next episode of the event widens that vision, with deeper community involvement and a fuller program across both days.

“The Reconnect is designed for people who have felt a pull between their faith and their culture,” said James Rosseau, CEO of Holy Culture. “Our job is to create a space where those two things finally coexist, and then to give people a real path forward once they leave it.”

Day one, June 12, is a live experience: Christian Hip-Hop performances, worship, guest appearances, community giveaways, and major interactions.

Day two, June 13, turns toward growth and development, with live panel discussions and workshops on entrepreneurship, faith, finances, leadership, and personal development. The second day is designed to outlast the weekend, turning conversation into decisions concerning finances, leadership, and faith.

The event supports Holy Culture’s broader mission to empower individuals and revitalize communities through Faith, Arts, Vocation, and Education (FAVE). Holy Culture keeps The Reconnect completely free to make the experience accessible to individuals and families across the community.

Community members, churches, organizations, and supporters are invited to attend, partner, and help build an environment of hope and long-term impact.

The 13th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards celebrated the biggest names in Christian entertainment at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, honoring standout artists, entertainers, athletes, authors and content creators making an impact around the world.

Hosted by GRAMMY Award winner Lauren Daigle and author, podcaster and speaker Sadie Robertson Huff, the fan-voted event aired exclusively on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Friday, May 29th and and will re-air an encore showing June 5th at 7:30 and 10 PM ET on TBN and the TBN+ app.

Among the evening’s biggest winners, Brandon Lake earned both Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year honors, while CeCe Winans took home Female Artist of the Year. MercyMe was named Group of the Year, and emerging artist Emerson Day received the Breakout Single of the Year award.

Additional winners included Sadie Robertson Huff for Podcast of the Year and Anne Wilson for Book Impact. The Sports Impact Award was presented to Coach RAC, recognizing his influence on young athletes and families through sports and digital media.

In the entertainment categories, House of David received Television/Streaming Impact honors, while I Can Only Imagine 2 earned Film Impact of the Year.

Music honors also included Song of the Year for Jamie MacDonald and Worship Song of the Year for Phil Wickham.

The evening featured unforgettable performances and appearances from many of today’s leading voices in Christian music and entertainment, including Pat Barrett, CAIN, Leanna Crawford, Lauren Daigle, Hope Darst, Elevation Worship, Ben Fuller, a debut performance from the K-LOVE Kids, MercyMe, Chandler Moore, Katy Nichole, Andrew Ripp, Terrian, Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Zach Williams and Anne Wilson.

Presenters and special guests throughout the evening included Shannon Bream, John Crist, Michael Iskander, Levi Lusko and Jonathan Roumie, along with appearances from Josh Baldwin, Blanca, Caleb & John, Franni Cash, Colton Dixon, Jenn Johnson, Rachael Lampa, Tasha Layton, David Leonard, Patrick Mayberry, Jon Reddick, Kristian Stanfill and Megan Woods.Coca-Cola Consolidated returned as title sponsor of the annual event.

The CMB Awards at Momentum took place last week, and the Station of the Year and Special Awards recipients were announced. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!

CMB Station of the Year Awards

SMALL MARKET

Life 97.3 • KDNW • Duluth

MEDIUM MARKET

90.9 KLRC • Fayetteville

LARGE MARKET

104.9 The River • WCVO • Columbus

MAJOR MARKET

89.3 KSBJ • Houston

CMB UNIVERSITY STATION
The Lifeline • Mount Vernon Nazarene University

RADIO PODCAST
The Unfolding • Faith Podcasts

Industry Achievement Award

for outstanding and long-term contributions to the growth of Christian music radio.

John Mays

Community Service Award

for outstanding effort in community service in the past year.

90.9 KCBI • Dallas-Fort Worth

Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award

for their long-time contributions to the music and ministry of Christian music radio.

Crowder

CMB Board of Directors Award

We proudly recognize

Johnny & Stacey Stone

for their outstanding lifelong dedication to advancing the Gospel through radio.

All through May, the GMA is highlighting roots music in every form, including Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, and Country Gospel. We had the chance to sit down with roots artist Ricky Skaggs and hear about his remarkable journey as a musician, producer and composer. 

About Ricky Skaggs

Ricky Skaggs has lived a life deeply rooted in music. By age 21, he was already recognized as a master of one of America’s most demanding art forms, though his career soon expanded into mainstream country music, bringing him widespread popularity and success. His musical journey has moved across multiple genres, beginning in bluegrass and continuing through new creative directions, all while staying firmly connected to his roots.

Skaggs first picked up a mandolin more than 60 years ago, and the 15-time Grammy Award winner remains a leading figure in the modern roots revival. He has earned 12 consecutive Grammy nominations for projects released through his Skaggs Family Records label, including Bluegrass Rules! (1998), Ancient Tones (1999), History of the Future (2001), Soldier of the Cross, Live at the Charleston Music Hall, and Big Mon: The Songs of Bill Monroe (2003), Brand New Strings (2005), Instrumentals (2007), Salt of the Earth with The Whites (2008), Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass: Tribute to 1946 and 1947 (2009), and Ricky Skaggs Solo: Songs My Dad Loved along with Mosaic (2010). His music reflects a lifelong dedication to songs that are both soulful and heartfelt.

Tell us about your earliest memories with music and how you got started as a child.

Ricky: Some of my earliest memories are of singing around the house with my mom. She was always singing to the radio, and I started harmonizing with her when I was four or five years old. That really sparked my dad’s excitement. He was a welder working up in Ohio and brought me home a mandolin from a pawnshop. I woke up to it in my bed—I just loved the sound right away. I’m so thankful he bought something that fit my little five-year-old body.

What were some of your biggest early breaks?

Ricky: We went to see Bill Monroe in Martha, Kentucky. The crowd kept calling for me, and he finally brought me up and let me play his mandolin—the same one that’s now in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Later, Earl Scruggs heard me playing backstage at the Ryman and invited me to audition for the Flatt & Scruggs television show. My parents were incredibly supportive through all of it.

What led you to step back from mainstream country in the mid-90s and return to bluegrass?

Ricky: In 1996, both Bill Monroe and my father passed away in the same year. That really affected me. I felt the Lord drawing me back to the music I grew up with. I had recorded a song years earlier called “Simple Life” that felt almost prophetic. God was leading me back to a simpler life and to the traditional sound. I wanted to use the platform I’d built to help bring leadership and attention back to bluegrass. Starting Skaggs Family Records was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Was there a project where you saw God use your music in a powerful way?

Ricky: Even in my country days, I always included gospel songs in the shows. But the record that had the greatest Kingdom impact is Mosaic. It doesn’t sound like traditional gospel at all, but from Heaven’s point of view, it’s probably the most powerful thing I’ve ever done. My friend Gordon Kennedy (who co-wrote “Change the World” with Eric Clapton) wrote most of it.

You’ve described yourself as a “seed sower” in the marketplace. Can you tell us more about that?

Ricky: I never felt like I was supposed to keep my talent just in the church house. The gospel can reach people wherever they are. I’ve sung “Amazing Grace” a cappella in front of festival crowds where people were drinking and holding up beer cans, and they all sang along. The Holy Spirit isn’t ashamed to go anywhere we’ll take Him. God told me years ago: “Don’t open with gospel—earn the right to introduce Me” through great music first. Then present Jesus in a positive, powerful way.

Do you and the band pray before shows? What’s your heart when you go onstage?

Ricky: Yes, we always pray before every show that God will touch somebody in the audience, even if it’s just bringing joy, because joy kills sorrow. Jesus was more interested in getting the Kingdom into people than just getting people into the Kingdom. That’s the heart I try to carry with Kentucky Thunder.

Will we hear some gospel music when you’re out with Dierks Bentley this summer?

Ricky: Yes, definitely. We’re releasing a new single very soon called “Say a Prayer” that I recorded during the Mosaic sessions. It feels very timely for right now. With 45 minutes on Dirk’s show, we’ll be doing some gospel for sure.

How do you see bluegrass music today compared to when you first started?

Ricky: It was very traditional back then—Bill Monroe, Stanley Brothers. Today, with Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, and others, the musicianship is at a whole new level. I love it, and I still enjoy playing the traditional roots, too.

Have you seen a resurgence of gospel bluegrass in mainstream culture?

Ricky: Yes, and it’s beautiful. I love watching crowds get quiet and respectful during gospel numbers. The Holy Spirit moves anywhere we’ll take Him.

What are some of your all-time favorite bluegrass gospel songs?

Ricky: “Walking in Jerusalem Just Like John,” “Angel Band,” “Hallelujah, I’m Ready to Go,” and, of course, “Amazing Grace.”

Following overwhelming fan response and a successful multi-leg run celebrating one of the most beloved albums of his career, five-time GRAMMY® winner and the most awarded artist in Christian music history, Steven Curtis Chapman, has announced the final leg of his acclaimed SPEECHLESS 25th Anniversary Tour, returning this fall for one last run in 14 cities across the country.

The tour honors the 25th anniversary of Chapman’s iconic, platinum album SPEECHLESS—a landmark project that produced seven No. 1 radio singles, including the title track “Speechless,” and remains one of the most defining albums in Christian music history. This special anniversary concert experience features the album performed front to back in its entirety, bringing songs like “Dive,” “Be Still and Know,” “Fingerprints of God,” and more to the stage in a way fans have never experienced before. Each evening also includes additional career-spanning hits and special surprises, making this final run a must-see event for longtime fans and new audiences alike.

“Honestly, when we first launched the SPEECHLESS 25th Anniversary Tour, I had no idea just how meaningful these nights would become,” Chapman said. “Getting to celebrate these songs, and the stories, memories, and faith journeys connected to them, with so many people has been incredibly special. I’m very excited to add one final run this fall. I’m so grateful for every person who has come out, and I can’t wait to share these songs in even more cities before we bring this celebration to a close.”

Originally launched in 2025 to commemorate the album’s milestone anniversary, the SPEECHLESS 25th Anniversary Tour quickly became one of Chapman’s most celebrated and in-demand tours in recent years. This fall’s run marks fans’ final opportunity to experience the unforgettable live celebration of SPEECHLESS before the tour concludes.

An exclusive pre-sale begins Wednesday, May 20th, with tickets available to the public starting Friday, May 22nd at 10am local time.