THE 41ST ANNUAL STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS, HOSTED BY KIRK FRANKLIN, AIRS SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, ON BET

Star-Studded Performance Lineup Features
Jekalyn Carr, John P. Kee, Tye Tribbett feat. ABLAZE, PJ Morton, Darrel Walls, and More, with a Special Performance from Host Kirk Franklin

Gospel music’s greatest night returns to BET. The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted by Kirk Franklin, airs on BET Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET, with an encore at 10:30 p.m. ET. Taped in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the Spectrum Center under this year’s theme, “Feels Like Home,” the ceremony brings together gospel’s most celebrated artists, trailblazers, and rising stars for a night of worship, inspiration, and world-class performances.

The broadcast delivers an all-star lineup of performances from Aaron Cole, Céjae, Darrel Walls, Jekalyn Carr, Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz featuring Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha, JustCordell, John P. Kee, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, Melvin Crispell III, PJ Morton, Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE, Maranda Curtis, Marvin Sapp, William Murphy and Vincent Bohanan & SOV. Host Kirk Franklin will also take the stage for a special performance. Spanning traditional gospel, contemporary worship, choir music, and genre-blending collaborations, the lineup reflects the depth, diversity, and continued evolution of gospel music.

The evening will also honor two of gospel’s most influential voices. Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, and Pastor Mike Jr. will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.

Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. previously shared, “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.”

“Gospel music brings community, culture, and connection together like nothing else, and that’s what makes BET its perfect home,” said Louis Carr, President, BET. “We’re honored to celebrate the artists and creators whose gift moves millions, and to bring gospel’s greatest night to our audience.”

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-Pressley as Talent Producer, and Daniel Moore as Music Director.

The celebration will make its national cable premiere on BET on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET before expanding to audiences nationwide through broadcast television syndication from September 5 through September 27, 2026.

Powerhouse Gospel music label StowTown Records has signed an exclusive global distribution deal with Syntax Creative, a Nashville-based frontrunner in multi-genre music distribution. The freshly inked agreement brings StowTown’s diverse music catalog and celebrated artist roster—including such names as The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, TaRanda Greene, Charles Billingsley, and The Erwins—into the Syntax system, signaling a new season of strategic growth for the venerable label.

“Aligning the StowTown catalog with Syntax Creative allows us to continue our mission with even greater consistency—bringing the highest quality music to both the Church and the Christian music ecosystem,” explains StowTown Records Director of A&R Mary Alice Lovelace. “Syntax is a leader in the digital distribution space and a company of great integrity, so we look forward to partnering with them in this new endeavor.”

“While this is an exciting new partnership for Syntax Creative, it isn’t about the hype—it’s about getting it right,” says Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau. “This music already has reach. Now, with it all under one roof, we’ll be able to maximize every square inch of this catalog and bring it the dignity it deserves.”

Marking a historic milestone for StowTown’s seven-time GRAMMY® and nine-time Dove Award-winning ensemble The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, the distribution deal unifies the iconic group’s entire discography for the first time ever. Syntax Creative’s stewardship of this decades-spanning catalog stands to optimize The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s presence across digital streaming platforms, improving discoverability, and supporting continued audience engagement around the world.

StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene states, “The music of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has been a household name for decades and a gift to the Church. By bringing the entire catalog under one label and one distribution partner, we can preserve this legacy, ensuring it can be accessed and enjoyed for generations to come. We’re honored to do this alongside Syntax Creative, whose shared vision makes this next chapter possible.”

Country legend Dolly Parton passed away yesterday after a brief battle with cancer. Below are some statements from artists honoring her legacy…

The death of Dolly Parton is as big as Elvis.

This rocks the country and the world in the same way and we won’t get over this for a long time.

God bless this beautiful girl.

• Don McLean

Quite simply The G.O.A.T

Thanks for the songs, the laughs, the humility and grace.

Without a doubt a woman who God truly has his hands on.

Rock on Dolly, baby rock on.

• Kid Rock

Dolly Parton has always carried a light that shines from deep within. It is a light that will never fade.

Her gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician, actress and entertainer are legendary. But as remarkable as her talent is, I believe her greatest legacy is her heart. Her faith in God, her kindness, her incredible work ethic and her generosity are simply part of who Dolly is. She has that rare gift of connecting with people and making everyone feel like they matter.

And perhaps that is why her music has meant so much to so many of us. We all lived a little bit of life through Dolly’s songs. She gave words to love and heartache, hope and hardship, joy and dreams. Somehow, she could tell her story and make it feel like ours.

Dolly has spent a lifetime sharing her light with others. Perhaps the greatest tribute we can give her is to carry a little of that light forward ourselves: to be kinder, to give more generously, to lift others up, and to leave the world a little brighter than we found it.

One beautiful way to do that is by supporting Dolly’s Imagination Library and helping continue the work she began, putting books into the hands and dreams into the hearts of children everywhere.

Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the laughter, the faith, the generosity and, most of all, the heart you have shared with all of us.

We will always love you, Dolly.

-Lee Greenwood

Dolly was the songbook of many of our lives. I remember when she joined the Porter Waggoner Show. We were on those shows and shared the same dressing room. She was charming then, just as she was the last time I saw her. “When I Sing For Him” is one of my favorite songs she ever sang. We recorded “Coat Of Many Colors”, written by Dolly. When she wrote, “I Will Always Love You”, I believe that is one of the greatest songs ever written.

When she called us to help open her new theater in Pigeon Forge, I was thrilled. One of the highlights of my career is to have THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, BOB HOPE, DOLLY PARTON, opening her new theater.

Dolly, I could go on and on about you giving to children’s learning, but others will want to thank you.

I will close with, “I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU”

• Duane Allen
  The Oak Ridge Boys

George and Dolly shared a truly special bond. They came up together playing the Grand Ole Opry and became part of the very fabric of Nashville and country music. Dolly always said George Jones was her all-time favorite singer. I will never forget when they recorded together during The Bradley Barn Sessions. God bless Dolly. Country music will always love her.

• Nancy Jones

It would take a lifetime to express the love and gratitude I have for Dolly Parton.

She was a true friend and mentor, even making a trip from Nashville to Greentop, Missouri when I had a life threatening illness.

She said, “I had to make sure you’re okay myself.”

Her work ethic was unmatched, and although she was a world icon, she was as down to earth your next door neighbor.

I will ALWAYS love you Dolly!!

• Rhonda Vincent

When I was growing up in Wabash, Indiana, I would sit on the floor in front of our TV on Saturday afternoons waiting for the Porter Waggoner show to come on. I couldn’t wait for Dolly to sing.

I loved her voice and songs and how beautiful she was. I thought Dolly was an angel. When I first met her, I realized that she was.

We will always love and miss our Dolly.

• Crystal Gayle

My heart is broken over the passing of my dear friend Dolly Parton. Dolly brought so much joy to this world through her songs, her kindness, her humor, and her beautiful spirit. She had a special way of taking the everyday moments of life and making them feel extraordinary.

I am so grateful for every memory and for the privilege of calling her my friend. My prayers are with the Parton and Owens families and with everyone who loved her. I take comfort in knowing that Dolly is in the loving arms of Jesus and reunited with her beloved Carl. God Bless you Dolly.

• Janie Fricke

The sweet, kind, and incomparable Dolly Parton has passed on to rest in the arms of her Jesus. It would take volumes to list her many accomplishments.

Some of my favorite memories are of being on the road with her and Kenny Rogers. She always lit up the stage, and everyone in attendance was thrilled and delighted by her performance. She will live on in our hearts forever.

We will always love you. Rest in peace, sister.

• T. Graham Brown

The Oak Ridge Boys were guests on The Porter Wagoner Show in Nashville when we first met Dolly Parton.

With a voice like an angel and that special light about her, she captured our hearts from the very beginning. We treasured the many times we were blessed to share stages with her through the years.

Today, I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. The last time I remember feeling this stunned was when Elvis Presley passed away.

Rest in peace, Dolly, until we sing with you in harmony again.

Your songs, your voice, and your light of love will live and shine in our hearts forever.

• William Lee Golden
  The Oak Ridge Boys

I spent nearly ten years working with Dolly. Our first meeting was for a virtual junket from Reba’s downstairs studio at Starstruck on music row sometime in 2008. That was hug number 1. The hugs continued – for nearly a decade. All over the world. Hugs, winks, laughs, and that unmatched, world-renowned wit that should have it’s own dictionary entry. She made me blush on MANY occasions – and those who were around then, know exactly why!

One night at Thackerville, Oklahoma on her 2016 N. America tour, my grandmother and aunts drove up for the show. In that meet & greet line, my grandmother showed Dolly a photo pin-back button from my cross country running days in high school. Dolly squealed, and said ‘can I have it?’ So she promptly grabbed that photo button and kept it. From my grandmother. Everybody was cracking up and once again, I was blushing.

Beyond the personal memories – I also had the pleasure of shooting thousands of photos every night of/for her. Even bought extra cameras over the years, solely for that purpose! Impossible to edit them down to select favorites – they’re all just too good! But I’ve shared one of them here, from her performance at The Hollywood Bowl in 2016.

When I announced my engagement in 2020 to my bride, a massive boquet showed up at the house. That was just Dolly’s way of saying ‘I will always love you.’ Even after you have parted ways professionally, the friendship never dies.

And neither will she.

Her laughter and songs will live on in every heart that hears it, for eternity.

We love you Dolly.

• Jeremy Westby (2911 Media)

“He’s Not Finished,” the first single from Marvin Sapp’s 17th album, Restoration, is now available. Sapp debuted the single at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which will air August 29th on The Stellar Network and make its national cable premiere August 30 on BET.

He’s Not Finished – Marvin Sapp

Stream & Enjoy

Written by Sapp and Stan Jones, “He’s Not Finished” is a declaration of hope and resilience, built on one promise: God is on your side through every step, every season, and every storm.

“All of us have had moments where life did not look the way we thought it would. This song lets us know that we can’t say ‘it’s the end of our story in the middle of a disappointing chapter,” says Jones. “A lyric in this song says ‘if you’re still breathing, that’s a sign, you still have purpose, left in your life.’ No matter the situation, if there’s still breath in your body, there’s still more life to live.”

“He’s Not Finished” sets the tone for Sapp’s upcoming album Restoration. Sapp says “we live in a culture that writes people off because of mistakes and mishaps. Sometimes, individuals write themselves off because of their missteps and feel like there is no hope for them. However, the Gospel was not written to a group of perfect people, it was written to a group of people who needed redemption and restoration; that includes us. This song was written to specifically let people know He is not finished with you.”

As previously announced, Restoration will be released later this fall in partnership with RocNation Distribution.

Steven Curtis Chapman’s The Music of Christmas Tour will return this holiday season, visiting 11 cities across the country and celebrating 30 years of the classic album that has become part of Christmas for generations of listeners.

The tour promises an evening filled with the songs fans have come to love throughout the years: from timeless Christmas classics and favorites from Chapman’s Christmas recordings to some of the biggest songs from his celebrated career. With the addition of strings and choir, the music will take on an even richer sound, creating a memorable night for audiences of all ages.

“I am incredibly excited to continue celebrating the 30th anniversary of my album The Music of Christmas,” Chapman shared. “Together, we will celebrate the true reason for the season. I’ll have some very talented musicians with me, as well as a full choir, and some other surprises I can’t wait to share with you. I’ve had many people tell me how they’ve appreciated this album over the years and how it’s become a part of their Christmas traditions, and I hope this tour can be a special way to celebrate yours!”

But for Chapman, the tour is about more than simply celebrating the music of Christmas. It’s an opportunity to step away from the rush of the season, gather with the people who matter most and remember what Christmas is really about.

Audiences can expect a night filled with music, familiar songs, and plenty of opportunities to sing along, while making new memories with family and friends. At the heart of it all is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and the hope and joy that define the Christmas season.

The 2026 The Music of Christmas Tour will visit 11 cities across the country. An exclusive pre-sale begins Wednesday, August 26th, with tickets available to the public starting Friday, August 28th at 10am local time.

TOUR DATES:
Saturday, November 28, 2026 – Knoxville, TN – Grace Baptist Church

Sunday, November 29, 2026 – Rustburg, NJ – Hyland Heights Baptist Church

Tuesday, December 1, 2026 – Hawthorne, NJ – Hawthorne Gospel Church

Thursday, December 3, 2026 – Greenville, SC – First Presbyterian Church Greenville

Friday, December 4, 2026 – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Crosswater Community Church

Saturday, December 5, 2026 – Panama City, FL – Hiland Park Baptist Church

Sunday, December 6, 2026 – Powder Springs, GA – Burnt Hickory Baptist Church

Wednesday, December 9, 2026 – Flowood, MS – Word of Life Church

Friday, December 11, 2026 – Ballwin, MO – First Free Church

Saturday, December 12, 2026 – Newburgh, IN – First Christian Church

Sunday, December 13, 2026 – Huntington, WV – Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center

Following a sold-out summer tour, SEU Worship is hitting the road again this fall and spring with The Found in the Field Tour, bringing its signature sound and honest, faith-filled lyrics to eight cities across the country.

Born out of the worship movement at Southeastern University, SEU Worship has quickly become known for creating music that invites listeners into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Building on the momentum of its first headlining tour, The Found in the Field Tour will offer audiences nights centered on music, community and worship.

“Our hope for this tour is to bring people together under one name to praise God, and to share the distinct heart of our worship community with everyone we meet along the way,” said SEU Worship.

The new tour is an invitation to go deeper, gather with friends and encounter Jesus together. Through powerful worship and authentic community, SEU Worship hopes to create space for audiences to slow down, draw near to God and be reminded of what it means to be found in His presence.

SEU Worship will bring songs that point to the faithfulness of God and create an atmosphere where audiences can worship, connect, and experience the presence of Jesus. At the heart of the tour is a simple message: we are never too far from the One who is always searching for us.

The Found in the Field Tour will visit eight cities across the country beginning in October 2026, with additional dates continuing in February 2027. An exclusive pre-sale begins Monday, August 24th, with tickets available to the public starting Wednesday, August 26th at 10am local time.

TOUR DATES:
Thursday, October 8, 2026 – Lansing, MI – Mount Hope Church

Friday, October 9, 2026 – Fort Wayne, IN – Brookside Church

Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Parkersburg, WV – The Warehouse Church

Sunday, October 11, 2026 – Bowling Green, KY – Hillvue Heights Church

Thursday, February 25, 2027 – Little Rock, AR – The Church at Rock Creek

Friday, February 26, 2027 – Oklahoma City, OK – Southern Hills Baptist Church

Saturday, February 27, 2027 – Lenexa, KS – City Center Church

Sunday, February 28, 2027 – Birmingham, AL – Metropolitan Church

ELEVATION RHYTHM has announced a special one-night event in Puerto Rico, bringing their high-energy live experience to Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan on Sunday, November 22, 2026. Tickets are on sale to the public now.

The newly announced Puerto Rico show follows a major season of touring for ELEVATION RHYTHM and adds another destination to an already busy fall for the group.

Next month, ELEVATION RHYTHM will head back on the road for the WASHED Tour, a brand-new experience designed to bring people together through community and worship. More than just a night of worship, the WASHED Tour invites attendees to experience activities such as RHYTHM Run Clubs and Bible studies, with two unforgettable nights of worship in each city.

The tour takes its name from WASHED, ELEVATION RHYTHM’s newest album, named after the group’s No. 1 single. The nine-song project captures songs that have become declarations of identity, freedom, and new life for a generation pursuing an authentic relationship with Jesus. Recorded live at Elevation Church during the church’s weekly youth nights, WASHED documents an entire season of worship and reflects what God has been doing in the lives of young people week after week, inviting listeners everywhere into that same experience of worship, freedom, and encountering Jesus.

The one-night Puerto Rico announcement continues ELEVATION RHYTHM’s momentum after sold-out shows across the country. Following the WASHED Tour, ELEVATION RHYTHM will join Elevation Nights Fall 2026 alongside Pastor Steven Furtick and Elevation Worship.

WHAT: House of Worship, a one-of-a-kind cinematic event celebrating the songs that have shaped the modern Church across generations, will be in theaters nationwide for a special showing this Sunday. The film features live-recorded performances, cinematic storytelling and intimate interviews with 25 influential worship artists and songwriters.

Presented by The Fuel Music and Ori Music in association with K-LOVE and Air1, with sponsorship from World Vision, House of Worship pairs iconic artists with today’s leading and emerging voices to perform songs that have influenced worship leaders, songwriters and congregations around the world.

WHO: Executive produced by Michael W. Smith and Darlene Zschech, the film features leading and emerging voices in worship music, including the aforementioned artists and Brenton Brown, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Brian Doerksen, CeCe Winans, Charity Gayle, Chris Brown (Elevation Worship), Chris McClarney, Christy Nockels, Cody Carnes, Ed Cash (We The Kingdom), Hillary Scott (Lady A), Israel Houghton, Josh Baldwin, Kari Jobe, Leeland Mooring, Martin Smith, Matt Redman, Mitch Wong, Naomi Raine, Pat Barrett, Paul Baloche and Tim Hughes.

WHEN: Begins Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. Check theaters for showtimes.

WHERE: Participating theaters across the United States. Tickets and local showtimes are available on Fandango.

WHY IT MATTERS: The film and companion 13-song album offer a fresh musical expression celebrating the enduring power of worship music across generations and nations. The reimagined songs include “Shout to the Lord,” “Agnus Dei,” “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “The Heart of Worship,” “Breathe,” “How Great Is Our God,” “Everlasting God” and “Here I Am to Worship.”

Get your calendar out and save the dates. The Gospel Music Association has officially unveiled the full schedule for Dove Week 2026, happening October 4-6 in Nashville, TN.

Tickets are available for unforgettable live music events leading up to the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards on Tuesday, October 6, at Bridgestone Arena. This year’s events include:

Sunday, October 4

Future Legacy Hip-Hop Showcase

Cannery Hall – Row One Stage

Doors: 6:00 PM

Show Begins: 6:30 PM

Sponsored by VYB, this showcase is hosted by DJ Focus & Keal K and includes performances from ADIA, Don Ready, DJ Trendsetter, LaNell Grant, Nathan Davis Jr., 1K Phew, and more.

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Monday, October 5

Night of Worship at Ryman Auditorium featuring Elevation Worship

Ryman Auditorium

Show Begins: 6:30 PM

Sponsored by World Vision, Elevation Worship will kick off Dove Week 2026 with a special Night of Worship at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Join us for a powerful evening at the “Mother Church” before we celebrate all God is doing at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards.

A GMA-exclusive 24-hour presale begins Tuesday, August 25. Use code DOVEWEEK26 at checkout at doveawards.com/doveweek.

 

The Roots Gospel Gathering

Station Inn

Doors: 7:00 PM

Show Begins: 7:30 PM

Hosted by Jason Crabb, this showcase includes performances from Endless Highway, The Ledbetter Brothers, Jeff & Sheri Easter, and more.

Raices y Ritmos Latin Music Showcase

Cannery Hall – The Mil Stage

Doors: 7:30 PM

Show Begins: 8:00 PM

Sponsored by Compassion International, this showcase is hosted by AJ Ramos and includes performances from Aline Barros, Alexis Arai, Averly Morillo, Cales Louima, Christine D’Clario, Enoc Parra, Genock Gabriel, Jahdiel Roman, Joel Rocco, Karen Espinosa, Miel San Marcos, Música Más Vida, Alett Frias and Sarai Rivera.

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Tuesday, October 6

 

The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards

Bridgestone Arena

6:30 PM

Experience the biggest night in Christian and Gospel music. Hosted by Tauren Wells, this year’s performers and presenters will be announced soon. Stay tuned.

On the heels of her latest Stellar Awards wins, recording artist, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, speaker, author, and nationally syndicated radio host Jekalyn Carr announces new dates for her upcoming, A Night of Breakthrough Tour. 

Jekalyn Carr continues her award-winning reign, taking home two major wins at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards for Traditional Artist of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year for her acclaimed project, Jekalyn X The Legends. The victories bring Carr’s career total to an impressive 13 Stellar Awards. Additionally, Carr earned a 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards nomination for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for her acclaimed project, JEKALYN X THE LEGENDS.

These announcement comes alongside the release of Carr’s inspiring new “History (Breakthrough) – Live Experience” music video, a powerful live performance from her acclaimed album Jekalyn X The Legends. The video captures the passion and worship that have become hallmarks of Carr’s ministry, encouraging viewers to believe that God is still writing breakthrough stories.

Each stop on A Night of Breakthrough Tour will feature an unforgettable evening of powerful worship, inspirational ministry, and fan favorites, including music from the award-winning Jekalyn X The Legends album.

Tour Dates

September 12 – Tampa, FL

September 13 – Albany, GA

September 18 – Pensacola, FL

September 19 – New Orleans, LA

October 18 – Chicago, IL –New

November 7 – Birmingham, AL

November 12 – Shreveport, LA – New

November 14 – Jackson, MS

November 15 – Southaven, MS