Kirk Franklin will be doing much more than introducing the acts when the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards hit BET this Sunday. The gospel superstar is hosting the entire ceremony-and saving a special performance of his own for the stage.
Taped at Charlotte's Spectrum Center under the theme "Feels Like Home," the ceremony promises a packed night of worship, powerhouse vocals and unexpected collaborations. Franklin will preside over a performance lineup featuring Jekalyn Carr, John P. Kee, PJ Morton, Darrel Walls, Marvin Sapp, Maranda Curtis, William Murphy, Melvin Crispell III, Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers and Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE.
One of the night's most intriguing collaborations brings Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz together with Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha, underscoring how far gospel has expanded beyond its traditional musical boundaries. Aaron Cole, Céjae, JustCordell and Vincent Bohanan & SOV will also take the stage.
The evening will not be all about performances. Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the prestigious Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her influence as one of contemporary gospel's most commanding voices. Pastor Mike Jr. will be presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
With Franklin hosting and performing, fans may want to keep watching until the final note. The 20-time Grammy winner has spent decades transforming gospel presentation with his choir-driven sound, energetic performances and willingness to bring faith into contemporary culture.
How to Watch the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards premieres on BET on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
An encore presentation will air the same evening at 10:30 p.m. ET on BET.
Viewers should check their local listings or TV provider for the corresponding channel and local airtime. For those who miss the BET premiere, the ceremony will also air through nationwide television syndication from September 5 through September 27, 2026. Local stations and broadcast times will vary.
More information and local listings will be available through StellarAwards.com.
