Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrate artists in Charlotte

The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards took place on August 15 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hosted by Kirk Franklin, the event was themed ‘Feels Like Home’ and celebrated the contributions of gospel artists, musicians, and songwriters.

Key award winners included Darrel Walls, who received Artist of the Year and Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, and Jonathan McReynolds, who won Male Artist of the Year. Lisa Knowles Smith was named the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, while Vincent Bohanan & SOV won Album of the Year for ‘Live in New York’. Other notable winners included Lecrae for Rap Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year and Jekalyn Carr for Traditional Artist of the Year.

The ceremony introduced a new category, HBCU Choir of the Year, which was awarded to the Fort Valley State University Choir. Tasha Cobbs Leonard received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, and Pastor Mike Jr. was honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.