See the Stars Who Hit the Carpet at the 2026 Stellar Awards
— August 16, 2026
Some of the biggest names in gospel music gathered in Charlotte, N.C., last night for the 41st Stellar Awards. Hosted by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Kirk Franklin, the awards, dubbed “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” celebrated the year’s biggest songs and artists who have entertained and inspired fans around the world. Among the night’s biggest winners were Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers, who won five awards, including ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Quartet of the Year,’ and Vincent Bohanan & SOV, who took home three awards for the night, including ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Choir of the Year.’
From Ann Nesby to Karen Clark Sheard, we’re looking at the stars who showed up and showed out at the 2026 Stellar Awards.
Lil Rel Howery
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Lil Rel Howery attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Press Room at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Lisa Knowles-Smith (C) & The Brown Singers Vaughn attend the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Press Room at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Ann Nesby
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Ann Nesby attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Kirk Franklin & Tammy Franklin
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: (L-R) Kirk Franklin and Tammy Franklin attend the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Kem
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Kem attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Semaje
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Semaje attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Karen Clark Sheard
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Karen Clark Sheard attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Yolanda Adams
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Yolanda Adams attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Erica Campbell
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Erica Campbell attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Jonathan Nelson
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Jonathan Nelson attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Camp
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Camp attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Keyla Richardson
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Keyla Richardson attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Press Room at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Tasha Cobbs
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Tasha Cobbs Leonard attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Press Room at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Pastor Mike Jr.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Pastor Mike Jr. attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Press Room at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
Vincent Bohanan
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 15: Vincent Bohanan attends the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
