Kirk Franklin to Host 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards; Nominees Announced

John P. Kee and Kim Person are the top nominees for the 41st annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with seven nods each. Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin is set to host the show, which will be taped live at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday, Aug. 15.

“It is truly an honor to return as host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards,” shared Franklin in a statement. “I’m excited to join the gospel music family in Charlotte as we celebrate another historic year of excellence, innovation and ministry through song.”

Tasha Cobbs Leonard and JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise are close behind Kee and Person with six nods each. Other artists who received four or more nominations are Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers, Jekalyn Carr and Vincent Bohanan & SOV, with five nods each; and Jonathan McReynolds, Asaun Bynum, Adia and Darrel Walls, with four nods each.

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.”

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Tickets are available now by visiting the Stellar Awards site or by visiting Ticketmaster.

This year’s Stellar Awards is part of the Stellar Plus Experience, a three-day (Aug. 12-15) event. Stellar Plus will feature Master Classes, Unplugged performances, a Songwriters Symposium, Fitness Zone, Comedy Experience and Vendor Marketplace. For more information on Stellar Plus Events, visit its website .

The Stellar Awards Pre-Show and Gospel Radio Awards will feature an evening of performances and presentations of the non-televised awards, all set to take place Friday, Aug. 14, at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, N.C. Tickets will be available to the general public.

The 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards is executive produced by 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.

_Originally reported by [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/lists/2026-stellar-gospel-music-awards-kirk-franklin-host-nominees/)._