2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominees & Radio Awards
Kirk Franklin returns as host while Black Gospel Radio celebrates its third nomination for Internet Radio Station of the Year at the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominees Announced; Black Gospel Radio Earns Third Internet Radio Station of the Year Nomination
The 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees have officially been announced, celebrating another outstanding year in gospel music and gospel radio.
Presented by Central City Productions, the 2026 Stellar Awards will celebrate their 41st anniversary when the Stellar Gospel Awards return to Charlotte, North Carolina. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the Spectrum Center on Saturday, August 15, 2026, under this year’s theme, “Feels Like Home.”
The evening will once again honor the artists, songwriters, musicians, producers, broadcasters, and radio professionals whose work continues to impact listeners around the world through the power of gospel music.
Hosted by 20-time GRAMMY® Award winner Kirk Franklin, the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards promises an unforgettable celebration featuring live performances, special tributes, and recognition of gospel music’s biggest names and rising stars.
Black Gospel Radio Among the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominees
Among the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees, Black Gospel Radio has once again been recognized as an official nominee for Internet Radio Station of the Year.
This marks the third official Stellar Gospel Awards nomination for Black Gospel Radio, recognizing nearly 24 years of broadcasting gospel music around the world.
Since launching in 2002, Black Gospel Radio has remained committed to one simple mission:
All Gospel. Only Gospel.
Today, Black Gospel Radio reaches listeners in more than 200 U.S. markets and over 50 countries through its website, mobile app, and streaming platforms while continuing to introduce audiences to both legendary gospel artists and the next generation of ministry voices.
“We’re incredibly honored to once again be recognized by the Stellar Gospel Awards,” said Robyn McCollum, Founder and Program Director of Black Gospel Radio. “To be nominated alongside so many outstanding gospel broadcasters is truly humbling. We thank every listener, artist, promoter, label, and ministry partner who has helped make this journey possible.”
2026 Internet Radio Station of the Year Nominees
The nominees for Internet Radio Station of the Year are:
- Black Gospel Radio
- Hands Up Radio
- WTRC Praise 98.3
- WVTC Detroit
2026 Gospel Radio Award Nominees
In addition to honoring recording artists, the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees include six Gospel Radio categories recognizing excellence in broadcasting.
Top Market Radio Station of the Year
- WPZE Praise 102.5 – Atlanta
- WPZS 102.5 & 610 AM – Charlotte
- WFTB 104.1 – Nashville
- WPRS Praise 92.7/95.9 – Washington, D.C.
Medium Market Radio Station of the Year
- WDEK Columbia’s Praise 95.7 / 1170 AM
- WFMV 96.1 FM / 620 AM
- Reach Gospel Radio (WXHL 89.1 FM)
- KFFH 93.7 FM
Small Market Radio Station of the Year
- WWDA FM 101.9
- WRNP 94.1 FM
- WEHA 88.7 FM / 100.3
- WKTT 97.5 FM
Internet Radio Station of the Year
- Black Gospel Radio
- Hands Up Radio
- WTRC Praise 98.3
- WVTC Detroit
Syndicated Gospel Radio Show of the Year
- Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell
- The Bobby Parker Show
- The Tracy Morgan Show
- Willie Moore Jr.
Gospel Announcer of the Year
- Anna Johnson
- Neiko Flowers
- Pam Dixon
- Trey Nickelson
Leading the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominees
Leading this year’s nominations are John P. Kee and Kim Person, each receiving seven nominations.
Following closely behind are:
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard – 6 nominations
- JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise – 6 nominations
- Jekalyn Carr – 5 nominations
- Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers – 5 nominations
- Vincent Bohanan & SOV – 5 nominations
More Than an Awards Show
Beyond the televised ceremony, the 2026 Stellar Awards weekend includes the Stellar Plus Experience, featuring master classes, songwriter symposiums, live performances, comedy, networking events, fitness activities, and a vendor marketplace.
The annual Gospel Radio Awards and presentation of the non-televised categories will take place on Friday, August 14, at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte.
Congratulations to All 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominees
Black Gospel Radio congratulates every artist, choir, songwriter, producer, broadcaster, radio station, announcer, and ministry represented among the nominees. View the complete list of nominees.
We look forward to celebrating another historic year of excellence during the 2026 Stellar Awards in Charlotte this August.
About Black Gospel Radio
Founded in 2002, Black Gospel Radio is an award-winning internet gospel radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day with the mission of sharing the message of Jesus Christ through gospel music.
Listeners around the world enjoy contemporary gospel, traditional gospel, praise and worship, artist interviews, specialty programming, and exclusive gospel music news.
Listen anytime at BlackGospelRadio.app
