The Stellar Gospel Music Awards are returning to television tonight (Sunday, August 30) for the ceremony’s 41st annual celebration!
Gospel star Kirk Franklin will host the event, which was taped earlier this month at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This year’s ceremony carries the theme “Feels Like Home” and brings together established stars, trailblazers and rising artists for a night of performances and special honors.
Keep reading to find out when and where to watch the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, including free streaming options and the complete performance lineup…
When Are the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards On?
The 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards air tonight, Sunday, August 30, at 8 p.m. ET on BET.
An encore presentation will begin later tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET, giving viewers another opportunity to watch the complete ceremony.
What Channel Are the Stellar Gospel Music Awards On?
The 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards will make their national cable premiere on BET.
Viewers with a traditional cable or satellite subscription can use the BET television schedule or check their local listings to locate the network.
How Can You Stream the Stellar Gospel Music Awards Without Cable?
Viewers without cable can still stream BET through a participating live-TV service.
Philo, DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV and Fubo all include BET in eligible packages.
A reliable internet connection and active subscription are required. Availability and plan details may vary by service.
How Can You Watch the Stellar Gospel Music Awards for Free?
Eligible new subscribers can watch the Stellar Gospel Music Awards using a free trial from a live-TV streaming service that carries BET.
Philo currently offers a seven-day free trial to eligible new customers, while DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial. Hulu + Live TV offers a three-day free trial to eligible subscribers, and Fubo also advertises a free trial, though its duration may vary.
Each service automatically renews at its regular monthly rate unless canceled before the trial expires. Viewers should confirm that BET is included in their selected plan before registering.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards?
Kirk Franklin will host the 41st annual ceremony and take the stage for a special performance.
BeBe and CeCe Winans hosted when the ceremony celebrated its 40th anniversary last year.
Who Is Performing at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards?
The ceremony features performances spanning traditional gospel, contemporary worship, choir music and genre-blending collaborations.
The announced performers include:
- Aaron Cole
- Céjae
- Darrel Walls
- Jekalyn Carr
- Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz, featuring Isaac Carree and Jazze Pha
- John P. Kee
- JustCordell
- Kirk Franklin
- Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers
- Maranda Curtis
- Marvin Sapp
- Melvin Crispell III
- PJ Morton
- Tye Tribbett, featuring ABLAZE
- William Murphy
- Vincent Bohanan & SOV
Who Is Being Honored at the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards?
Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, recognizing her influence and contributions to gospel music.
Pastor Mike Jr. will be presented with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award in recognition of his impact and accomplishments within the genre.
“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,” Stellar Awards founder Don Jackson said in a statement.
Were the Stellar Gospel Music Awards Filmed Live?
The ceremony was taped on August 15 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte under the theme “Feels Like Home.”
Following its BET premiere, the show will expand to broadcast television syndication from September 5 through September 27. Local stations, dates and airtimes will vary by market.
The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards air tonight at 8 p.m. ET on BET, followed by an encore at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Posted To:BET Jekalyn Carr Kirk Franklin Marvin Sapp Pastor Mike Jr. PJ Morton Stellar Gospel Music Awards Tasha Cobbs Leonard Television Tye Tribbett
