38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards

The 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, known as the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” dazzled audiences with an unforgettable celebration of talent, faith, and inspiration. Hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the star-studded ceremony took place at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena, leaving the audience in awe with powerhouse performances and touching moments that truly brought the power of Gospel music to life.

The night belonged to Pastor Mike Jr., who emerged as the biggest winner, taking home an impressive eight awards for his exceptional work on the album “Winning,” released under Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. His accolades included Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Song of the Year Presented by McDonald’s, Artist of the Year Presented by AT&T Dream In Black, Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, and Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year.

DOE, previously known for her family group Forever Jones, shone as a solo artist, earning three well-deserved trophies, including Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Presented by Walmart, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for her album “Clarity,” released under Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration.

Zacardi Cortez also had a triumphant night, winning awards for Traditional Male Artist of the Year Presented by Bevel (a P&G Brand), Traditional Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for his album “Imprint,” released under Blacksmoke Music Worldwide.

Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin’s collaboration on “Kingdom Book One” earned them two prestigious awards, winning in the categories of Duo/Chorus Group of the Year Presented by P&G and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. Meanwhile, Tye Tribbett secured two trophies for Producer Of The Year Presented by Aflac and Recorded Music Packaging Of The Year for his project “All Things New,” released by Motown Gospel.

The event also honored exceptional contributions to the Gospel music industry, presenting CeCe Winans with the esteemed Aretha Franklin Icon Award Presented by State Farm, acknowledging her outstanding talent and lasting impact. Winans delivered a moving performance of her song “Goodness of God” from her album “Believe For It.” Reverend Dr. Milton Biggham received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Verizon, recognizing his lifelong dedication to spreading the uplifting message of Gospel music. Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones was honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions and influential career. In the Pre-Show ceremony, Gospel legend Dottie Peoples was posthumously honored with the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award.

Viewers can catch the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards premiering on the Stellar Network on Sunday, July 30 at 6 p.m. ET, available on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Xumo Play. The ceremony will also be broadcast on BET on Sunday, August 6 at 8 p.m. ET and on Bounce TV on Sunday, September 3 at 1 p.m. ET. From August 7, 2023, to September 10, 2023, the show will be nationally broadcast through TV syndication. Don’t miss the Stellar Awards Red Carpet Special pre-show on Stellar Network on July 30 at 5 p.m. ET. Check with local providers for availability.

The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is Executive Produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production and Producer, and Michael A. Johnson as Producer and Director. The event’s esteemed sponsors, including AT&T Dream in Black, Aflac, GM, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Spotify, State Farm, Verizon, and Walmart, all played a vital role in supporting this celebration of Gospel music’s profound impact worldwide.