House Call
PASTOR MIKE JR. WINS BIG AT THE 40TH STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
Setting Record With Fourth Win for Artist of the Year
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center roared with praise, worship, and history-making moments as the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrated four decades of honoring gospel music’s most inspiring voices. Under the theme “Our Music, Our Voice, Our Culture,†the night became one of jubilation, reflection, and a clear reminder of gospel music’s enduring power to uplift communities worldwide.
The evening’s biggest headline belonged to Pastor Mike Jr., who set a new benchmark in Stellar Awards history. The Birmingham, Alabama native secured his fourth consecutive win for Artist of the Year, solidifying his place as one of gospel music’s most impactful voices of this generation. Pastor Mike Jr.’s performance was equally unforgettable, blending contemporary rhythms with unapologetic faith, electrifying the audience, and reminding fans why he has become a voice of hope for so many.
“This is bigger than music—it’s ministry,†Pastor Mike Jr. declared, holding back tears as he accepted the award. “Every time I step on stage, I just want people to know God sees them, loves them, and has not forgotten about them.â€
Honoring Legends and Celebrating New Voices
The Stellar Awards have always been a bridge between gospel’s trailblazers and tomorrow’s voices, and the 40th anniversary was no exception.
• CeCe Winans, a legend in her own right, took home the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year Award, once again proving her timeless influence and unmatched artistry.
• Rising star Adia received the New Artist of the Year Award, marking a breakthrough moment in her blossoming career. Her emotional performance brought the audience to their feet, a true passing of the torch to gospel’s next generation.
• Don Jackson, founder of Central City Productions and visionary behind the Stellar Awards, was presented with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his unwavering commitment to elevating gospel music for 40 years.
A Star-Studded Night of Praise
Hosted by beloved sibling duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, the night featured a lineup of powerhouse performances. From Jonathan McReynolds’s soulful ballads to the high-energy praise of Todd Dulaney and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the evening was filled with unforgettable moments.
Other standouts included:
• Jekalyn Carr’s fiery vocals reminding the audience of gospel’s revival roots.
• Donnie McClurkin and Tramaine Hawkins, who graced the stage with classic gospel brilliance.
• Pastor Mike Todd & Transformation Worship, representing gospel’s contemporary wave.
• Dottie Peoples, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Melvin Crispell III, and William Murphy, each delivering performances that blended reverence with fresh passion.
The audience also enjoyed special tributes and collaborations, cementing the show as not just an awards ceremony, but a spiritual experience.
Hollywood Meets Gospel
This year’s show also drew major celebrity presenters who added flair and mainstream appeal. Appearances included Lil Rel Howery, Serayah, Tyler Lepley, Trina Braxton, Dominique Perry, Dante Bowe, Isaac Carree, DOE, and DeVon Franklin, all bringing star power to the night while celebrating gospel music’s cultural impact.
A Legacy Carried Forward
Presented by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and supported by leading brands such as Mielle, Olay Body, Tide, Chevy, Walmart, Aflac, AT&T, AARP, State Farm, McDonald’s, Kenvue, Johnson & Johnson, and St. Jude, the 40th Stellar Awards demonstrated the global significance and commercial power of gospel music.
Dubbed “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music,†the awards will premiere on The Stellar Network on Saturday, August 30th at 8PM and 11PM EST, followed by broadcasts on BET (August 31st), Bounce TV (September 28th), and in syndication (September 6th–28th). For streaming audiences, the show will be available on Vizio and Xumo Play starting September 29th, 2025.
A Milestone Moment
As gospel artists, fans, and industry leaders reflected on the 40-year journey of the Stellar Awards, one truth stood tall—gospel music continues to evolve, inspire, and unite. Pastor Mike Jr.’s record-breaking win symbolized not just personal achievement, but also a torchbearer moment for a new era of gospel influence.
In a night that celebrated our music, our voice, our culture, the Stellar Awards reminded the world that gospel is more than music—it is the heartbeat of hope, resilience, and faith.
