Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2025, also known as ‘Stellar Awards 2025‘ were such a historic celebration of gospel’s finest, marking the 40th anniversary milestone of the genre’s most prestigious honor. Held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Nashville, TN, this landmark installment honored the legacy and future of gospel music that has shaped Christian culture for generations. With the winners now announced, here are the standout moments and award recipients from the 2025 Stellar Gospel Music Awards:
Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2025 – Winners Highlights
- Pastor Mike Jr. – Swept all 9 nominations, including:
- Artist of the Year (record 4th win)
- Album of the Year – I Got Away EP
- Song of the Year – “Amen”
- Male Artist of the Year
- Producer of the Year (with David “DLo” Outing)
- Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year – “Amen”
- Music Video of the Year – “Amen”
- Urban Single/Performance of the Year – “Amen”
- Contemporary Male Artist of the Year
- (Now 28 Stellar Awards total)
- CeCe Winans – 3 Awards
- Female Artist of the Year
- Contemporary Female Artist of the Year
- Praise & Worship Album of the Year – More Than This
- The Group Fire – 2 Awards
- Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
- Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
- Ricky Dillard – 2 Awards
- Choir of the Year – When I Think
- Traditional Choir of the Year
- Dorinda Clark-Cole – 2 Awards
- Traditional Artist of the Year
- Traditional Album of the Year – Determined
- Other Notable Winners:
- ADIA – New Artist of the Year
- Jason Nelson – Contemporary Album of the Year (You Belong: Live in Durham)
- Earnest Pugh – Traditional Male Artist of the Year (Worthy Is the Lamb)
- Lisa Page Brooks – Traditional Female Artist of the Year (The Grateful Chant)
- Vincent Bohanan & SOV – Contemporary Choir of the Year (VBSOV Summer Jam)
- Canton Jones – Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year (The Free Life Experience)
- Don Jackson – James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award
- Gospel Radio Winners:
- Top Market of the Year – WBBP 1480 AM (Memphis)
- Medium Market – WXHL 89.1 FM (Wilmington, DE)
- Small Market – WTSK Praise 93.3/790 AM (Tuscaloosa, AL)
- Internet Station – GODRadio1.com
- Syndicated Show of the Year – Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell
- Gospel Announcer of the Year – Melissa Wade (The Light 103.9)
The Hosts – Stellar Awards 2025
Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2025 Event Details (Before our Update)
All nominees have already been announced for this week’s 2025 Stellar Awards. Set to take place on August 16th at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. This venue change represents the awards’ growing prominence and Nashville’s recognition as a gospel music hub.
Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center Takes Center Stage
The decision to host the 40th anniversary celebration at Nashville’s premier concert venue signals the Stellar Awards’ elevated status in the music industry. The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, known for its exceptional acoustics and elegant atmosphere, provides the perfect backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable night of worship and celebration.
BET Network Broadcast Information and Streaming Options
The 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards is coming to BET on Sunday, August 31st at 8/7C PM. Ensuring maximum visibility for gospel music’s biggest night. This partnership with BET continues to expand the awards’ reach into homes across America. Thereby introducing new audiences to the power and beauty of gospel music.
Stellar Award 2025 Hosts
Stellar Awards 2025 Nominees: Record-Breaking Nominations Announced
Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson are the top nominees for the 40th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with nine nods each. This level of recognition reflects the incredible artistic growth and industry impact both artists have achieved.
Pastor Mike Jr. went on to complete a historic clean sweep. Going 9 for 9, winning all 9 Stellar Awards he was nominated for.
ELEV8 Magazine Update
Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson Lead with 9 Nominations Each
The renowned Pastor Mike Jr., who has amassed 19 Stellar Awards, and Nelson, who is also a Stellar Award winner, each landed nominations for artist of the year, song of the year, male artist categories. Pastor Mike Jr.’s journey from hip-hop influenced gospel to mainstream recognition exemplifies the genre’s evolving sound.
Personally, I think that Pastor Mike Jr. represents the future of gospel music – uncompromisingly Christian yet culturally relevant. His nine nominations reflect how the industry values authenticity over tradition.
We need to welcome the experimental creativity that is always searching out new ways of singing the gospel, and banish the fear that grips us when familiar music passes away.
— Bob Kauflin, Worship Leader and Author
Complete Categories and Notable First-Time Nominees
The 2025 nominations showcase incredible diversity across traditional and contemporary categories. Notable first-time nominees include emerging artists who’ve gained recognition through social media platforms and streaming services, proving that gospel music continues to find new pathways to reach hearts and souls.
Pastor Mike – Amen (Official Video)
Stellar Gospel Music Awards History: 40 Years of Celebrating Excellence
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is the first televised gospel music show honoring gospel music artist Kirk Franklin, Jekalyn Carr, Cece Winans, Tasha Cobbs, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Marvin Sapp, Jonathan McReynolds, Donnie Mclurkin, Tye Tribett, Fred Hammond and many more.
From Humble Beginnings to Television Glory
The Stellar Awards began as a grassroots effort to recognize excellence in gospel music when the genre received limited mainstream attention. Today, it stands as television’s premier gospel music celebration, broadcast nationally and reaching millions of viewers who hunger for faith-filled entertainment.
Most Awarded Artists in Stellar Awards History
Throughout four decades, certain artists have become synonymous with Stellar Awards excellence. Tye Tribbett swept the 2024 Stellar Awards on July 20 with six awards, including artist of the year, demonstrating the continuing evolution of gospel artistry.
That honor now solely belongs to Pastor Mike Jr. who went 9 for 9. A historic clean sweep!
UPDATE – After the Stellar Awards
The Stellar Awards have always been more than entertainment. They’re a testament to how gospel music ministers to souls while showcasing incredible artistry.”
CeCe Winans – Holy Forever
What Makes the Stellar Awards Special for Gospel Music
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards serve a deeper purpose in the Christian community. They validate gospel music as both ministry and artform, encouraging artists to pursue excellence while maintaining their spiritual calling.
Cultural Impact Beyond Entertainment
The awards ceremony creates moments that transcend entertainment, often featuring powerful worship experiences that viewers describe as life-changing. These broadcasts have introduced countless individuals to gospel music, leading many to faith and spiritual renewal.
How Stellar Awards Shape Gospel Music Careers
Recognition at the Stellar Awards can transform an artist’s career trajectory, opening doors to larger audiences, recording opportunities, and ministry platforms. The awards have consistently championed both established legends and emerging voices.
Industry Expert:
A Stellar Award isn’t just recognition – it’s validation that your music is touching lives and advancing the Kingdom. That’s what every gospel artist ultimately desires.
— Erica Campbell, Multi-Stellar Award Recipient
Author’s Reflection:
Watching the Stellar Awards each year reminds me why gospel music holds such a special place in Christian culture. It’s where ministry meets artistry in the most beautiful way.
— (Me) Charles Myambo, Managing Editor at Elev8 Magazine
Erica Campbell – Feel Alright (Blessed)
How to Watch or Attend the Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2025
Whether you want to be in the audience for gospel music’s biggest night or enjoy the show from home, here’s everything you need to know about experiencing the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
- Attend in Person
The 2025 Stellar Awards will take place on August 16, 2025 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN.
Tickets: Official ticket sales will be available through the Stellar Awards website and authorized ticketing platforms.
VIP Packages: Look out for VIP and premium seating options that may include red carpet access, meet-and-greet opportunities, and exclusive event merchandise.
Multi-Day Experience: The weekend includes events from August 14–16, so consider attending pre-show concerts, workshops, and fan meetups. - Watch the Broadcast
If you can’t make it to Nashville, the Stellar Awards will be televised nationally.
Official Network: The event will air on BET and other syndicated channels in the weeks following the live show.
Streaming Options: Check platforms like BET+ or participating cable provider apps for streaming availability.
International Viewing: For viewers outside the U.S., the Stellar Awards’ social media channels and YouTube may stream select performances or highlights. - Follow the Live Updates
The Stellar Awards’ official Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) accounts will provide red carpet coverage, backstage interviews, and real-time winner announcements. Using the hashtag #StellarAwards2025 will also connect you with fan content and live reactions.
- Join the Red Carpet Experience
Even without a ticket to the main event, you can still witness gospel music’s brightest stars arrive in style. Nashville often designates public viewing areas for the red carpet, offering a chance to see artists up close.
FAQ (Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2025)
The 2025 Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be held August 16th, 2025, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee, with the broadcast airing on BET Network August 31st at 8/7C PM.
Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson lead the 2025 nominations with nine nods each, including nominations for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.
The Stellar Awards will broadcast on BET Network and are typically available for streaming on BET+ and other digital platforms following the initial broadcast.
While both honor Christian music, Stellar Awards specifically focus on gospel music and African American gospel artists, while Dove Awards encompass all Christian music genres including contemporary Christian, worship, and gospel.
Nominees are selected by gospel music industry professionals, including record label executives, radio programmers, and music journalists, based on artistic excellence and commercial success during the eligibility period.
Who do you think was the biggest winner of the night – Stellar Awards 2025?
Managing Editor @ ELEV8 Magazine | Bestselling Author | Finance Analyst – A bestselling author and finance analyst, Charles Myambo serves as Managing Editor at ELEV8 Magazine. Known for blending data precision with faith-driven insight, he brings clarity to complex topics — from money and purpose to media influence.
3 comments on “Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2025: Gospel Music’s Biggest Night – All the Winners”
Charles Myambo
August 12, 2025 at 6:49 PMLet us know your thoughts and what you;re most excited about below. Wbo’s getting Gospel artist of the year in your mind?
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