The 36^th Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere Sunday, August 1^st at 8/7c on BET- with an encore presentation at 10/9c.

Hosted by gospel chart-toppers Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribbett, this year’s ceremony showcased an eclectic mix of gospel legends and industry standard-bearers along with the unstoppable force of young, contemporary artists who are spreading the good news in new ways. The annual celebration underscored the power of artists who boldly proclaim a Christ-centered identity, represent the unique sounds of their region, and display the rich diversity filling
gospel music with a healing and uplifting energy that reaches the masses.

A new generation of gospel artists showed up and showed out during the celebration as a testament
to the genre’s staying power. Among them, Pastor Mike Jr., nominated for multiple Stellar Awards
this year, performed “Big,” and host Jekalyn Carr belted her songs, “Change Your Story” and
“Jehovah Jireh.” Maverick City Music treated audiences to the harmonious sound of “Jireh,” and
various emerging artists such as Jokia, Terrian, and Nia Allen were spotlighted as up-and-coming
gospel talent. 
 
Big winners at the 36 th Stellar Gospel Music Awards include Pastor Mike Jr., who was named Artist
of the Year and won Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or
Performance of the Year. Kierra Sheard was feted during the ceremony with Song of the Year and
Contemporary Album of the Year, and Maverick City Music won both New Artist of the Year and
Album of the Year. Other multiple Stellar Awards winners include Jonathan McReynolds, who was
named Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and as part of a group
that won Producer of the Year; and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose wins included Albertina Walker
Female Vocalist of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Contemporary Female
Vocalist of the Year.

Kierra Sheard gave a spirited offering of “Something Has To Break,” and Sheléa and Christina
Bell sang The Clark Sisters’ classic hit “You Brought The Sunshine.” Leading nominee Jonathan
McReynolds lifted his voice to the sounds of “Grace” and “Movin’ On,” joined by Mali Music, and
CeCe Winans burst into song with “Never Lost” and “Believe For It.”  
 
Viewers worldwide can expect to witness these dynamic performances and find out who won across
all categories when the Stellar Awards airs Sunday, August 1, on BET, BET Her, and BET Gospel at
8 p.m. ET / PT. The show will also air August 2 on BET International. The ceremony, held at the
Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, July 10, will also be carried in
various markets for national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 5.  
 
The Stellar Awards not only recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, but also honors
gospel music icons and those who have been instrumental in advocating for the gospel industry. Top
nominees for this year’s ceremony include former Stellar Awards host Jonathan McReynolds, who
received eight nominations this year. Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick
City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr. each received seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist
of the Year. Other celebrated artists receiving multiple Stellar nominations include Tasha Cobbs
Leonard, The Clark Sisters, Rev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir,
the Chicago Mass Choir, and host Jekalyn Carr. 
 
AT&T is proud to be this year’s presenting sponsor. With support from additional sponsors, including
State Farm (Song of the Year presenter), Toyota, P&G (Traditional Female Vocalist presenter), and
McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the 2021 Stellar Gospel Music Awards is set to be
the gospel event of 2021.

For additional updates, follow The Stellar Awards on social media and check out their  website.