( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) Pastor Mike Jr.’s clean sweep, Dorinda Clark-Cole Doubles at 40th Stellar Awards
ENSPIRE Contributor: Kedrin Herron
Photo Credit: Central City Productions/D. Pledger Photography/Jason Kempin (Getty Images)
The 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards lit up Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on August 16, 2025, with a dazzling celebration of gospel’s rich legacy and vibrant future. Hosted by the iconic sibling duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, the milestone event was filled with powerhouse performances, unforgettable fashion, and history-making wins.
Under the theme “Our Music, Our Voice, Our Culture,” the evening delivered an extraordinary lineup. The stage saw performances from BeBe & CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Jonathan McReynolds, Jamal Roberts, Pastor Mike Jr., Lisa Knowles Smith, Pastor Mike Todd, Todd Dulaney & Transformation Worship, Jekalyn Carr, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, William Murphy, Lisa Page Brooks, Tasha Page Lockhart, MAJOR, ADIA, Melvin Crispell III, Jason Nelson, Jordan G. Welch, and Enrique Holmes. The New Direction Gospel Choir of Tennessee State University brought youthful fire, while legends like Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Caesar, and Dottie Peoples reminded the audience of gospel’s timeless roots. Each set embodied the spirit of worship and innovation, merging tradition with contemporary energy.
Photo by Central City Productions
The night’s defining moment belonged to Pastor Mike Jr., who pulled off an astonishing nine-for-nine sweep of every category in which he was nominated. His wins included Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (I Got Away EP), Song of the Year (“Amen”), Male Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Male Artist of the Year. His dominance confirmed his place as one of gospel’s most influential voices today.
The legendary Dorinda Clark-Cole had a night to remember, winning both Traditional Artist of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year for her project Determined. CeCe Winans also added to her unmatched legacy with wins for Female Artist of the Year, Praise & Worship Album of the Year (More Than This), and Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year. Rising talent shined as well — ADIA captured New Artist of the Year while The Group Fire took home Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year. Renowned choirmaster, Ricky Dillard earned Choir of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year, recognizing his decades of dedication to the genre.
Photo by Central City Productions/D. Pledger Photography/Jason Kempin (Getty Images)
Before the show, the red carpet shimmered with glamour and individuality. Gospel and entertainment industry stars alike arrived in dazzling gowns, bold colors, and sharp suits. Tamela Mann, Travis Greene, Jonathan Nelson, Martha Munizzi, Darrel Walls, Jovonta Patton, Lil Rel Howery, Trina Braxton, Serayah, Tyler Lepley and DeVon Franklin were among the many who turned heads with show-stopping looks. The red carpet underscored the event’s celebratory spirit — where faith and fashion met in style.
The night also honored those who built the foundation of gospel music’s platform. Don Jackson, founder of Central City Productions, received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of work expanding gospel’s reach through national broadcasts.
Photo by Central City Productions/Jason Kempin (Getty Images)
As the Stellar Awards reached their 40th year, the ceremony proved that gospel music remains as vital and transformative as ever. With breakout stars, legendary voices, and heartfelt tributes, Nashville witnessed not just an awards show — but a movement rooted in faith, culture, and community.
The celebration will premiere on the Stellar Network on August 30 and BET on August 31, with additional broadcasts following through September.
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