The 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards: Triumph of Pastor Mike Jr. and Celebration of Contemporary Gospel
Central City Productions has revealed the highly anticipated winners of the 2025 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, recorded on August 16 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, and hosted by the legendary duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. This anniversary edition marks a historic turning point, highlighting the dynamism, influence, and diversity of gospel music in the United States.
Pastor Mike Jr., the night’s big winner
This year, Pastor Mike Jr. emerged as the shining star, sweeping all nine categories for which he was nominated, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (I Got Away EP), Song of the Year (“Amen”), Producer of the Year, and Male Artist of the Year. This unprecedented success cements his role as a leading figure in contemporary urban gospel, renewing the genre’s standards while remaining true to its roots.
Other notable winners
Alongside Pastor Mike Jr., several prominent figures were also honored:
- CeCe Winans, crowned as Female Artist of the Year for her album More Than This, continues her exemplary rise, embodying both authenticity and vocal power in gospel music.
- The Group Fire took home the award for Group/Duo of the Year, confirming its impact in the contemporary choral scene.
- Ricky Dillard won Choir of the Year, spotlighting the tradition and excellence of major gospel ensembles.
- Dorinda Clark-Cole was honored for her album Determined, illustrating perseverance and the vital role of women in traditional gospel.
Among emerging talents, ADIA shone as New Artist of the Year, symbolizing both renewal and generational diversity in gospel.
A complete and diverse winners list
The ceremony also celebrated winners in a wide array of categories, from traditional gospel to hip-hop, including music production and video performances. The awards reflect both stylistic and cultural evolution within gospel, showcasing musical excellence, spiritual messaging, and artistic creativity.
Broadcast and media visibility
This “Greatest Night in Gospel Music” will air Saturday, August 30 on the Stellar Network, then Sunday, August 31 on BET, with streaming available from September 29 on Vizio and Xumo Play. This broad media coverage further amplifies the reach of gospel music and its central place in the African-American musical landscape.
Central message and impact
At the heart of this 40th edition: transmission, innovation, and recognition of artistic genius on the gospel scene—embodied this year by Pastor Mike Jr. and his peers. The 2025 winners encapsulate a spirit of unity, musical excellence, and the fundamental role of gospel as a source of hope and inspiration.
Sources
- Site officiel Stellar Gospel Music Awards : www.thestellarawards.com
- Communiqué Central City Productions
- Gospel Music Association : gospelmusic.org
