Lisa Knowles-Smith & Darrel Walls Win Big at Stellar Gospel Awards 2026

Gospel Royalty Takes the Stage at Stellar Awards

The gospel music world erupted in celebration as the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards brought together some of the most powerful voices in contemporary worship. Taped live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 15th, the event was expertly hosted by gospel titan Kirk Franklin, setting a high bar for an unforgettable night of musical excellence.

The spotlight shone brightly on Lisa Knowles-Smith, who swept the awards with five wins. Her success recognized not only her phenomenal album Revival: Live in Dallas, recorded with The Brown Singers, but also her commanding presence as the Albertina Walker female artist of the year. She clinched accolades including duo/chorus/group of the year and quartet of the year alongside The Brown Singers, producer of the year in tandem with Frederick Perry, and song of the year for her original composition, “Promises (Live).”

Equally celebrated was Darrel Walls, who earned recognition as both artist of the year and contemporary male artist of the year for his impactful work on Heart of Mine.

The competition was fierce, with several other groups and artists receiving significant honors. Vincent Bohanan & SOV secured three awards for their album Live in New York, taking home album of the year, choir of the year (tied with JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise), and contemporary choir of the year.

Other celebrated figures included Jonathan McReynolds, John P. Kee, Jekalyn Carr, and The Brown Singers, who each received two awards. The event also honored foundational figures in gospel music, with Tasha Cobbs Leonard receiving the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, and Pastor Mike Jr. being recognized with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.

The evening concluded a monumental celebration of talent. The entire ceremony was broadcast to a wide audience, premiering on The Stellar Network, available through Charter Spectrum and Verizon Fios. The national television event debuted on Saturday, August 29th, at 8 p.m. ET, with an encore presentation at 10 p.m. ET. Following the network premiere, the celebration expanded nationwide via broadcast TV syndication from September 5th through September 27th.