Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2025 Broadcast Airs on BET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., August 31, 2025 - Tonight, BET aired the much-anticipated broadcast of the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, spotlighting gospel music’s biggest night from the historic Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The ceremony, taped August 16, was hosted by award-winning duo BeBe and CeCe Winans and featured electrifying performances, star-studded presenters, and the unveiling of this year’s award winners.

Broadcast Premiere and Hosts The “Our Music, Our Voice, Our Culture”-themed show premiered at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT on BET, following its initial debut on the Stellar Network on August 30. Hosts BeBe and CeCe Winans brought warmth and charisma to the stage, guiding viewers through a night of tribute and celebration.

Performance Highlights Standout performances included:

  • Jamal Roberts delivering a powerhouse rendition of “I Won’t Forget”
  • Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard collaborating on a stirring worship medley
  • New Direction Gospel Choir of Tennessee State University elevating the audience with choral excellence
  • Gospel hip-hop fusion by MAJOR. that energized the crowd

Special guest presenters Lil Rel Howery and Dominique Perry added light-hearted interludes between award segments, while tributes to gospel legends underscored four decades of impact.

Top Winners and Historic Sweeps Although winners were announced earlier in the month, tonight’s broadcast celebrated Pastor Mike Jr.’s record-breaking clean sweep, capturing all nine awards for which he was nominated, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Amen”. Other multiple-award honorees recognized in the telecast included:

  • CeCe Winans: Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist, Praise & Worship Album of the Year
  • The Group Fire: Duo/Chorus Group of the Year
  • Ricky Dillard: Choir of the Year with his “When I Think” performance

Tributes and Milestone Moments In honor of the 40th anniversary, the broadcast featured a special tribute medley celebrating gospel’s legacy, with archival footage and live performances paying homage to trailblazers such as Kirk Franklin and Dorinda Clark-Cole. The hosts also surprised longtime gospel contributors with commemorative awards.

Looking Ahead As the broadcast concluded, BET encouraged viewers to revisit the performances and award reveals via its streaming platforms. With tonight’s successful airing, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards continue to cement their place as gospel music’s premier showcase, honoring both the genre’s rich heritage and its vibrant future.