Pastor Mike Jr, Jason Nelson and CeCe Winans Lead 2025 Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominations

Central City Productions has officially unveiled the nominees for the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, presented by Procter and Gamble. Celebrating the brightest in gospel music, the 2025 ceremony will be recorded live on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from the prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Marking four decades of musical excellence and spiritual inspiration, the Stellar Awards returns this year with 36 award categories, showcasing both seasoned legends and emerging gospel voices. Tickets for the live taping are now available.

Pastor Mike Jr. Eyes Historic Win

Pastor Mike Jr., a 19-time Stellar Award winner, is poised to make history. Currently tied with Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp with three Artist of the Year wins each, a fourth win this year would make him the top winner in the show’s most prestigious category. His acclaimed EP “I Got Away” helped him secure nine nominations, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.

Also earning nine nominations, Jason Nelson joins Pastor Mike Jr. at the top of this year’s nominee list. His powerful live album “You Belong: Live in Durham” garnered widespread acclaim, earning him nominations in all major categories, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year.

CeCe Winans continues to be a force in gospel music, receiving eight nominations, including Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for her acclaimed project “More Than This.” Her hit single, “That’s My King,” is also in contention, highlighting her enduring impact on the genre.

Other Multiple Nominees Include Gospel Heavyweights

In addition to the top three artists, several others received multiple nominations, including:

• Mississippi Mass Choir

• Adia

• Deitrick Haddon

• Dorinda Clark-Cole

• Karen Clark-Sheard

• Kenny Lewis & One Voice

• Micah Lee

• Tamela Mann

• Chandler Moore

• FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, and Marcus Cole)

Fan Voting Returns for 2025

Public voting will determine winners in two popular categories:

• Urban Single or Performance of the Year

• Praise and Worship Song of the Year

Fan Favorite Voting powered by Tide runs from June 16 to July 18, 2025. Fans can cast their votes during this period to help crown the winners in these select categories.

This year’s celebration also expands beyond the awards ceremony with Stellar Plus Week, running from August 14 to August 16. Sponsored by Chevy and Aflac, the week features a series of exciting events including:

• Master classes

• Fashion shows

• Comedy showcases

• Soundstage performances

These events offer fans a deeper connection to the gospel music community leading up to “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music.”

Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, reflected on this milestone year:

“For 40 remarkable years, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards have been a beacon of excellence, celebrating the voices, vision, and victories of gospel music. We honor not just the genre of gospel music, but the legacy of our history, our faith, our culture, and our community that has inspired Black & African American generations for four decades with our Stellar Gospel Music Awards.”