By Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com

CHARLOTTE, NC — Get ready, Queen City! The biggest night in Gospel music is officially making its way to North Carolina. City leaders and event organizers have announced that the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be hosted in Charlotte, bringing the nation’s premier celebration of faith, music, and culture to the heart of the South.

The exciting partnership was unveiled during a press conference at the Charlotte Convention Center, featuring Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Steve Bagwell, Mayor Vi Lyles, City Council Member Malcolm Graham, and the visionary founder of the Stellar Awards, Don Jackson. To set the tone for what’s to come, the announcement event featured live performances by gospel powerhouse Jekalyn Carr and the legendary John P. Kee & The New Life Community Choir.

A Historic Move to the Queen City

Scheduled for August 15, 2026, the Stellar Awards will transform Charlotte into the epicenter of Gospel music. The move highlights the city’s deep-rooted faith community and its rich ties to Black cultural expression.

“The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is one of the most influential celebrations in gospel music,” city leaders noted, emphasizing that hosting the event places Charlotte on a national stage while providing a significant boost to the local visitor economy.

Produced by Central City Productions, the Stellar Awards have been honoring the genre’s brightest stars since 1985. The 2026 ceremony will be nationally televised on networks including BET, Bounce TV, and the Stellar Network, reaching a combined audience of more than 3.6 million viewers, with millions more engaging across digital platforms.

The Visionary Behind the Stellars: Don Jackson

At the helm of this monumental event is Don Jackson, Founder, Chairman, CEO, and Executive Producer of the Stellar Awards. For over four decades, Jackson has been a trailblazer in Black television programming and a fierce advocate for Gospel music. Through Central City Productions, he created the Stellar Awards to ensure that Gospel artists received the mainstream recognition and high-quality production platforms they deserve. His dedication has helped elevate the genre globally, making the Stellars a highly anticipated annual tradition.

Calling All Artists: Submissions Are Open!

For artists, producers, and creatives looking to be part of Gospel music history, the time is now! The official submission period for the 2026 Stellar Awards is currently open.

Submission Details:

• Submission Window: March 2, 2026 – March 13, 2026
• Eligibility Period: Projects released between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.
• How to Submit: Visit the official website at www.stellarawards.com to review the updated rules and regulations and complete the online submission form.
• Requirement: All entrants (artists, songwriters, producers, directors, etc.) must be current members of the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA).

This year’s updated rules also feature exciting additions, including the reinstatement of the Special Event Album of the Year category and the addition of the HBCU Choir of the Year category.

Mark Your Calendars

As August approaches, fans can expect a week filled with Stellar Plus events, masterclasses, red-carpet glamour, and unforgettable performances leading up to the main taping.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com for all the latest updates, host announcements, and exclusive coverage as the road to the 2026 Stellar Awards in Charlotte begins!

By Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com

NASHVILLE, TN — The Gospel Music Association (GMA) is officially declaring March 2026 as the second annual Christian Music Month, setting the stage for a 31-day celebration of faith, artistry, and the transformative power of Gospel and Christian music.

Building on the resounding success of last year’s inaugural event, the GMA aims to significantly boost fan engagement and shine a global spotlight on the genre’s diverse and deeply impactful talent. To elevate this year’s festivities, the GMA has announced an exciting partnership with the Recording Academy to present a special edition of the acclaimed “Positive Vibes Only” performance series.

This exclusive collaboration will feature intimate performances and uplifting moments from some of the industry’s most dynamic voices. Among the heavy hitters slated to appear are chart-topping Christian hip-hop artist KB and multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning worship leader Israel Houghton. Fans can expect an eclectic mix of soul-stirring worship and high-energy anthems that perfectly encapsulate the heart and evolution of Christian music today.

The core mission of Christian Music Month is to connect audiences with the life-changing message of the Gospel through song. By teaming up with the Recording Academy, the GMA is ensuring that the uplifting sounds of artists like KB and Houghton reach an even broader, mainstream audience—spreading hope, joy, and positivity when the world needs it most.

Throughout March, fans are encouraged to actively participate by streaming their favorite artists, discovering new music, attending live events, and sharing how Christian music has impacted their daily lives.

Stay tuned to iPraiseRadio.com all month long as we celebrate Christian Music Month with curated playlists, the latest industry updates, and the very best in Gospel music. Let’s make this March a month of unashamed praise and positive vibes only!

Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com

Lady Tramaine Returns to the Studio and Stage

Gospel icon Lady Tramaine Hawkins is making waves in 2026 with a combination of powerful live performances, historic appearances, and exciting new music in the works.

Historic MLK Jr. Commemorative Service Performance

In January 2026, gospel legends Tramaine Hawkins and Shirley Caesar delivered a powerful performance at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance commemorative service. During The King Center’s 2026 MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service, the duo sang a powerful rendering of Walter Hawkins’ classic “Changed,” moving the audience with their anointed vocals.

The performance, which quickly went viral on social media, showcased the enduring power and relevance of these two gospel pioneers whose combined ministry spans over a century.

New Music on the Horizon

Exciting news for Tramaine Hawkins fans: the gospel legend has been hard at work in the studio on new music. Recent social media posts revealed that Lady Tramaine has been “putting touches on a soon to be new release”.

One of the anticipated tracks is titled “It Could Have Been Me,” featuring production work that promises to showcase Hawkins’ signature powerful vocals and anointed ministry.

“Last and Final” Live Recording Announcement

In a significant announcement, Tramaine Hawkins has revealed plans for what she’s calling her “last and final live recording”. The historic event is scheduled to be broadcast on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) on Friday, October 3, 2026, starting at 8pm ET.

This special recording will mark a milestone moment in the career of one of gospel music’s most influential voices, capturing her ministry for future generations to experience and be blessed by.

Continuing Ministry Through Worship

In addition to her recording projects, Hawkins has been actively participating in worship events and conferences. She was a featured guest at the 2026 Intercessory Prayer Conference, where she and Pastor Shirley Caesar performed “Changed,” bringing a powerful moment of worship and inspiration to attendees.

A Legacy of Excellence

Tramaine Hawkins’ career has been nothing short of legendary. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has received numerous accolades including:

• The James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award
• Multiple Stellar Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year
• Her first Grammy Award in 1981 for “The Lord’s Prayer” (with her then-husband Walter Hawkins)
• Recognition for her 2007 album “I Never Lost My Praise”

Historic Contributions to Gospel Music

Throughout her career, Hawkins has been a trailblazer in gospel music, known for her powerful contralto voice and her ability to bridge traditional and contemporary gospel styles. She has performed at historic events including:

• The funeral service of civil rights activist Rosa Parks in 2005
• The funeral of entertainment legend Sammy Davis, Jr.
• Numerous collaborations with gospel and mainstream artists

Her signature songs like “Highway” and “Changed” have become gospel classics, covered by countless artists and sung in churches worldwide.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 progresses, gospel music fans have much to anticipate from Lady Tramaine Hawkins:

1. New Studio Release – “It Could Have Been Me” and other new tracks in production
2. Final Live Recording – Historic TBN broadcast on October 3, 2026
3. Continued Ministry – Appearances at worship events and conferences

A Voice That Continues to Inspire

At a time when gospel music continues to evolve, Tramaine Hawkins remains a vital connection to the rich tradition of anointed, Spirit-filled worship. Her ministry continues to touch lives, win souls, and encourage believers around the world.

For fans who want to experience the power of Lady Tramaine’s ministry live, mark your calendars for October 3, 2026, when TBN will broadcast what promises to be a historic and unforgettable worship experience.

About Tramaine Hawkins

Tramaine Aunzola Richardson (née Davis), known professionally as Lady Tramaine Hawkins, was born October 11, 1951. She is an American award-winning gospel singer who has been a pioneering force in gospel music for over four decades.

Her influence extends beyond gospel music into mainstream culture, with appearances on recordings by artists like Santana and collaborations with contemporary gospel stars. She continues to be revered as one of the greatest voices in gospel music history.

Stay tuned to Gospel Newsroom powered by iPraiseRadio.com for more updates on Tramaine Hawkins and all your favorite gospel artists!

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