By iPraiseRadio.com, powered by Gospel Newsroom

Gospel music icon Tamela Mann is making history once again. As of April 2026, the powerhouse vocalist has officially secured her 13th No. 1 single on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart with her soaring anthem, “Live Breathe Fight” +1.

This monumental achievement places Mann in rare and esteemed company. With 13 chart-toppers, she now ties gospel legend Kirk Franklin for the most No. 1 hits in the history of the Gospel Airplay chart . Furthermore, this milestone solidifies her undisputed position as the female artist with the most No. 1 singles in the genre’s history . Remarkably, “Live Breathe Fight” also marks her seventh consecutive single to reach the top spot .

“Thirteen No. 1s on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart — this is amazing,” Mann shared in a recent interview. “And to be tied with my brother Kirk Franklin, both of us from Fort Worth, Texas, it’s just incredible. I’m just as grateful now as I was for my first No. 1. I’m honestly in amazement” +1.

“Live Breathe Fight” is a standout track that resonates deeply with listeners, delivering a timely message of faith, resilience, and spiritual victory. “All glory to God for His continued blessings and the platform He has given this song,” Mann expressed. “Live like Heaven is your destiny, breathe with purpose, and fight until you get the victory” .

Mann’s incredible run at the top of gospel radio began in 2012 with her mega-hit “Take Me to the King,” which dominated the chart for 25 weeks . Since then, she has consistently delivered soul-stirring music that uplifts the church and the culture.

Fans can celebrate this victory with Tamela in person, as she and her husband, actor and comedian David Mann, hit the road this month for “The Love & Relationship Tour,” bringing music, laughter, and inspiration to cities across the country +1.

Congratulations to Queen Tamela Mann on this historic and well-deserved milestone!

…POWERED BY GOSPEL NEWSROOM

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!