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Central City Productions has announced the nominees for the 40th Annual Stellar Awards . The Gospel Music awards ceremony will be taped live from the prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson Tie for Top Nominations Pastors and recording artists Michael McClure Jr. and Jason Nelson were both nominated in nine categories, including Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year. Following closely behind with eight nominations is CeCe Winans, and the Mississippi Mass Choir with six nominations. RELATED : 39th Annual Stellar Awards: The Greatest Night in Gospel The 40th Stellar Awards will honor this year's best and brightest in gospel music. View the complete list of nominations across 36 categories below: ARTIST OF THE YEAR CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records Kenny Lewis & One Voice; The Healing Project; PureSound Muzik Group Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group Tamela Mann; Live Breathe Fight; TillyMann SONG OF THE YEAR Amen; Michael McClure Jr., Adia Andrews, Terrell Anthony Pettus, Andrea Crouch, & David "DLo" Outing; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group Clap My Way; Fred Jerkins III, Alvin Garrett, & Micah Lee; Micah Lee; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic I Prayed For You (said a prayer); Major Johnson Finley, Brunes Charles, & Jeshua Williams; MAJOR.; NowThatsMAJOR / MNRK That's My King; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks, & Jess Russ; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services Yahweh ft. Melvin Crispell III; Danni Baylor, Jason Nelson, Jerome Baylor, & Johnnie Huntley Steele III; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Chandler Moore; Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; TRIBL Deitrick Haddon; One Night In California; DH Visions Doc McKenzie; Run On; Blockbuster Records/Milbert McKenzie Music Group Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records Karen Clark-Sheard; Still Karen; Motown Gospel Lisa Page Brooks; The Grateful Chant; FlowNeeNee Music DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart; Hold On 2 Your Faith; ManHaddon Ministries / Tyscot Records FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten and Marcus Cole); Time Capsule - The Trilogy; 3Brothers/Dare Records Ted & Sheri; You've Been So Faithful (Groove); Ted & Sheri LLC / Black Smoke Music Worldwide The Group Fire; About Last Night; Jet Records North/East NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group Bobbi Lane; Unmatched Grace; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group Josh Bracy and Power Anointed; Favor; Josh Bracy Muzic Micah Lee; Clap My Way; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale; The Faith Journey; Tisdale Nation Entertainment ALBUM OF THE YEAR I Got Away EP; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group Live Breathe Fight; Tamela Mann; TillyMann More Than This; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services The Healing Project; Kenny Lewis & One Voice; PureSound Muzik Group You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records CHOIR OF THE YEAR Bishop S.Y. Younger; Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil; Ramp Records (exclusively distributed by Haus Records) Chicago Mass Choir; Greater Is Coming; New Haven Records Ricky Dillard; When I Think; Motown Gospel The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records2024 - 2025 PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Dana Sorey; Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole, Paul Wright III and Ray Hammond; FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten and Marcus Cole); Time Capsule - The Trilogy; 3Brothers/Dare Records J. Drew Sheard; Karen Clark-Sheard; Still Karen; Motown Gospel Michael McClure Jr., & David "DLo" Outing II; Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group Stan Jones, Jerry Mannery, Jerry Smith, & David R. Curry Jr.; The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart; Hold On 2 Your Faith; ManHaddon Ministries / Tyscot Records Red Hands; The Three (EP); Black Suit Music / Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records Ted & Sheri; You've Been So Faithful (Groove); Ted & Sheri LLC / Black Smoke Music Worldwide The Group Fire; About Last Night; Jet Records North/East TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Brandon Camphor & One Way; Hymn Medley; Tomii Entertainment Men Of Prayze; Live: In The Red; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc -The Flint Cavaliers; The Fellowship (Psalms 133:1); The Flint Music Group Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony; Try Me; Blackberry/Marxan Records CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jason Nelson; You Belong: Live in Durham; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records Micah Lee; Clap My Way; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic Pastor Mike Jr.; I Got Away EP; Rock City Media Group Vincent Bohanan; VBSOV Summer Jam; Independent2024 - 2025 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Bishop Calvin Norton; Hold Me Beyond Rear View EP; Blockbuster Records Brent Jones; Live Your Best Life; JDI Entertainment Earnest Pugh; Worthy Is The Lamb; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide Kenny Lewis; The Healing Project; PureSound Muzik Group CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR ADIA; On the Way; Rock City Media Group Bobbi Lane; Unmatched Grace; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group CeCe Winans; More Than This; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services DOE; Heart Of A Human; RCA Inspiration / Provident Entertainment Keyla Richardson; Home; Uncle G Records TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records Lasha Knox; Right There; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide Lisa Page Brooks; The Grateful Chant; FlowNeeNee Music Terri McConnell; He'll Get Me Through This; Royal T Records CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; Chandler Moore; TRIBL Live Breathe Fight; Tamela Mann; TillyMann Still Karen; Karen Clark-Sheard; Motown Gospel You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Determined; Dorinda Clark-Cole; Malaco Records Live in Detroit, Pt 1; The Victorius Army ATL Feat. Vincent Bohanan; Independent The Healing Project; Kenny Lewis & One Voice; PureSound Muzik Group We Still Believe; The Mississippi Mass Choir; Malaco Records URBAN SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR Amen; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group Clap My Way; Micah Lee; Darkchild Gospel/ MicahLeeMusic I Prayed For You (said a prayer); MAJOR.; NowThatsMAJOR / MNRK Without You ft. Zacardi Cortez; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR Amen; Pastor Mike Jr., Tony “Mr.YNOT” Minifield, Drae Rudolph & Kevin “Krispy” Key/Moon Men; Rock City Media Group Deserve To Win; David Mann; TillyMann For My Good; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music Never Be The Same; Deitrick Haddon & Terrance Church; DH Visions TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR Chicago Mass Choir; Greater Is Coming; New Haven Records Christopher L. Ervin & Abraham's Descendants; Recover; CervinMusiq Ricky Dillard; When I Think; Motown Gospel The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR Alphaeus Anderson Presents The USC Upstate Gospel Choir; Already Done; Music2ChangeU Charles Butler & Trinity; Live In Washington DC; Red Alliance Media Johnny Sanders Featuring Faith on Full; Christmas Everyday; Third Century Development Corp/Johnny Sanders Presents, LLC Vincent Bohanan & SOV; VBSOV Summer Jam; Independent2024 - 2025 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Bishop Calvin Norton; Hold Me Beyond Rear View EP; Blockbuster Records Dorinda Clark-Cole; Determined; Malaco Records Earnest Pugh; Worthy Is The Lamb; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide The Mississippi Mass Choir; We Still Believe; Malaco Records SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR Bishop S.Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil; Bishop S.Y. Younger; Ramp Records (exclusively distributed by Haus Records) Joyful, Joyful: A Christmas Album; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services Red & Green; Jonathan McReynolds; Life Room Label, Motown Gospel The Gift Deluxe Edition; The Group Fire; Jet Records North/East We Still Believe; The Mississippi Mass Choir; Malaco Records RAP/HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Canton Jones and CAJO Records Presents The Free Life Experience; The Free Life Experience; CAJO Records Let Go Let God: The EP; 1K Phew; Reach Records Meet Me in Miami; Otis Kemp; Revive 5.0 Entertainment Without You: There Would Be No Me; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR AMG Kidz x Boston Arts Academy; The Kidz At North Station; Anderson Music Group / TAMLA Records Brent Jones presents The Fire; Brent Jones presents The Fire; JDI Entertainment Janessa Smith; Sounds Of Joy; Inspired Recording Nina Symmone & Noah Alexander; God's Way; The Big Moment / Anderson Music Group QUARTET OF THE YEAR Blest By Four; Only Believe The EP; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc Men Of Prayze; Live: In The Red; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc The Flint Cavaliers; The Fellowship (Psalms 133:1); The Flint Music Group Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony; Try Me; Blackberry/Marxan Records RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR Covered Vol. 1; Brianna Dowd & Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration, Provident Label Group LLC Meet Me in Miami; Blair Monique; Revive 5.0 Entertainment Red & Green; Jonathan McReynolds & Trent Nicholson; Life Room Label, Motown Gospel Still Karen; Justin Foster; Motown Gospel PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles; Chandler Moore; TRIBL More Than This; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services One; Jordan G. Welch; JordiG Music You Belong: Live in Durham; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR Light in a Dark Place; Bobbi Lane; Blockbuster Records/ Taylor Music Group Overflow ft. Todd Dulaney; Transformation Worship; Represent Records, Re: Think Music That's My King; CeCe Winans; Pure Springs Gospel/Fair Trade Services Yahweh ft. Melvin Crispell III; Jason Nelson; Jaelyn Song / Tyscot Records RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR Amen; Pastor Mike Jr.; Rock City Media Group Blessings; Otis Kemp; Revive 5.0 Entertainment Fa REAL... Fa Real; Jevon Dewand and The Trap Starz; Black Smoke Records Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah ft. Lisa Page Brooks; Dante' Pride; iAmDantePrideMuzik GOSPEL RADIO OF THE YEAR NOMINEES TOP MARKET OF THE YEAR WBBP 1480 AM, Memphis, TN WBGX 1570 kHz, Chicago, IL WFTB FM 104.1, Nashville, TN WGRB 1390AM, Chicago, IL WPZS 100.9, Charlotte, NC MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR WAGR 102.5 FM, Lexington, MS WEUP Worship 94.5, Huntsville, AL WJNI 106.3FM, Charleston, SC WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington, DE SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR WBZF-FM 98.5, Florence-Myrtle Beach, SC WHLH 95.5, Jackson, MS WKTT 97.5 FM, Salisbury, MD WTSK – Praise 93.3/ 790 AM, Tuscaloosa, AL INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR Black Gospel Radio, https://BlackGospelRadio.net GODRadio1.com , https://godradio1.com Hands Up Radio WHUR, https://handsupradio.org/ Power of Worship Radio, https://powerofworship.net SYNDICATED GOSPEL RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR Early Morning Praise Party with Sherry Mackey; Sherry Mackey Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell with Griff & Cheryl Jackson The Big Redd Radio Show; Big Redd The Tracy Morgan Show; Tracy Morgan GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR Destiny Diggs; WXHL – Reach Gospel Radio/ Say So Radio Show with Destiny Melissa Wade; WNNL, The Light 103.9/ Melissa Wade in the Midday Micha "ML6" Logan; WEUP, 103.1 FM/The Midday Shift Sherry Mackey; WHAL, 95.7 Hallelujah FM/ Early Morning Praise Party with Sherry Mackey

Fans are anticipating a future collaboration after watching streamers Kai Cenat and Tylil enthusiastically greet the legendary Kirk Franklin on the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards. Photo by Greg Grudt/UPI One Instagram user mentioned that Kai " said 'Don't leak.' They met and cooking up something." . This suggests that Kirk Franklin will appear on an upcoming Kai Cenat stream. RELATED: Kirk Franklin Joins the Set of 'Churchy' Watch the exchange below: It looked like a family reunion when Kai Cenat and Tylil spotted Kirk Franklin on the red carpet. Kai left his interview to greet Kirk, who was honored with the BET Ultimate Icon Award, but seemingly returned to the journalist after the encounter. In the video, it appeared as though the journalist didn't want Kai to leave, but instead wanted to bring Kirk over to their interview to avoid cutting her conversation with Kai short, and possibly for her capture the viral moment on her footage. @dereckthediplomat on Instagram stated that it "could've been the interview of her life." Although the iconic exchange took place out of her camera's view, the journalist still made a significant contribution to the moment. Her hesitancy to let Kai leave encouraged him to express his excitement to speak with Kirk Franklin more adamantly, which added to the relatability of the clip. RELATED: Kai Cenat Praises God & Breaks Twitch Sub World Record Kirk shared a warm embrace with both Kai and Tylil, stating that he was proud of them. It was a full-circle moment after the creators sang his 2005 hit "Looking For You" on a previous livestream with more than 150,000 viewers watching at one time. RELATED : Kyrie Irving Sings Gospel Music On Kai Cenat's Stream

Two things our good sis, Jekalyn Carr, will always do: sing the house down under a powerful anointing and look sharp while doing it! Here are some of her most memorable fashion moments: Getty Images for BMI The 55th Annual Dove Awards Ok Denim! Jekalyn took Music City by storm with this cowgirl-inspired look. She was nominated for Traditional Gospel Album & Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and she slayed the red carpet in a floor-length denim dress and jacket set. Watch Jeklalyn Carr's red carpet interview with BlackChurchTok below: RELATED : MŌRIAH Sings A Spanish Church Song On The Red Carpet The 2024 Stellar Awards Shortly before the 10th anniversary of her career, Jekayln made history by winning in all 5 Stellar Awards categories for which she was nominated. It was her first album in four years that she had produced. Unfortunately, the singer was unable to attend the awards due to mass flight cancellations that occurred that weekend. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she expressed both her gratitude for the wins and disappointment in missing the event. She had her outfits picked out and everything! But a cancelled flight didn't stop her shine or block her blessings! In true Jekalyn Carr fashion, she shared these gorgeous photos in an exquisite gold dress that matched the four trophies she received: How Sweet the Sound 2025 This spring, the nation’s #1 gospel music competition,  How Sweet the Sound,   came to the nation’s capital for an epic evening of song, dance, and spoken word. Contestants from across the country competed for cash prizes at Washington, D.C.'s DAR Constitution Hall. Jekalyn Carr served as a judge and performed. She shared several "Get Ready With Me" (GRWM) videos that had the saints saying, "Amen!" From her flawless hair, makeup, and nails--to her classic dress choice, the whole outfit was 10s across the board. Via @jekalyncarr (Instagram) 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Jekayln nearly broke the internet with this bold green dress and voluminous red curls combo. She sang in tribute to John P. Kee in Atlanta, GA, and went viral for both her vocals and her fashion. Photo by Isadore Grant III/ BlackChurchTok RELATED: 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Honors John P. Kee

Michigan-born singer and media personality Queen Naija Bulls has been refreshingly candid about her spiritual journey throughout her career. As a YouTuber, she shared pieces of her testimony with viewers and encouraged them to strengthen their relationship with Christ. She often sings Christian songs on her livestreams, leaving her listeners moved by the sincerity behind her anointed vocals. Photo by A.Jamal / Shutterstock Will Queen Naija Release a Gospel Album? This is a question often posed to her in social media comments as well as formal interviews. But Queen isn't running from her purpose. "I always knew that God had a calling on my life...I know that He gave me this voice to use for Him." In 2018, she released the Gospel single 'War Cry' and was featured on the remix of Koryn Hawthorne 'Speak to Me' in 2021. During her appearance on 'The Real' , she told host Adrienne Houghton that she would love to create a worship album and possibly collaborate with Israel Houghton. Leading praise and worship at her church is how she began singing, and she eventually wants to crossover into Gospel. It's clear to Queen's supporters that she's meant to sing for God. Even in casual social media videos, Queen shares uplifting words with ease. One social media user commented, "Queen Naija is a gospel artist. We're all just waiting for her to embrace it. God Bless her." So why hasn't Queen dropped a full Gospel album yet? It's possible that she's waiting for the "right moment," or the opportunity may not have arisen yet. Regardless, thousands of people have made it clear that if and when Queen decides to drop a Gospel project, it's guaranteed to be a success. Is Queen Naija A Christian? "I grew up singing in church; I just grew up in a Christian household. Like, we wasn't perfect you know--we had drama, we had ups and downs and stuff like that. But through everything we always believed in God...I still have that belief. I believe in God heavily." In a YouTube video , Queen told her subscribers that she was baptized at the age of 10, and received the Holy Spirit 7 years later. " I knew what baptism meant. I knew it meant to wash away your sins, to repent, and just be born again and become a new person." Queen shared her testimony of being filled with the Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues after having prayer with her mom, aunts, and siblings in their living room. "All of a sudden I started to speak a different language. I knew it was the Holy Spirit." RELATED:   A Record-Breaking 300+ People Baptized In One Day at The Potter's House RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes a Licensed Minister in Training Queen Naija's Worst Fear When asked what her worst fear was during a red carpet interview, without hesitation, Queen answered, "Not going to heaven." In 2017, Queen posted a storytime about receiving a "pretty intense warning from God." In her video, she recounts a dream she had as a teenager during a time when she was rebellious against her mother and stepfather. It was a frightening dream about the rapture and judgment day in which her family made it into heaven, but when she stood before God, He told her to depart from Him. "When we was in church I really wouldn't pay attention...and I would just always be doing bad stuff...but I knew right from wrong." She explains that her mom would often tell her " If you don't listen to me, you're going to have to give an account to God". She shares the same advice with her viewers. In her comfy clothes with her hair tied up in a messy bun, Queen explained that she wanted the video to feel like viewers were having a conversation with a friend during a sleepover. She exhorts listeners, saying, "This life is temporary, y'all. That's why God tells us not to get too caught up in ourselves and into the ways of the world...and material things, because this body, this whole world, everything is temporary. If your soul's not right, it don't mean nothing." To convey that the video wasn't meant to be condescending or judgmental, Queen invited viewers to strive for improvement in their walk with God, while acknowledging that she, too, has areas for growth. She admits that she backslid and had difficulty finding a church home, but the only way to overcome that is actually to attend church. In the video, which currently has over 766,000 views, she reminds viewers that God put them on the Earth for a reason. "Make sure whatever you do, you put Him first."

Preparing food together is more than an ordinary task for Tamar Braxton and her mother, Evelyn Braxton (affectionately known as Ms. E). It’s a bonding tradition passed down through generations. Courtesy of CR8 Agency They invite viewers into the Braxton Family kitchen to share soulful recipes and heartfelt conversations in their new series COOKING SESSIONS WITH TAMAR & MS. E. The dynamic duo combines humor and vibrant personalities to show how food, family, and faith connect. T amar notes the importance of every meal they serve-- “It’s a lot of healing in cooking, sharing recipes and stories."   This isn’t your average cooking show. Tamar and her siblings grew up in a Christian household where their father was a minister. What makes this series special is the combination of faith, encouragement, and delicious food!  With heartfelt discussions and interesting recipes, 'Cooking Sessions' demonstrates that creating great meals is an experience. You might even catch Tamar and Ms. E revisiting Sunday dinners or stirring some Gospel flavor into the dish! Save the date for Cleo TV’s Cooking Sessions with Tamar and Ms. E , premiering on March 26, 2025.  RELATED: Kirk Franklin Joins the Set of 'Churchy'

Radio personality and host of The 'Love You More Show', Willie Moore Jr., shares his best cooking secrets for "keeping it spicy." He advises upcoming journalists on maintaining longevity in the media and expresses excitement for his friend Tamar Braxton's success. Courtesy of CLEO TV/Getty Images CLEO TV celebrated the premiere of "Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E.,” starring Tamar Braxton and Evelyn “Ms. E” Braxton, at The Garden Room in Atlanta, GA. The evening brought together key media, influencers, and industry tastemakers for a first look at the highly anticipated show, which premiered Wednesday, March 26 at 9 PM ET/CT on CLEO TV. RELATED : Tamar Braxton & Ms.E Bring The Soul With New Cooking Sessions Show Guests enjoyed a dynamic program featuring a welcome from TV One and CLEO TV President, Michelle Rice, and Powerhouse Productions founder, Rochelle Brown; an exclusive episode clip preview and Q&A session with Tamar Braxton and Evelyn Braxton, moderated by network President, Michelle L. Rice. Watch the full interview below:

Beloved comedian, radio host, and Christian entertainer Rickey Smiley has returned to the stage with a long-awaited comedy special, 'Fool-ish', his first in over ten years. Filmed at the Lyric Theater in Smiley's hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, the special brings his signature mix of humor and heart. Courtesy of Breakwind Entertainment Rickey Smiley has been making the saints laugh for years. With characters like Bernice Jenkins and comedic segments like "Church Announcements," Smiley has a pulse on Christian humor. 'Fool-ish', premiering May 30 on Hulu, is  his first special since 'Open Casket Sharp, ' which debuted in 2011. It is also the first ever for director David E. Talbert, who worked with Smiley on films 'Baggage Claim' and First Sunday. “I knew after over ten years I had to offer something that would satisfy my fans,” Smiley said of the special. “I’ve been through a lot of transformation and trauma these past few years... I think that I will have a deeper connection with my audience from my experiences. We can find humor in so much of life." That transformation includes the heartbreaking loss of his son Brandon, who passed away in January 2023. Smiley has been transparent about the grief that followed and has leaned heavily on his faith during the journey. While hosting the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, he spoke candidly about the role Gospel music played in his healing process, highlighting Jonathan McReynolds' song 'God is Good' as a source of strength and comfort during his darkest moments. RELATED: 39th Annual Stellar Awards: The Greatest Night in Gospel Gospel greats like Ricky Dillard, Vasahwn Mitchell, and Pastor Mike Jr. attended a private Fool-ish screening at Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta. Check out the pics below: RELATED: Tamar Braxton & Ms.E Bring The Soul With New Cooking Sessions Show After the screening journalist FreddyO asked Smiley how he wanted fans to feel after watching the special. Smiley responded, "stomach hurting, peed on theyself." Formerly the host of BET's Comic View  and the star of the reality series Rickey Smiley For Real , Smiley has anchored Atlanta's The Rickey Smiley Morning Show  for 20 years. In addition to his work as an entertainer, he's the author of Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith. Published in Fall 2024, the book draws from Rickey Smiley's experience of losing his eldest son to a drug overdose. Through his platform and writing, Smiley has consistently used his voice to uplift, entertain, and encourage others to maintain hope, even in the midst of personal tragedy. He advises up-and-coming comedians to "keep doing it, keep pressing, [and] keep it clean. Ain't nothing wrong with being physical on stage. Make it happen."

When Jesus says yes, nobody can say no! Mississippi native Jamal Roberts was crowned American Idol's 23rd season winner on last night's finale. Roberts, whose musical journey began in the church, broke records as the first black man to win the singing competition in 22 years with what host Ryan Seacrest called the “biggest finale vote in show history. " Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard As the grandson of a church Bishop on his dad's side and a deacon on his mom's side, Jamal Roberts began singing when he was two . He told Billboard magazine, " I was in church every time the door opened. I was the usher, and I was in the choir, and I used to play the drums.” Throughout the season, Roberts was very open about his faith, and fans rallied behind him, offering blessings, prayers, and even prophecies. On March 20, Roberts shared a social media post  stating, "God told me he would order my steps, but it's up to me to put in the work."  In response, his supporters encouraged him in the comments, saying things like "You're a winner already. Congratulations in advance," and "Can't nobody stop what God is doing." And they were right. Photo by Disney/Christopher Willard During the finale, more than 5 million viewers watched Jamal Roberts become the first black man to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard in 2003. 26 million votes were split between 3 finalists, Jamal Roberts, John Foster, and Breanna Nix, with Jamal ultimately winning the prize. So what exactly did he win? According to past winners , the top American Idol finalist receives a $250,000 cash prize and a recording contract. Half of the award is paid before the record is completed, and the remaining amount is paid upon completion. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Roberts shared that he hopes his win shows his daughters that "with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible." Isn’t this incredible? ✨ RELATED:  From Sunday Best to Soul Rest: Jonathan McReynolds Shares Lessons in New Book

We serve an excellent God, so it's no surprise that the saints are exhibiting academic excellence. There's nothing like an "across-the-stage praise." School isn't always easy, but these graduates understand that the Lord carried them through. Click below to watch 10 graduation praise breaks that'll make you smile. RELATED: Morehouse Student Inspires Baptisms on Film Set in Atlanta AJ Jones ( @aj_jr2 on Instagram ) said he "had a struggle year, BUT GOD!" Viewers loved his graduation praise break video because it showed a member of the staff at Kalamazoo Central High School praising along with him. She used the item in her hand as a makeshift tambourine and gave AJ a warm hug. One user commented that she seemed like the type of teacher he'd want to teach his kids. Congrats to the class of 2025. Click here to watch some of our favorite viral graduation praise breaks. RELATED: Youth Pastor Brings Prayer Back to Local Schools

Say it ain't so! Yesterday (May 14), the official 'Live Breathe Fight' Tour Instagram page shared a message informing fans that the tour, scheduled to begin on May 15, 2025, has been canceled. Courtesy of Black Promoters Collective "We're deeply grateful for your support and excitement around the upcoming spring tour, which makes this announcement especially difficult. We regret to inform you that due to a combination of unforeseen circumstances, the upcoming tour has been canceled. While this isn't the outcome any of us hoped for, we want to thank everyone who planned to attend and believed in the journey." The message briefly explained the reasoning behind canceling the tour and informed anyone who purchased a ticket that they will be fully refunded. "This decision was not made lightly. The spring tour faced unexpected challenges that made it difficult to deliver the kind of experience we believe you deserve. That said, we're moving forward. All tickets will be fully refunded via the original payment method." Social media commenters were devastated. Many expressed that they had received tickets as birthday presents or Mother's Day gifts, and were looking forward to attending the concert. Others were focused on the motivation behind the cancellation. Was it low ticket sales, or something else? Many speculated that a lot of people simply don't have the disposable income to spend on the tour in the current economy. Some thought that the tour lineup was too similar to the previous Hallelujah and Reunion Tours that occurred just last year. RELATED: Christian Music Wins Big! Here are the 2025 Grammy Winners Although the tour will no longer occur, many people gave their suggestions for other types of Gospel tours and hoped that the event would come back in the future. The end of the cancellation message does offer some hope: "We remain committed to reconnecting with you in the future and bringing new tours and experiences for you to enjoy. Thank you for understanding, your support, and your belief in us. We look forward to seeing you soon. " The message is signed from all of the incredible gospel artists who were scheduled to appear on the tour, " With Gratitude, @davidandtamela @tyetribbett @imericacampbell @karenclarksheard @kierrasheard"

We're all brothers and sisters in Christ, but some of your Gospel faves are cousins too! Here are 10 Christian Public Figures who are family both in the spirit and the flesh. Photo by HeadlinePhotos / Depositphotos Donnie McClurkin & John P. Kee Donnie McClurkin and John P Kee have a few things in common. Not only have they given us some of the greatest songs in gospel music history, but they're family as well! Photos by Jean Nelson & BMI Getty Donnie McClurkin posted to Facebook in 2010 after learning that he and John P. Kee are cousins. The dynamic vocalist claimed they are related through his dad's sister Erma, and said he was amazed and excited. RELATED: 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Honors John P. Kee Jonathan McReynolds & The Walls Group Strong vocals run in their bloodline! Jonathan McReynolds' grandmother was raised by the Walls Family in Pearland, Houston, Texas, making him a distant cousin of Walls Group members Alic, Ahjah, Darrel, and Rhea. Photo by Prince Williams / ATL Pics Vickie Wianans & Tim Bowman Jr. The legendary Vickie Wianans, whose maiden name is Vivianne Bowman, is the aunt of vocal powerhouse Tim Bowman Jr. and the sister of smooth jazz guitarist Tim Bowman Sr. Photo by WENN / Alamy J. Moss & The Clark Sisters Photo by Bernard Fallon/ ZUMAPRESS This family has performed some of the most incredible vocal runs and riffs in music history. J. Moss is the nephew of renowned choir director Mattie Moss Clark, making him a cousin of her daughters, Twinkie, Jackie, Denise, Dorinda, and Karen. Moss's production company, PAJAM, has produced many of his cousin Karen Clark Sheard's hits. His vocals can be heard on many of the hit tracks from her 2nd Chance Album and songs like Praise Offering by her daughter Kierra Sheard. I Was Today Years Old! Christian Public Figures Gino Jennings & Jamal Bryant are Cousins They may have theological differences, but they're still family! Gino Jennings  has mentioned from the pulpit  that pastor and activist Dr. Jamal Bryant is his cousin. Photo by Denisha DeLane / Shutterstock Saints, which one of these family ties surprised you the most? RELATED : These 9 Gospel Tiny Desk Concerts Will Make You Shout

All the feels! Actor and comedian Chris Tucker was asked to speak at a Church of God in Christ (COGIC) event to honor his mother, and he sang her praises. Photo by Paul Smith / Featureflash The Rush Hour star and youngest of 6 siblings said he doesn't know why he was selected to speak, but the task was easy because they have the best mom in the world. Tucker's tribute was full of humor and celebration , but his biggest point was that his mother led her children by example. The same holy life she lived in public was the same life she lived in private. Tucker says people ask him why he's so vocal about his faith. His response is that "My momma made us go to church, and that's who I am, and I'm glad that's who I am." Mary Tucker is a well-respected figure in the COGIC organization, the country's largest Black Pentecostal church denomination. She is lovingly referred to as "Mother Tucker" by fellow members of the congregation, some of whom commented on BlackChurchTok's social media post , saying things like, "Baby, if you never had a convo with Mother Tucker!" and "We LOVE Mo. Tucker! " RELATED: Denzel Washington Reunites With His Beautiful Sunday School Teacher RELATED: Michelle Williams Says Her First Kiss & Fight Were in Church Tucker's tribute still impacted those unfamiliar with his mom. One TikTok user commented, "So beautiful! He's a beautiful spirit, and now we see why." Chris Tucker often mentions the influence his mom had on his life. He shares Instagram posts about attending church with her, and even mentions her in his hilarious 2015 Netflix special "Chris Tucker Live". The comedian shared a relatable anecdote about growing up with Mother Tucker rushing them to get ready for service at Hinsley Temple Church, while she herself was not dressed. Tucker has also publicly honored his late father, Norris Tucker, over the years. In his speech celebrating his mother, he mentioned how much of his success is due to the guidance of his parents. "We were scared of you, we were scared of daddy, and you kept us right." Photo by WENN Rights Ltd/ Alamy Before peacefully passing away in his sleep in 2016 Norris Tucker was affectionately known as "Papa Tuck". In a heartfelt Instagram post last year (2024), Chris Tucker celebrated his father's heavenly birthday and thanked his dad for teaching him how to be a man. Chris Tucker is successful and surrounded by love, but as a Christian entertainer, he's had to make difficult career decisions due to his religion. Though raised in the Pentecostal church, Tucker reportedly abandoned his faith at one point in his life . However, the Hollywood actor returned to his roots in the late 1990s and turned down a 10 million dollar role in 'Next Friday' because he didn't want to promote cursing and the use of drugs on film. Photo by Dennis Mackarenko / Shutterstock So, what's next for Chris Tucker? In an interview on Get Up Mornings With Erica Campbell, he shared that he's focusing on philanthropy because his mom has encouraged him to start his own foundation. Shout-out to all the mommas who raised their children in the house of the Lord.