ASCAP and Motown Gospel Celebrate Gospel’s Finest at 2026 Stellar Awards Nominee Mixer

Tasha Cobbs Leonard receives a platinum honor as gospel music’s artists, songwriters and industry leaders gather in Charlotte ahead of the Stellar Awards.

Gospel music’s biggest voices came together for an evening of celebration, connection and well-deserved recognition as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), alongside Motown Gospel, hosted the Stellar Awards Nominee Mixer at The Omni Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The exclusive, invite-only reception brought together an impressive mix of artists, songwriters, executives, influencers and 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees, setting the tone for a weekend dedicated to honoring the music, ministry and creative excellence that continue to shape gospel culture.

Guests began the evening mingling over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, creating an intimate atmosphere where some of gospel’s most recognizable names could connect away from the stage. ASCAP Vice President of Creative Membership Jonathan “JJ” Jones officially welcomed attendees before the evening moved into one of its most memorable moments.

Tasha Cobbs Leonard Celebrated for a Platinum Milestone

Motown Gospel Executive Vice President Walter Thomas, joined by members of the Motown Gospel team, took center stage for a special presentation honoring Grammy Award-winning artist and ASCAP songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

Leonard was presented with a platinum plaque recognizing her powerful single, “Gracefully Broken.” The RIAA certification marks more than 1 million certified units, another significant achievement in a career defined by music that has reached audiences far beyond traditional gospel spaces.

More than a commercial milestone, the recognition underscored the lasting impact of “Gracefully Broken.” The song has become part of Leonard’s celebrated catalog of faith-centered music, resonating with listeners through its message of surrender, transformation and purpose.

The platinum presentation was also fitting for an evening designed to recognize not only the performers audiences see onstage, but the songwriting and creative work behind the music. Through its partnership with Motown Gospel, ASCAP placed that creative legacy front and center.

Gospel Music’s Community Comes Together

The room reflected the depth and diversity of contemporary gospel music, with established voices and rising talent gathering under one roof.

Among those in attendance were JJ Hairston, Jovonta Patton, Kim Person, Mike Teezy, Nia Allen, Maurette Brown Clark, Brandon Camphor and One Way, Dante Pride, Stan Jones and William Murphy, along with other artists, influencers and 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees.

While awards season naturally brings competition, the mixer offered something different: community. It created a space for artists and industry leaders to celebrate one another, strengthen relationships and recognize the collective momentum of gospel music.

That sense of fellowship remains one of the genre’s defining characteristics. Gospel has long existed at the intersection of faith, artistry and culture, and gatherings such as the ASCAP and Motown Gospel mixer demonstrate how that legacy continues to evolve while maintaining its foundation.

Celebrating the Music Behind the Moment

As Charlotte welcomes the gospel music community for the 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the nominee mixer served as an early reminder that the weekend represents more than trophies.

It is an opportunity to honor the writers who put testimony into lyrics, the vocalists who bring those words to life, the musicians and producers who shape the sound, and the executives and teams working behind the scenes to move gospel music forward.

With Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s platinum achievement providing one of the evening’s defining moments, ASCAP and Motown Gospel delivered a celebration rooted in both legacy and what comes next.

And with some of gospel music’s most influential voices gathered in one room, the message was clear: gospel continues to grow, reach new audiences and make an undeniable impact on music and culture.

Stay connected with ASCAP Rhythm & Soul:

Instagram: @ASCAP | @ASCAPUrban

Website: ASCAP.com

Photo Credit: Alston Media Group

The post ASCAP and Motown Gospel Celebrate Gospel’s Finest at 2026 Stellar Awards Nominee Mixer first appeared on Upscale Magazine.