Dottie Peoples Graced the Stage at the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards

The legendary Dottie Peoples on the red carpet at the Stellar Awards, wearing an elegant pink gown with intricate lace details, accessorized with a sparkling necklace.

Gospel music legend Dottie Peoples was a featured performer at the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which took place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the historic Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The esteemed event, themed "OUR MUSIC, OUR VOICE, OUR CULTURE," was hosted by the iconic sibling duo BeBe & CeCe Winans.

Dottie Peoples shines in a vibrant pink gown on the red carpet at the 40th Stellar Awards.

Peoples, affectionately known as the "Songbird of the South," was part of a star-studded lineup of performers that included some of the biggest names in Gospel music. She shared the stage with artists such as Donnie McClurkin, Jekalyn Carr, Jason Nelson, and Lisa Page Brooks, delivering what was described as an unforgettable performance.

The 40th anniversary of the Stellar Awards was a significant milestone, celebrating four decades of honoring excellence in the Gospel music industry. The ceremony was recorded for broadcast and is scheduled to premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 8 PM ET and will also air on BET on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 8 PM ET.

While Peoples was a celebrated performer at the event, she was not among the nominees for the 2025 awards. The big winners of the night included Pastor Mike Jr., who took home a remarkable nine awards, and CeCe Winans, who won in three major categories.

A powerful and emotional highlight of the evening was the tribute to the Stellar Awards' visionary founder, Don Jackson, who was honored with the prestigious James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his four decades of leadership. The entire ceremony was elevated by an atmosphere of celebration and reverence, underscored by soul-stirring performances from a lineup of gospel titans. The legendary voices of artists like Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Dottie Peoples, Donnie McClurkin, and Jekalyn Carr, others, filled the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, creating a fitting soundtrack for a night dedicated to honoring a monumental legacy.For decades, Dottie Peoples has been a powerhouse in the Gospel music scene, known for her dynamic voice and heartfelt ministry. Her participation in the 40th Stellar Awards underscores her enduring influence and respected status within the genre.

This video from the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame offers a glimpse into a recent event celebrating Dottie Peoples' contributions to music.

Photos courtesy of Central City Productions