How to watch 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards on BET for free tonight without cable

TL;DR: The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards airs on BET tonight, Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m. ET, and cord-cutters can watch live for free by taking advantage of free trials from Philo, DIRECTV, and Fubo.

Gospel music’s biggest night returns to television tonight as the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards makes its national cable premiere on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, on BET. Hosted by gospel superstar Kirk Franklin, the annual celebration honors the artists, performers, and industry leaders who have helped shape gospel music over the past year.

This year’s ceremony was taped at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center and carries the theme “Feels Like Home.” Viewers can expect performances from some of the genre’s biggest names, special tributes, and awards recognizing excellence across gospel music.

For viewers who don’t have cable, the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards can also be streamed live through services that carry BET, including Philo (7-day free trial), DIRECTV (5-day free trial), and Fubo (free trial).

How to watch the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards for free

Because BET is included with several live TV streaming services, fans can watch the awards show without cable by signing up for a free trial from Philo, DIRECTV, or Fubo.

Philo

Free trial: 7 days

Philo remains one of the cheapest ways to watch BET live. The service includes more than 70 entertainment and lifestyle channels, including Lifetime, Hallmark Channel, MTV, TLC, HGTV, Discovery, Food Network, and more.

Philo is ideal for viewers whose TV habits center around entertainment programming rather than sports. After the trial ends, subscriptions start at about $28/month.

Best for: Budget-conscious viewers who primarily watch entertainment channels.

DIRECTV

Free trial: 5 days

DIRECTV offers BET in its entertainment packages and provides access to a much broader channel lineup than Philo, including major sports and news networks.

Subscribers also receive unlimited cloud DVR storage and local channels in most markets.

Best for: Viewers looking for a cable-like replacement with sports, news, and entertainment in one package.

DIRECTV

5-day free trial

Stream your favorite shows free for 5 days, with new promotional pricing on subscriptions.

Free Trial

Fubo

Free trial: Available for new subscribers

Fubo includes BET along with hundreds of live channels, regional sports networks in select areas, local stations and extensive cloud DVR storage.

Although it’s known primarily for sports, Fubo also carries a strong selection of entertainment and lifestyle channels.

Best for: Sports fans who still want access to BET and other entertainment networks.

Fubo

Free Trial

Stream your favorite shows free for up to 5 days, and enjoy up to $30 off your first month.

Free Trial

What is the Stellar Gospel Music Awards?

Founded more than four decades ago, the Stellar Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in gospel music. The show recognizes artists, songwriters, choirs, producers, and performers whose work has made a significant impact on the genre and its audience.

The event has become one of gospel music’s most prestigious honors and consistently features performances from established stars alongside rising talent.

Who is hosting and performing?

The 2026 ceremony is hosted by Kirk Franklin, a multiple Grammy-winning artist widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern gospel music.

This year’s broadcast features performances from:

• Jekalyn Carr
• John P. Kee
• Tye Tribbett featuring ABLAZE
• PJ Morton
• Darrel Walls
• Marvin Sapp
• Maranda Curtis
• Melvin Crispell III
• William Murphy
• Vincent Bohanan & SOV
• Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers

and many more.

What special honors will be presented?

Among the night’s biggest moments, Tasha Cobbs Leonard will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, while Pastor Mike Jr. will be honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.