The Jamaica Gospel Star 2026 competition is now accepting entries, with organizers announcing a new submission deadline of Friday, April 17, 2026. Presented by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the annual competition continues to serve as a major platform for discovering and showcasing gospel talent across Jamaica.

The competition is open to individuals and groups of up to four persons who are 16 years and older. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for over $1 million in cash and prizes, making it one of the most anticipated gospel music events on the local entertainment calendar.

Interested entrants are reminded that submissions are accepted online only. Full details and application access are available on the official JCDC awards platform at jcdc.awardsplatform.com.

The 21st Annual MLK Gospel Concert and Candlelight Memorial Service returns on Saturday, April 4, 2026. Commemorating the 58th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the event honors his enduring legacy through music, remembrance, and unity. It will be held at the Adrienne Arsht Center Knight Concert Hall in Miami, Florida.

This year’s concert will feature a headline performance from legendary gospel artist Kirk Franklin, whose known for blending contemporary sounds with gospel roots. Franklin’s performance will serve as a highlight of the evening.

Hosted by Christine King, City of Miami Commission Chairwoman, and Keon Hardemon, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, the event invites attendees to gather in remembrance while embracing a message of hope, resilience, and collective progress.

The Texas College Choir will host a free night of gospel music featuring legendary singer Dorinda Clark-Cole live at The 2026 HBCU Experience on Thursday, April 9. The event brings together gospel excellence and the rich musical tradition of historically Black colleges and universities at New Life Community Church in Tyler, Texas, starting at 7:00 PM.

Widely recognized as one of gospel music’s most influential voices, Dorinda Clark-Cole is a renowned Grammy-winning gospel singer, evangelist, and songwriter known as the Rose of Gospel.

Grammy and Stellar Award nominee Renee Spearman returns with a powerful new single titled “You Chose Me,” featuring five-time platinum R&B legend Montell Jordan and acclaimed gospel vocalist Kim Burrell.

The inspiring track delivers a message of gratitude and divine purpose, blending Montell Jordan’s signature tenor—recognized worldwide from the classic hit “This Is How We Do It”—with the distinctive jazz-influenced vocal stylings of Kim Burrell. Together with Spearman’s dynamic delivery, the song serves as a reminder that although God could have chosen anyone, He chose us for a purpose.

“You Chose Me” follows the success of Spearman’s previous releases, including the Billboard No. 1 hit “Tap Into It” and the Top 5 single “I Love Him,” featuring multiple Grammy Award winner and ten-time nominee Hezekiah Walker.

Written by Renee Spearman and Montell Jordan, the new single was produced by Jason White (Sunday Service) and Asaph Ward, known for his work with Dorinda Clark-Cole.

The countdown is on for aspiring gospel artists across the island to enter the 2026 staging of Jamaica Gospel Star, with the official submission deadline set for March 31, 2026.

The competition is administered by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), which is inviting talented singers and performers to submit their entries through the official JCDC Awards Platform. Participants will compete for over $1 million in cash and prizes, along with the opportunity to gain national recognition through one of Jamaica’s premier gospel music competitions.

Entries can be submitted online via the JCDC Awards Platform website at www.jcdcawardsplatform.com, with an entry fee of $2,000 JMD per submission. Organizers are encouraging applicants to ensure their submissions reflect patriotism and positively represent Jamaican music genres, in keeping with the cultural mission of the competition.