What began as an unexpected extension of the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show finale has now been captured as a new recording featuring Pastor John P. Kee and Zacardi Cortez.
Kee closed the Charlotte, NC ceremony with a medley of his best known church songs, including “Show Up,” “Standing in the Need of Prayer,” “Clap Your Hands” and “Oh How Wonderous.” Cortez, a mentee of Kee, traded vocals with him during the medley at Spectrum Center.
The performance appeared to be over when awards show host Kirk Franklin ran over and requested that Kee sing “Jesus Is Real” before leaving the stage. Kee asked the show’s music director Daniel Moore if the house band knew the song.
Of course.
And at that moment, Kee honored Franklin’s request and extended his medley with the crowd favorite, “Jesus Is Real.”
The performance has now been replicated and is set for release on all digital outlets (Sept. 18, 2026) as “Stellar Medley (Featuring Zacardi Cortez).”
This year, Kee took home Stellar Awards for Traditional Male Artist of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year for his current album, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Vol. 1 (Kee Music Group / Tyscot Records).
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
