Jamaica Gospel Star returns today

The search for the next Jamaica Gospel Star gets under way this Sunday, July 5, as 10 gifted finalists embark on a five-week competition that will test their musical versatility while giving audiences the opportunity to witness the growth of their ministry and personal testimonies.

Throughout the season, contestants will perform across a variety of musical genres while sharing messages of faith as they compete for the title of Jamaica’s sixth Gospel Star.

That journey begins live at 8:00 pm. on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ).

Presented by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) in partnership with Sagicor, Jamaica Gospel Star has become a national platform for emerging gospel artistes to develop their musical gifts, share their testimonies, and minister through music.

Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia Grange said Jamaica Gospel Star continues to fulfil an important role in using music to uplift and inspire the nation.

“We are proud to present another exciting edition of Jamaica Gospel Star. Now in its sixth year, the competition has grown into much more than a showcase of musical talent; it is a platform where faith finds expression through music and lives are touched through ministry. I encourage Jamaicans to support, pray for and journey with these contestants as they share their gifts with the nation,” she said.

This year’s finalists reflect that mission. Representing communities across Jamaica, they come from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire to glorify God through music.

The 2026 finalists are:

• Serena Bolton – Kingston and St Andrew

• Chantal Smalling-Stephenson – Manchester

• D’Andra Brown – Portland

• Chevaughn Dawkins – St Catherine

• Chelule Miller – St Catherine

• Melouny “Minister Mel” Thomas – Clarendon

• Daina Craig – St Catherine

• Moses Clarke – Kingston and St Andrew

• Kade Belnavis – St Catherine

• Jason Grant – St Catherine

Executive director of the JCDC Lenford Salmon said one of the competition’s defining features is the opportunity it gives viewers to become part of each contestant’s ministry journey.

“Each week, Jamaicans are invited to vote — not just for the best singer, but for the contestant whose testimony, ministry and journey have touched them most. We want viewers to connect with these young men and women, follow their stories and support them as they grow into ministers who use music to inspire hope and transform lives.”

Salmon further noted that each live show presents a new challenge designed to stretch the contestants’ artistry and ministry.

“Beginning with Open Genre this Sunday, contestants will then perform reggae and dancehall gospel, pay tribute to celebrated Jamaican artistes, and revisit the rich heritage of Jamaican Gospel and JCDC songs before reaching the Grand Finale. Each theme reveals a different side of the contestants and gives audiences another reason to rally behind them.”

Production manager and coordinator of the competition, Carreen Walton, said the competition’s format is designed to keep viewers invested from the very first live show.

Walton said: “Voting opens immediately after the broadcast, and two contestants will be eliminated on the following Sunday’s show. Later in the season, the judges will have the opportunity to bring back one eliminated contestant through our distinctive ‘Saved by Grace’ twist, giving one finalist a second chance to remain in the competition.”

The season will culminate on Sunday, August 2, when the top four contestants compete for the Jamaica Gospel Star title as part of the Jamaica 64 Independence celebrations at Independence Village. The grand finale will be paired with the annual Gospel Praise Concert, featuring performances by some of Jamaica’s leading gospel ministers.

Jamaica Gospel Star airs live every Sunday in July at 8:00 pm.