Jamaica Gospel Star names top four finalists ahead of August 2 finale

Four contestants secured places in the Jamaica Gospel Star 2026 grand finale during the penultimate episode aired July 26, hosted by Nadine Blair. Kirkland Moses, Serena Bolton, Dana Craig and Shantel Smalling Stevenson advanced; Deandra and Chelu were eliminated.

The episode paid tribute to ordained minister and revival singer David "Cuckoo" McDermott and featured traditional gospel favourites alongside winning entries from the JCDC Gospel Song Competition. Special guests included Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange and Finance and the Public Service Minister Fayval Williams.

Judges were international gospel artist and 2003 JCDC Gospel Song Competition winner Kevin Dwell; gospel minister and 2009 and 2012 JCDC finalist Nikette Morgan Williams; and award-winning gospel artist, worship leader and music educator John Mark Wigan. Each of the top four performed twice.

Moses said he felt "blessed and highly favoured by God" and pledged to "minister from the bottom of my heart." He delivered a traditional selection and later George Gordon's 1999 JCDC winner "Great Peace." Bolton said a "huge weight was lifted" and performed a valley-themed piece before Glacia Robinson's 1998 winner "Hold My Hand Today." Craig said she was shaking with nerves and thanked God for carrying her through, singing "One Day at a Time" and Crystal Chambers' 2018 entry "Christ in Me." Smalling Stevenson said listeners were "hearing God through me" and performed a vow-themed number plus Kimola Brown-Lowe's 2012 entry "Come We Praise Him."

Judges praised growth and stage craft while urging stronger connection, energy and interpretation ahead of the finale. Blair told Deandra and Chelu their competition run had ended but their ministry continues. Deandra said her biggest takeaway was not to be afraid and to "hone your craft" and "be authentic." Chelu said the exit was "simply a pivot in the journey" and that Jamaica should still expect new music from her.

Viewers can vote by calling or texting the word vote on Digicel and Flow phones, or overseas via the free Reggae Jamaica app. The winner receives $1 million in cash and the Jamaica Gospel Star 2026 trophy.

The grand finale, Jamaica Praise Edition, is set for Sunday, August 2 at 8:00 p.m. inside the Independence Village National Stadium Complex, featuring gospel dancehall artiste General Prodigal Son and vocalist Petra K. The top four are also due to perform at the Come Alive show on Emancipation Day, August 1.