SOAR CEO Defends Stellar Awards After Backlash Over Planned Richard Smallwood Tribute

The Richard Smallwood tribute has not even reached the stage, but it is already creating plenty of noise behind the scenes.

SOAR Awards founder and CEO Justin Djuane Francis admitted that the response to the planned tribute has left him feeling the pressure. "Y'all got me nervous about putting together this Richard Smallwood tribute!" he confessed after receiving what he described as countless texts, emails and direct messages.

Francis asked fans for "a little grace" as his team prepares to honor one of gospel music's most influential figures. He also acknowledged the financial realities facing the independent awards platform, saying SOAR does not possess the Stellar Awards' budget but intends to give the tribute "everything we've got."

Now, Francis has followed that candid appeal with a formal statement dated September 7, addressing the increasingly heated conversation surrounding the tribute-and making it clear that SOAR is not interested in competing with or diminishing the Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

"In a genre like Gospel, where we already have so few platforms, stages, and opportunities, the last thing we need is to tear down, bash, or publicly bring harm to the very platforms that have helped carry our music and culture forward," Francis wrote.

He acknowledged that people may hold different opinions about how Smallwood should be honored. However, he urged fans not to express those opinions by disrespecting or diminishing the Stellar Awards and their enormous contribution to gospel music.

Francis stressed that the Stellar Awards have served the gospel community and preserved its legacy with "excellence and respect." In a separate accompanying message, he declared, "We're stronger together. I'm proud to stand with and support the Stellar Awards and the incredible legacy they've built for Gospel music."

The statement appears designed to cool any growing rivalry between the two platforms. Francis insisted that supporting SOAR does not require gospel fans to attack the Stellars. His message was simple: two awards organizations can approach their presentations differently while still respecting each other's work.

"We can have opinions. We can desire to see our legends honored in different ways," Francis wrote. Nevertheless, he argued that genuine honor must also be reflected in how members of the gospel community treat one another.

The tribute carries considerable emotional weight. Smallwood died on December 30, 2025, at the age of 77 from complications associated with kidney failure. The eight-time Grammy nominee gave the church enduring standards including "Total Praise," "Center of My Joy," "Healing" and "I Love the Lord," the latter famously recorded by Whitney Houston for The Preacher's Wife. His music has also been performed by stars including Destiny's Child, Stevie Wonder and Boyz II Men.

The 10th annual SOAR Awards is scheduled for Monday, March 1, 2027, in Rockford, Illinois. Francis has warned that SOAR deliberately selected a smaller venue this year, meaning seating will be limited. Tickets are available through 

Whether the controversy will completely subside remains to be seen. However, Francis is drawing a firm line before the first note is sung: celebrate Richard Smallwood, support SOAR and offer constructive opinions-but do not tear down the Stellar Awards in the process.

For a tribute built around the composer of "Total Praise," Francis evidently wants the gospel community to ensure that praise-not rivalry-gets the final word.