Kingston, Jamaica: The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has unveiled the Top 10 finalists in the 2026 Jamaica Gospel Star Competition, with this year’s contestants bringing deeply personal stories of faith, healing, perseverance and transformation to the national stage.
Representing Kingston and St. Andrew, Manchester, Portland, Clarendon, and St. Catherine, the finalists emerged from recent auditions. They will now advance to the next phase of the competition as they compete for the coveted Jamaica Gospel Star title.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, CD, MP, said the competition continues to serve as an important platform for unearthing and showcasing Jamaican Gospel talent while inspiring audiences through messages of hope, faith and resilience.
“This powerful Music Ministry has continued to grow into a transformative platform to spread the gospel and encourage Jamaicans through faith and music,” Minister Grange said.
“This season, audiences are in for a real treat. They will not only hear extraordinary voices but also experience the powerful personal journeys behind them. These finalists each bring stories of perseverance, purpose and transformation that many Jamaicans will be able to relate to. Through their music and testimonies, they remind us that Gospel music still has the power to inspire hope, strengthen people during difficult times and touch hearts across our nation.”
Beyond their vocal abilities, many of this year’s finalists are already connecting through deeply personal testimonies and life experiences.
Among this year’s finalists are Kingston and St. Andrew representative Serena Bolton, whose relationship with God deepened after surviving multiple serious accidents; Portland contestant D’Andra Brown, performing as D’Andra, whose journey through financial, mental and health struggles ultimately strengthened her faith; and St. Catherine finalist Kade Belnavis, whose experiences with fear, rejection and insecurity have inspired a desire to encourage others facing similar struggles.
Also advancing to the next phase of the competition are St. Catherine representative Jason Grant, performing as Jason Joel, whose faith journey helped him overcome years of low self-esteem and discover a stronger sense of identity and purpose; and Kingston and St. Andrew finalist Moses Clarke, performing as Kirkland Moses, whose passion for worship and ministry continues to shape his musical journey; and Clarendon finalist Melouny Thomas, performing as Minister Mel, whose experiences with rejection and church hurt ultimately helped shape her purpose and ministry.
The Top 10 also includes Manchester representative Chantal Smalling Stephenson, who previously competed in the 2022 season of the competition and returns with a renewed perspective shaped by faith and personal growth; St. Catherine contestants Chevaughn Dawkins, performing as Chevaughn, and Chelule Miller, who both describe authenticity and ministry as central to their journeys; and aspiring music educator Daina Craig, who hopes her journey through music and faith will inspire other young people pursuing purpose through their gifts.
The finalists represent a broad cross-section of Jamaica’s Gospel community, including worship leaders, ministers, emerging Gospel artistes and young creatives whose stories are already beginning to resonate with audiences across the island.
As the competition moves into its next phase, the finalists will participate in a series of workshops, rehearsals, public appearances and promotional tours in preparation for the live elimination shows, which will air on Television Jamaica (TVJ) on Sundays.
The season will culminate with the Grand Finale on Sunday, August 2, 2026, as part of the Jamaica Independence celebrations at the Independence Village.
The Jamaica Gospel Star Competition is organised annually by the JCDC. It remains one of the Commission’s premier programmes dedicated to the development and promotion of Gospel music and ministry in Jamaica.
