Chantal Smalling Stephenson has been heeding the Word of God ever since she became a born-again Christian at the age of 18.

Now, 15 years later, she obeyed his command when she decided to re-enter the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) Gospel Star competition, and that decision led to her being crowned the 2026 winner of the series.

“It was the Lord who told me to go back. I was being obedient and, as cliché as it sounds, he was the driving force in my decision to re-enter the Jamaica Gospel Song competition,” Smalling Stephenson told the
Jamaica Observer days after she won the competition, which was held on August 2 at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

Prodigal Son (right), another feature artiste at the grand finals (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Smalling Stephenson had entered in 2022 and finished in second place. This time around, the experience for her was even more rewarding.

“The overall experience was beautiful,” she said. “I got to be on the road meeting people, praying with people, and I also got to do evangelism without a mic in hand. I loved how the competition not only taught me, but it also challenged me to come out of my comfort zone.”

She shared the lessons that she took away from the journey.

Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange (right) presents Chantal Smalling Stephenson with her winning trophy and cheque as the 2026 Gospel Star at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday, August 2, 2026. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“Practice and take care of the instrument God gave you and be consistent and intentional. Be obedient to the voice of God and don’t be afraid to try again — that has been my take away from this experience,” Smalling Stephenson shared.

An administrator and production coordinator, Smalling Stephenson had the support of her community, family, and friends, and this, she said, helped to build her confidence and take her through the journey.

“My family has been it all from the start of the competition to the end. My husband; my campaign teams in Mandeville, May Pen, Santa Cruz, Junction; my overseas family; and my church family at Spaulding New Testament. They have all been supportive and that support was what kept me going. It kept that fire burning,” she told the Observer.

2026 Gospel Star Chantal Smalling Stephenson thrills the crowd at the finals on Sunday, August 2, at National Indoor Sports Centre.

Smalling Stephenson grew up in the district of Pepper in Goshen, St Elizabeth. After completing studies at B B Coke High in Junction, she studied at HEART/NSTA’s Southwest TVET Institute (Newport campus).

She recalled the moment when her name was announced as the 2026 Gospel Star.

“I screamed and I started to thank God for reminding me that he never breaks a promise. I honestly couldn’t wait to give him glory for his blessings. For me, it was more about my young people that never saw Aunty Chantal give up. This win serves as a reminder to be obedient because God honours obedience,” said Smalling Stephenson.

She walked away with a cash prize of $1 million, a trophy, and a professional single and music video recording package.

Kirkland Moses finished in second place while Dania Craig placed third. Serena Bolton was the fourth-place winner.