LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ BET Networks) - With spiritually uplifting performances by some of the biggest names in gospel and mainstream music, a heartfelt tribute to Tyler Perry, and a powerful new element of spoken word, BET's CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '07 will have viewers 'shouting' in their living rooms! Gospel and R&B stars and Hollywood's finest are brought together for this inspirational affair which premieres on BET Sunday, January 28 from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT.
Hosted again by veteran comedian/actor and popular syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, this highly anticipated annual praise-fest kicked off with a star-studded red carpet arrivals event, followed by a show-stopping opening performance of "Jesus Can Fix It" by Yolanda Adams and Pastor Shirley Caesar. CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '07 is a hand-clapping, foot-stomping two-hour revival, filled with rousing performances by Fantasia, Loretta Devine, Smokie Norful, Juanita Bynum, Tye Tribbett, Kelly Price, Fred Hammond, The Caravans, Dr. Bobby Jones, Lil Mo, Kiki Sheard and Coko along with others who hit the stage in front of the standing-room only crowd.
"Every year BET is proud to celebrate Black History Month with one of the foundations of the African-American experience, gospel music," said Reginald Hudlin, BET President of Entertainment. "From The Caravans to Tye Tribbett, the full range of our spiritual expression is represented."
Show highlights include a special segment honoring writer, producer, director, and actor extraordinaire, Tyler Perry for embodying the theme of this year's show, "Taking You Higher." Quincy Jones, Gabrielle Union, Lou Gossett, Jr., Blair Underwood, Yolanda Adams, producer Reuben Cannon and Keke Palmer all took part in the emotional tribute recognizing Perry's body of work and his successful approach to making gospel-themed urban theatre accessible to the masses.
"It's really an amazing thing for me to be honored by BET at Celebration of Gospel because gospel music is our heritage and so much a part of what I'm about," said Perry in a backstage interview with press gathered to cover the taping. "So, to have BET honor me within a gospel celebration was an amazing thing. It was very moving and very personal to me, and I thank God for it."
Celebrities such as Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews (Everybody Hates Chris), Ananda Lewis, Kym Whitley (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Reno 911), Sherri Shepherd (Less Than Perfect, Beauty Shop), casting director Robi Reed, and stars from Tyler's upcoming film "Daddy's Little Girls" Tasha Smith and Denise Boutte, joined the "congregation" which transformed L.A.'s historic Orpheum Theatre into a rollicking church sanctuary as soon as the 20-piece orchestra struck up the opening number led by world-renowned musical director Ray Chew.
The momentum continued building all evening long and other rousing performances, including a Bob Hope-inspired duet with Dr. Bobby Jones and Steve Harvey to old-school spiritual "Give Me That Old Time Religion" got the crowd feeling the spirit. Spoken word presentations featuring Bible verses by Blair Underwood, Malinda Williams and Derek Luke added additional anointing to the evening, and Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett ended the night with a soul- stirring performance of "Could Have Been Me."
Viewers can catch their favorite moments during encore airings on Tuesday, January 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT; Saturday, February 3 at 8 p.m. ET/PT; Wednesday, February 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
