The 8th Annual 'Celebration Of Gospel' Premieres On January 27, 2008

LOS ANGELES, CA. (Top40 Charts/ BET Networks) - Be prepared to praise His name as BET gathers the brightest stars in gospel and R&B for the network's eighth annual CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL. Hosted once again by veteran comedian/actor and popular syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, this inspirational affair will be taped at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 15. With a praise-filled "congregation" and a 24-piece orchestra led by world- renowned musical director Ray Chew, CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL premieres on BET Sunday, January 27 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Aptly themed "Spirit in Song," Celebration of Gospel promises a two-hour foot-stomping, hand-clapping revival filled with rousing performances by Patti LaBelle, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Mighty Clouds of Joy, J Moss, Israel and The New Breed featuring T-Bone, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones, and the top five SUNDAY BEST finalists. Additional performances and appearances will be announced shortly.

Free tickets are available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis by submitting a request via [email protected] or calling (202) 608-2617.

CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL is produced by BET. To download a media credentials request form, please visit BET's press-only website at https://www.bet.com/pr.