Pasadena, CA (Top40 Charts/ BET Networks) It was a night filled with the Holy
Spirit and high notes reaching the heavens as audience members rejoiced at the CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '11. The two-hour special, premiering Sunday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m.*, paid tribute to the rich history of gospel music in a unique format that combined today's leading gospel and secular artists. Hosted by popular comedian, author, game show host and syndicated radio personalitySteve Harvey, the inspirational and uplifting presentation packed a powerful punch by some of the industry's top players.
Taped from the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, California, the CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '11 had memorable performances by fresh talent alongside current favorites of gospel. Highlights included Byron Cage, Smokie Norful, Kelly Price, and Kathy Taylor coming together for a moving tribute honoring the late "Queen of Gospel," Albertina Walker, and beloved gospel pioneer Walter Hawkins; Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary debuting the world premiere of their new record; Chaka Khanserenading the crowd with her timeless classic, "Through the Fire"; Grammy-nominated artist VaShawn Mitchell performing his chart-topping single "Nobody Greater"; James Fortune and FIYA belting out their rousing hit "I Believe"; and ending the night, a surprise performance of "I Look to You" by Kim Burrell and Whitney Houston, which left audience members speechless!
The audience was also treated to performances by SUNDAY BEST alums LeAndria Johnson, Y'Anna Crawley and Jessica Reedy alongside R&B songstress Kelly Price, Howard Hewett, Earnest Pugh, Rance Allen Group, Chante Moore, Myron Butler,Jonathan Nelson and Purpose, Israel Houghton, and Beverly Crawford with Dr. Bobby Jones and the Spirit of David Choir.
CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL '11 is a BET Networks Production. Stephen Hill, BET's president of music programming, along withLynne Harris-Taylor, BET's vice president of specials, and Geovanni Brewer will executive produce the telecast.
For more information, please visit www.bet.com.
*All times are ET/PT.
