BET's 14th annual Celebration of Gospel will be a duet heavy affair, bringing R&B talents like India Arie, Ruben Studdard, SWV and Chante Moore together with gospel greats like Donnie McClurkin, The Rance Allen Group and LeAndria Johnson.
Slated to air April 6, the celebration will be hosted by Taraji Henson, who takes over for Steve Harvey.
"The multi-talented Taraji takes over the role as Steve Harvey, king of comedy and all things media, ends his historic 13-year run. Taraji will bring her own charming and high voltage personality to the stage as the best singers in gospel, R&B and pop music come together for one powerful night of television," reports BET.
"I am thrilled to join the BET “Celebration of Gospel” family. I look forward to a great evening of incredible music and continuing the rich history of BET and gospel music which started 14 years ago hosted by the talented and very funny Steve Harvey," said Taraji Henson.
This year, “Celebration of Gospel” will feature even more captivating pairings between gospel and R&B artists including “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard, “Sunday Best” winner LeAndria Johnson, and soulful crooner Kem, who will join forces to raise the praise as a triumphant trio. Acoustic soul artist India.Arie will team up with Christian contemporary artist Jonathan McReynolds for a special performance. Female R&B group SWV and the renowned Rance Allen Group will also join together to anoint the crowd through song.
“Celebration of Gospel” will also offer dynamic duets by Donnie McClurkin and Tye Tribbett; Lalah Hathaway and Zacardi Cortez; and Chante Moore and Vashawn Mitchell. A touching tribute to gospel music pioneer Richard Smallwood and rousing spoken word pieces from Pastor Shirley Caesar and Dr. Bobby Jones will also highlight the night.
“Since its’ inception, ‘Celebration of Gospel’ has brought together the best voices from both the secular and gospel music worlds to give praise like only they can,” said President of Music Programming & Specials, Stephen Hill for BET Networks. “This year is no exception because at the end of the day, everyone's roots are in gospel music. A gathering of powerful singers like these on one show can only happen on BET.”
Experience the life-changing power of gospel music with rousing, spirit-filled performances by powerhouses including Yolanda Adams, Erica Campbell, Hezekiah Walker, Tamela Mann, Tasha Cobbs, Detrick Haddon, J.J. Hairston, “Sunday Best” Season 6 winner Tasha Page-Lockhart and current “American Idol” Candice Glover. Additionally, NAACP Image Award winner, Charlie Wilson will share his testimony in a sanctified song titled “If I Believe” that’s sure to shift the atmosphere.
BET’s annual gospel music special, “Celebration of Gospel” tapes Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 7 p.m./PST at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, CA, and will premiere on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8 p.m./EST.
