BET’s ‘Celebration of Gospel’ is set to make its roaring return to the station on April 1st. The 12th annual edition of the Steve Harvey-hosted affair is set to get viewers moving with an all-star line-up of today’s gospel hitmakers including performances from Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Sunday’s Best/Grammy winner Le’Andria Johnson, and many more.
Also, in its yearly tradition, the praise session also invites the best of R&B and other secular genres to partake in the festivities. This year’s secular lineup includes Jennifer Holliday, Faith Evans, Kelly Price, and Ledisi. The foursome is believed to be readying a tribute honoring the gospel contributions of pop icon Whitney Houston. The late singer made her last televised performance at the event last year, belting out her hit ‘I Look To You’ with friend/gospel singer Kim Burrell.
Finally, Mahalia Jackson, whose biography ‘Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel’ is set to be adapted to film starring gospel/R&B regular Fantasia, will also be recognized for her ever present contributions to the genre as well.
Faithful fans of the event, being shot March 16th at the Los Angeles Orpheum Theatre, can see all the action when it hits screens only on BET, April 1st at 8pm.