BET's Celebration Of Gospel'05 Brings The Roof Down

BET's Celebration Of Gospel'05 Brings The Roof Down With Stirring Performances, Appearances And Salutes

Fantasia, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Ruben Studdard, the Clark Sisters, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Smokie Norful and Others Celebrate Legacy of Gospel Music During Premiere on February 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

Washington – BET's Celebration Of Gospel'05 brings the roof down during a night filled with emotional reunions and memorable moments that pay tribute to the legacy of gospel music. The telecast features inspirational performances, moving renditions and diverse collaborations by some of today's hottest and most talented artists from the worlds of gospel and R&B. Joining in the celebration are Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Smokie Norful, Fred Hammond, Angie Stone, Deitrick Haddon, BeBe Winans, Mary Mary, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones and Tye Tribbett. In addition, the legendary Clark Sisters reunite in a special family-affair tribute to matriarch Mattie Moss Clark for her innovative contributions to the gospel music genre, rounded out by granddaughter Kierra “Kiki” Sheard and nephew J. Moss . Actor, comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey hosts the power-packed event for the fifth consecutive year, at which celebrity attendees Nicole Parker, Boris Kodjoe, Kimberly Elise, Monica Calhoun, Judge Mablean Ephraim, Mari Morrow, Michael Colyar and child actor Khamani Griffin are spotted in the “congregation.” BET viewers will witness this awesome salute to gospel music when the event is televised on Thursday, February 24 at 9 p.m. ET /PT.

The Celebration Of Gospel special is the crown jewel of BET's Black History Month lineup and underscores BET's continued commitment to delivering fresh, original programming to its audience as the network celebrates its silver anniversary year.

“In producing Celebration Of Gospel this year, we wanted to showcase the tremendous range of gospel music from its established, traditional artists to some of the genre's new, exciting voices,” said Gina Holland, BET Senior Vice President for Production and Programming. “Gospel isn't just for older audiences with performers like Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Ruben Studdard, Tye Tribbett, Dietrick Haddon and KiKi Sheard who borrow influences from popular music such as hip hop. Their inspirational music is loaded with the temperament and high energy that younger viewers will also enjoy.”