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

The evening is packed with an unforgettable string of traditional and contemporary gospel tributes by legends and leading gospel and R&B artists, arranged by Celebration Of Gospel musical director Rickey Minor . Opening the evening's program is Kirk Franklin with a rousing performance of “He Reigns,” followed by “The Lord is Blessing Me Right Now , " by ‘American Idol,' Fantasia, “That Name” by Yolanda Adams, “Total Praise” by Pastor Donnie McClurkin and “I Understand” by 2005 GRAMMY award-winner Smokie Norful. The revival moves forward with a soul-stirring performance of “Your Love is a Wonder” by Fred Hammond, “Center of My Joy” by Angie Stone, “God is Good” by Deitrick Haddon and an electrifying collaboration by Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond of “Let the Praise Begin.” Continuing the inspirational joy, fellow ‘American Idol,' Ruben Studdard keeps the captivated audience under his spell with “I Need An Angel,” followed by “Safe From Harm” by Bebe Winans and “Brighter Day” from Kirk Franklin.

BET '05 Celebration Of Gospel Premieres February 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

Then comes one of the most anticipated segments of the evening: a tribute to Mattie Moss Clark with “You Don't Know” by granddaughter Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, “ We Must Praise You” by nephew J. Moss, and the long-awaited Clark Sisters reunion, as they harmonize their well-known traditional tune, “You Brought the Sunshine.” Mary Mary takes the audience to “Heaven,” followed by BET's own Dr. Bobby Jones -- host of the ever-popular BOBBY JONES GOSPEL - who is joined by the legendary Pastor Shirley Caesar for another rendition of “ Heaven. ” New-school performer Tye Tribbett brings the standing-room-only audience to its feet with a high energy performance of “No Way.” The uplifting evening closes with Dr. Bobby Jones, the Clark Sisters, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Deitrick Haddon, Angie Stone, Kirk Franklin and Bebe Winans assembling together on stage for the finale performance of “ The Lord Will Make a Way.”