BET has announced its roster for its annual gospel performance program, Celebration Of Gospel. The show, which will be hosted by Steve Harvey, will take place in Los Angeles on December 12th and will air on Sunday, January 10, 2010.
If you’ll be in the L.A. area and wanna ATTEND the show, email BET at BETRSVP@bet.net or call ‘em at (202) 608-2617 for tickets.
As usual, the list is intended to represent a diverse group of singers– some tried-and-true gospel artists with some mainstream artists with a lil’ church on ‘em. Did they succeed? You be the judge…
Donnie McClurkin
Fred Hammond
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Shirley Caesar
Marvin Sapp
James Fortune & FIYA
Tye Tribbett & G.A.
The Rance Allen Group
Y’Anna Crawley
Dr. Bobby Jones & The Nashville Super Choir
P.S.A.L.M. Choir (from City of Refuge Church)
Deborah Cox, Kelly Price & Tamia (group members of the upcoming R&B album “The Queen Project”)
Fantasia Barrino and her mother, Diane Barrino Barber
Anthony Hamilton and his wife, Tarsha Hamilton
So, that’s that. Now, who’s missing from the list for my taste? Donald Lawrence, Israel Houghton, and J Moss.
Coko is a perfect example of an artist that should be on the roster– great gospel album(s) with mainstream appeal. That’s just a no-brainer.
Also, Myron Butler & Levi have a new album coming out in 2010 and, though someone might say “they’re not as known among the BET audience,” I would disagree. They are, in essence, the reincarnation of God’s Property, who put out one of the most successful gospel albums in history. And that didn’t happen because of gospel consumers– it was the mainstream folks. So, if BET’s audience doesn’t know who Myron Butler & Levi are, it’s because BET has failed to tell them. But I bet they have the God’s Property album and I bet they’d care.
And what’s the deal with Kierra Sheard? She can’t GET a booking in this industry. BET snoozes on her repeatedly and it’s ridiculous.
I think, all in all, it’s gonna be one of those shows where I’ll be eager to watch one segment, then feel just fine missing the next segment to do something more exciting, like pour orange juice or balance my checkbook. 
What do you good people think about the list?
EJ!!! you just took me outta here, lol...
Tye? Tye is a big sinner! He slept with one of his best friend's baby mommas, and Da TRUTH slept with Tye's wife. After talking all that holiness stuff at his concerts, now look at him. Tye is a big hypocrite. He needs to go sit down somewhere! Oh that's right he had his 60 Day "consecration sabbatical".
Well, for the most part BET always shows the same folks over and over again AND some folks that make you go huh? I mean, new artists like Sheri would've been great! I'm not really understanding Fantasia & her Momma and I love Pastor Shirley but LAWD!!! D. Cox, K. Price and Tamia is also puzzling when you have groups like The Clarks, Rizen.....etc.
Touch your neighbor and say "out of touch." Anthony Hamilton AGAIN??? Where is Ledisi? I'm surprised Frankie & Neffe aren't on there.
@Suga Shane... this is not the place for self-righteous stone throwing. There's another blog you are welcome to visit if that's your agenda. It would be more welcome there.
Step it up BET...the list is alright but i'm kinda disappointed not to see anyone from the Clark/Moss/Sheard family. Definitely diminishes the chances of me watching.
I agree with you on Kierra Sheard not getting booked in the industry. Its seems like they only invite her to perform as a "special guest" of another artist or if The Clark Sisters or Karen Clark Sheard is performing. I don't think people realize that she's a grown woman now with 4 albums and awards and nominations of her own. Would love to see Coko, Israel, MALI MUSIC!!(sp), D. Lawrence, Sheri Jones Moffett, and a few others. I like how they incorporate R&B artists but I would like it if they also included a more DIVERSE group of artists. I would love to see some of the "CCM" artists on there. I love Mandisa and Anthony Evans and a few others who have great music but we would never get to see it on BET/CENTRIC. Hopefully this line-up will expand. One last thing - Where are the women in this line-up? CeCe, Shirley, Y'Anna are fine, but where are the rest?
Ok ima keep it 100%. i think its a OK line up, but i am very disappointed not to see KIKI on there. She has had one of the best, if not THE best urban contpmp albums of this year! I love mama, but Shirley hasnt missed a celebration of gospel. I myself am a huuge tye head so i love to see him, but new music??? Y'anna?....mmmm only if Jessica comes out also..... Iam excited to hear/see Fantasia and mama...even if they do "He's done enough"...again ....and donnie????
@All: let's kinda keep our comments on this one to BET, the Celebration Of Gospel, and whether we think the artists selected fit the bill for the show. I'm all for sharing our preferences regarding particular artists, but let's refrain from making unsubstantiated comments that are meant to demean and defame rather than edify. We should be able to have an intelligent conversation about a television program without drudging up dirt to discuss. Cool beans? That'll be the only warning on that issue. Thanks, folks.
BET does what TV One loves to do RECYCLE! Like really! I'm disappointed! There are too many talented folk out there to not have them in the lineup, many of whom have been mentioned. But I'll take a front row FREE ticket in front of my television set <--old skool, and watch the fooley. BET fails when it comes to gospel anyhow...who airs a "gospel" show during the hours of which people are in church?! Ok...I'm done ;)...I agree EJ #FAIL!
Celebration of Gospel to me has always been hit or miss. Some of the artists that accept invites I really don't care enough about and will fast forward their performance. There has yet to be an entire COG that I can watch from start to finish. I personally would like to see some Byron Cage, Kevin Levar, Bryan Courtney Wilson, William McDowell, some other artists that have great songs that can actually use the platform for national exposure. You have to wonder what they Celebrate in Gospel Music with the same type of line up year after year?
Having BeBe & CeCe is a good look. I agree Donald and Kierra are oddly missing. And has Vickie Winans ever been on the show?
I will record this on my dvr and fast forward to fantasia. At least we don't have to listen to teena marie again! Lol
I'm with you EJ. Is it me or does Anthony Hamilton sing for every black awards show. Could have done with out him, definitely Shirley Caesar, Fantasia, & Donnie Mcklurkin. Donnie is my favorite singer, but he's on there every year. I would have 2 disagree with the Myron Butler statement. I would love 2 see him on the show (him and the group are incredible) but I don't think it is BETs fault that people don't know his music. Quite frankly, there are still gospel consumers who dont know that most of them were from Gods Property. Yes, they definitely are the reincarnation of Gods Property, but without Kirk Franklin, it doesnt mean much to people who arent big gospel fans. I'm really looking forward to seeing Marvin Sapp & Rance Allen, but like you EJ, I guess I'll be drinking a lot of orange juice too.
@Suga Shane @EJ Big ups to Gerald over at DaGospelTRUTH.com he's not afraid to put the truth out there! You would rather keep us in the dark. That's kool, I still love ya. But we need to spread this truth, if we this is going to be a worthwhile informative gospel site.
@Issac: Love ya, back. I would rather state facts that can be corroborated in some way. That's how this site has always been run. And as soon as there is a "truth" that can be supported by facts, not conjecture or hearsay, you can trust that it will be discussed here, as always, with the grace of Jesus Christ applied to it. If that's "keeping you in the dark," perhaps you've just never seen The Light.
You cant really have a serious celebration of gospel without some of the ones who helped make gospel what it is today...What about Andrae Crouch or Walter/Edwin Hawkins.....this line up is not too bad tho...
They have the same people every year because they are realy not trying to appeal to the church. Yes they want the church to watch but more importanly they want to keep their orignal viewers, the ones that watch 106&park and every other BET show that has nothing to do with religon. So the way they do that is by putting artist on the show that people know. And BET has said from the start that this is all entertainment so don't expect anything more.
As always - nothing but the same people! Yawn. All of these gospel shows need a revamping. My goodness....how many times can Shirley Caesar be a performer?
- I could do without Fantasia's squallin and shoe flyin this year, but whatevs..*shrug* - Bobby Jones?? We see him every Sunday!! Granted, it's repeats, but still. But it's BET, so I guess they have to. - Yeah, I'd prefer Jessica over Y'anna. But I guess it'd be kinda foul to put on the runner up and not the winner. (Come on Jessica wit dat album!!) - I PRAY James Fortune sings somethin other than "I Trust You". But...I doubt it. - I AM lookin forward to Fred Hammond tho, with hopefully a surprise guest appearance by John P. Kee! "They That Wait" is my jam! Oh, and I'll listen to Rance Allen on ANY show! That man's voice, I tell ya... The rest?? Eh...I guess..
@EJ Thank you for being a cut above the fray and an example on how to run a classy, dignified source for uplifting the kingdom! You could've joined the bandwagon and wrote an article on a story with absolutely NO mention of source, statement, or credible evidence. I appreciate you for that, man. Follow the bible. It's clear on those who spread hearsay and slander. I'd rather have the FACTS than messy UNVERIFIED gossip.
Again...they missed the mark. I'm not surprised tho!
@Grant..LOL...Frankie and Neffe!! It would be a nice surprise if Fred does a number with the Whispers.
ROFL @ Grant regarding Frankie and Neffe!!! BET's Celebration of Gospel = not so much to celebrate. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Can we get a John P. Kee reunion choir or a Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ reunion? That would be awesome.
I agree, these shows need an overhaul! Stay tuned to www.5girlsandaboy.com for one of the most exciting Christian Shows Ever!!! God Bless U all, and shout outs to GospelPundit! Love it! EJ, let's partner on this upcoming show! It will be awesome! Hit me up on the website!
That Rance Allen group has never let me down. I'm still not over Anthony Hamilton's duet with J. Moss. I love those unique voices full of soul. *I would like to see J. Moss with Anthony Hamilton in a live performance. Although that isn't happening so far according to the list, I have to express sincere gratitude for someone planning a gospel concert period. Lately, news channels have been reporting on the most horrible crimes. I'm just at a point right now that I am grateful that we are able to freely praise God in this country. I have my favorites as everyone else does, but I appreciate all who understand the value and importance of acknowledging God with their talents.
Well, I guess that I'll be excited to see Ms. Y'anna Crawley since the last time I saw her was on Sunday's Best other than that,I'll pass,but then again I might watch it.(Who Knows)
The line up is cool but Coko needs not to be overlooked at all. Excellent project and should be apart of this years line up. Kierra Sheard, Myron Butler & Levi should have been on the program as well. An excellent way for Myron to promote their newest release.
EJ Thanks for the info. I will be watching, The only disappointment for me is that Bobby Jones will be there. I appreciate what he has done for gospel artist but he and the Nashville Super Choir do absolutely nothing for me. Ohh and thanks for not publishing cheap scandal, there are enough places to go for bad news and lies. It's a pleasure to come hear and read something uplifting. I'm praying for our gospel artist, pastors and leaders. Many traps are set for them and some will fall but we serve a God who is faithful to forgive and restore. As the song says, "It could have been me...!" Sing Kirk, Tye and J. ( lol)
BET seems to have fallen into the same trap that much of gospel radio has -- they play the same people over and over. It's not that the people that are being played aren't anointed and talented and great singers; they are. It's just that there are so many other gospel artists out there who may not be as well-known, but are certainly just as anointed and talented and great. I understand the thinking that "big names" are necessary to draw viewers. But, gospel is supposed to be the genre where a "big name" is irrelevant; only the anointing is supposed to matter. Furthermore, I believe that a good promo with the "right" artists (i.e., ANY artist producing anointed music) will pique viewers' curiosity, making them say, "Hey, who was THAT?!" Or, "I want to watch just to see so-and-so sing THAT song!" Ultimately, this line up is a good one, I think. But, I also think that a "Celebration of Gospel" should be just that. With influences from classical to jazz to blues to hip-hop and more, Gospel is arguably the most diverse musical genre out there. As such, BET (and much of gospel radio) could do a better job celebrating the rich diversity of gospel music.
CAN WE GET LIKE A KIRK FRANKLIN & THE FAMILY REUNION??
Hey I'm very disappointed about the line up, what happen to Donald Lawerence, J Moss (if you are having Tye), Canton's, Keith "Wonderboy", RiZen (my girls "Free" is HOT), De Haddon and many more...the celebration of gospel is NOT a CELEBRATION!!! A REPEAT!!!
BET is for the one's who don't go to church not the church. They want to keep the viewers that watch BET all day every day, so they are gonna put artist up there that there viewers know. So don't expect to see new artist or artist that are not as big the ones that are on the show
BET is getting on my nerves just a bit. Kim Burrell was on onely one and that was over 5 years ago. The Clark Sisters (as a group) were on there only once. I don't ever recall D. Lawerence performing. Kierra is definately slept on. And tell me what happened to Smokie Norful? The Anointed Pace Sisters? Come on now Black Entertainment Television! There is ay moe to choose from.
Donald Lawrence has just been added http://blogs.bet.com/ontv/thegospelaccordingto/2009/11/new-performer-added-to-celebration-of-gospel-2010/#more-748
I personally am tired of the same people every year on COG steve harvey too. Man it's like watching a rerun, well then again it is on BET.
I personally am tired of the same people every year on COG steve harvey too. Man it's like watching a rerun, well then again it is on BET.
I can name several Artists that should've been on the card: Karen Clark-Sheard - new Album coming out a month after it airs. J. Moss - fairly New Album out Kierra Sheard - The GREATEST Young vocalist 2day Dorinda Clark-Cole Kim Burrell Donald Lawrence - Taking the Industry by STORM! 21:03 - Hot young Group Killin! Deitrick Haddon Byron Cage Tamela Mann - #2 on the Billboard Gospel Charts & If U wants to bring some R&B/Pop Artists in the mix how bout: Beyonce Patti LaBelle Brandy Monica Who I'm tired of seeing: Dr. Bobby Jones & Shirley Ceaser! I know they are considered Gospel Living Legends, but so are The Clark Sisters, Marvin Winans, Dorothy Norwood, the Hawkins Family! Come On People! & I wish promoters would realize that Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, & Yolanda Adams are not the ONLY Big Names in Gospel Music. They always have 2 have one of them on the card. & Please let some of these New GREAT Artists like: The Nevels Sisters, Brian Courtney Wilson, Melinda Watts, & Crystal Aiken have their time to share their gifts with us! Now after all that ranting (lol), I'd like to leave on a Positive Note: I am EXCITED about seeing: Bebe & Cece James Fortune & Fiya Y'Anna Crawley Fred Hammond
what happened to yolanda adams?....she is a classic...what is a show with out her?
i heard yolanda say on her show she was going to be there
yolanda will be there http://blogs.bet.com/ontv/thegospelaccordingto/2009/12/update-celebration-of-gospel-2010-performers/#more-813
This sounds a little bit boaring to be honest. I'm a big clark fan I would love to see them as a group perform on more of these type of shows. Jessica Reedy over Crawly any day for me, Shirly Ceasar...mmmm, This is one I don't think I will record. and Frankie and Neffe....Priceless!
Please and no thank you to Fantasia... mainstream appeal is one thing but ever since that kiss w/Jamie Foxx... I'm straight. Shirley! Please! Not this time. I agree, I don't have to have Y'anna, but hey, it was her year. What about Kevin LeVar, Stephen Hurd, Judith McAllister. How come the worship leaders don't get a spot? EVER? BET is played anyway, in MY estimation, and so is C of G...
Oh, one more thing... Bobby Jones might have done alot in gospel music but... and Imma leave it there cuz I don't want EJ to reprimand me. We let stuff go because of people's contributions or gifts. And it severely defames our witness.
I think the line up is ok.. but they could do better; Virtue reunion, clark sisters [GET CREATIVE]. Honestly, I would MUCH RATHER see Coko and Her mom (they killed "what a God we serve" O.M.g) instead of fantasia and her mom; they do too much to me, and it doesnt seem sincere or real (you can feel the spirit if its real). However, its all good. Excited for my Fred Hammond and BB/CC.