Jonathan McReynolds, India Arie, Charlie Wilson and Others Shine Bright at Celebration of Gospel
March 18, 2014
Los Angeles, CA
By Hasan James
L.A. was the place to be last weekend as BET’s Celebration of Gospel weekend kicked off in grand style at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills. Spiritual advisor, best-selling author and motivational speaker Pastor Marquis Boone served as keynote speaker, as a crowd of mostly music executives, artist and media was ministered to in a great way.
Root Magazine Editor-In-Chief, Hasan James and Pastor Marquis Boone after Celebration of Gospel Prayer Breakfast at the Sofitel Hotel
The prayer breakfast was hosted by EPM Music Group president and artist, Keith Williams and featured some of today’s rising gospel talent, Jonathan McReynolds, Chrystal Rucker, Charles King, Micah Stampley and a young lady who brought the room the entire room to their feet, Sunday Best Season 2 winner Y’Anna Crawley.
BET’s Manager of Special Events, Tonya Moore, is the brainchild behind the event and was brought to tears at the close of the event due to the worship that took place in a room filled with what she calls “individuals who minister but need to get ministered to.”
Oscar nominated actress, Taraji P. Henson, held her own as this year’s host. Photo: Courtesy of BET Networks
Unless you have been under a rock, I am sure by now you’ve got the word the this year’s Celebration of Gospel was the best one yet. This was however, the first year in the show’s history that Steve Harvey did not host, which was somewhat of a disappointment to its core fans. Although the comedy monologues were missing from the show, Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson still held her own by being her own true self. “Steve Harvey has some big feet so I cannot fill those shoes, but I can only be true to who I am”, the actress went on to say.
Tye Tribbett and Donnie McClurkin collaborate on “He Turned It” and “We Are Victorious”. Photo: Courtesy of BET Networks
Preachers of LA star and top-selling recording artist, Deitrick Haddon, opened the show with his new group LXW and it was a great way to kick off the 14th consecutive year of COG. Since its inception, BET’s Celebration of Gospel has been known for its creative collaborations and this year was the best yet. Vashawn Mitchell and the beautiful songbird Chante Moore teamed up on a special rendition of “Chasing After You” that had the crowd on their feet from the very beginning. Other highlights included SWV and the Rance Allen Group, Grammy Award winner Le’Andria Johnson, Soul Balladeer, Kem and surprise guest- Eddie Levert of the Mighty O’Jays, Lalah Hathaway and gospel crooner, Zacardi Cortez, Tye Tribbett and Donnie McClurkin and the most anticipated collaboration of the night with Grammy winner India Arie and newcomer Jonathan McReynolds that did not disappoint.
The most anticipated collaboration of the night came courtesy of India Arie and Jonathan McReynolds- Photo: Courtesy of BET Networks
And let’s be clear, the solo performances did not disappoint either, as Erica Campbell brought the house down with her first single- “A Little More Jesus”, Motown Gospel’s newest Grammy winner Tasha Cobbs sang every church in America’s anthem- “Break Every Chain”, Tamela Mann debuted her new single “I Can Only Imagine” and choirmaster, Hezeekiah Walker and LFC sang the hit anthem “Every Praise”, which has been the #1 gospel song for a record breaking six months.
Hezekiah Walker and LFC sing “Every Praise”
But it was Charlie Wilson who stole the show with a medley of gospel songs that we all know and love, even dancing across the stage and coming out of his white patent leather shoes during the end of his set.
Legendary front man of the O’Jays, Eddie Levert has been ROOTED!
Before the night ended, BET honored “The Maestro”, Richard Smallwood, with a star studded serenade fit for a king. Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Maurette Brown Clark, J.J. Hairston, Tasha Page- Lockhart and American Idol winner, Candace Glover all sang some of Richard Smallwood’s most treasured songs.
The Maestro, Richard Smallwood performing one of his classics. Photo: Courtesy of BET Networks
Check out BET’s Celebration of Gospel when it airs on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at 8:00PM EST.
Charlie Wilson, VaShawn Mitchell and Dr. Bobby Jones on the red carpet. Photo: Courtesy of BET Networks
