(C) 2014 by Rych McCain, All Rights Reserved. No part of this column may
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BET Celebration Of Gospel 2014 - TV
By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist
www.twitter.com/rychmccain and Facebook (Like Me)
BET’s 14th Celebration of Gospel
Is TV’s Top Praise Special Again!
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Photos Courtesy BET Networks
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| Hostess Taraji P. Henson |
It was that time of year and once again
when the Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles was transformed into praise
central with the biggest superstars in gospel music with BET’s 14th Annual CELEBRATION Of
GOSPEL. Comic, radio and TV personality Steve Harvey ended his 13 year reign as the annual host since
the show’s beginning. His successor was Oscar® nominated actress Taraji P. Henson whose gorgeous,
sexy looks and camera charm brought a pleasing change of scenery to the show
considering that Harvey is an extremely tough act to follow.
The premiere broadcast on Sunday, April 6,
2014 broke and set several ratings records. According to the Nielsen Company, "Celebration Of Gospel" 2014 holds the #1 spot in COG
franchise history among Households
and was seen by an average of 2.6 million total viewers. All key demos were up
double-digits vs. COG 13 led by target demos Adults 18-49 (+48%) and Adults
18-34 (+64%). "Celebration Of Gospel" remains the #1 gospel/religious
telecast on TV for 14 consecutive years, #1 Sunday Special on Cable in 2014 among Adults 18-49 and last night’s
premiere was the #1 Sunday BET telecast for 2014 to date among Adults 18-49.
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| Bishop Dr. Rance Allen |
This year’s theme is “BET “Celebration of Gospel” (Forward In
Faith).” The card was as explosive as ever featuring secular recording
stars being paired with the gospel artists. The roster included Yolanda Adams, Charlie Wilson, India Arie,
Jonathan McReynolds, Donnie McClurkin, SWV, Tye Tribbett, Erica Campbell, Chante Moore, Hezekiah Walker, Lalah
Hathaway, Tasha Cobbs, Kem, Tamela Mann, The Rance Allen Group, Zacardi Cortez,
Vashown Mitchell, Eddie Levert, Detrick Haddon, J.J. Hairston, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Candice Glover and Dr. Bobby Jones. Richard Smallwood was the night’s
special honoree and performed as well. Ron
G. served as the M.C and house comedian.
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| Charlie Wilson & choir |
The entire show was a hallelujah,
clapping, stomping good time and there were some highlights that stood out bringing the entire auditorium to its
feet. One of them was Charlie Wilson being back by a choir singing “If I believe.” The spirit grabbed a
hold of him and he gave a rousting personal testimony then broke out into a
holy dance and brought the house down. Hostess Tarji P. Henson said “I am
thrilled to join the BET “Celebration of Gospel” family. I look forward to a
great evening of incredible music and continuing the rich history of BET and
gospel music which started 14 years ago hosted by the talented and very funny
Steve Harvey.”
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| Ty Tribbett & Donnie McClurkin |
When I asked Tye Tribbett what the
rehearsal was like with him and Donnie McClurkin for their number “We Are Victorious” he lit up like a
light bulb exclaiming, “Amazing! I’m a fan of Donnie but who’s not a fan? So I
grew up with “Speak To My Heart” and
all of the songs so to share the stage with him was like oh my; I’m still in
awe, We kept passing each other off in rehearsals like go and I’m like no you
go because we kind of wanted to hear each other. It’s going to be very, very
exciting. You’re not going to be disappointed.” Yolanda Adams has been a
mainstay of the show in 12 of the 14 specials. When asked what has been some of
her fondest memories she reflects, “Just laughing with Steve Harvey every
single year. He’s crazy! Ya’ll know he’s crazy but I love it. I think that we
have grown as “Celebration of Gospel” by leaps and bounds. The talent and
production is better every year and you get a really great show and this year
is not going to disappoint. It’s amazing!
©
2014 Rych McCain Media/Syndication TM
(You
DID Hear It From Me!)
Twitter@rychmccain and Facebook (Like Me)
