BET’s 12th Annual Celebration of Gospel is shaping up to be bigger than ever with tributes to Whitney Houston and Mahalia Jackson.
The network announced Tuesday that organizers have tapped a list of performers to honor the legacy of the talented vocalists.
“Two moving tributes are planned in recognition of the life and legacy of the “Mother of Gospel Music,” four-time Grammy-award winner, civil rights activist, and vocal powerhouse Mahalia Jackson and to honor the memory of legendary entertainer, Whitney Houston, whose singing gift was anchored in her gospel roots,” reports BET.
The tribute comes just one year after Houston sang “I Look To You” with Kim Burrell at last year’s show.
Marvin Sapp is the newest performer to join artists such as Jennifer Holliday, Faith Evans, Kelly Price, Ledisi, Yolanda Adams and others as they hit the stage. Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game) and Dr. Bobby Jones will also give spoken word selections.
Hosted by Steve Harvey, Celebration of Gospel will tape later this month at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre and will air Sunday, April 1 at 8 p.m. on BET.