::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

By Mona Austin Recorded in Los Angeles on December 11, the eleventh installment of BET's Celebration of Gospel felt like a  welcome home concert for legendary R&B acts, as once wayward singers  found sanctuary on the Orpheum Theatre stage. Hosted by actor/comedian Steve Harvey, the show unites gospel and R&B talent for an all-out celebration of the music that has shaped Black Music as a whole--the music of the church. By the end of the evening, however  R&B  stole show. Representing the R&B side there were performances by El Debarge, Chaka Khan, Howard Hewitt, Chante Moore, Kelly Price and a surprise performance by Whitney Houston. Without a doubt, Debarge, Chaka and Houston were the stand out acts of the night. Joining in with Chaka, many swaying and waving their hands with their eyes closed,  feeling it, attendees sang: "You touch me and something in me knows. . .Right down to the wire. Even through the fire. . ."  And even ...

GOSPEL AND R&B MUSIC SENSATIONS SHARE THE STAGE  FOR AN EMOTIONAL ‘ CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL ’, PREMIERING SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 8:00 P.M .* Legendary Vocalist Whitney Houston Joins Friend Kim Burrell for an Awe-Inspiring Performance of 'I Look to You '  Kirk Franklin , Mary Mary , Chaka Khan , El DeBarge , Howard Hewett , Angela Bassett , Israel Houghton , The Rance Allen Group and More Unite to ' Keep the Faith ' NEW YORK—January 25, 2011— The night was filled with inspired performances as audience members rejoiced at the 11 th Annual CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL .  The two-hour special, premiering Sunday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m.* , pays tribute to the rich history of gospel music in a unique format that combines today’s leading gospel and secular artists. Year after year, BET creates the perfect platform for superstar secular artists to return to their gospel roots and reveal through music their personal journeys while showcasing compelling per...

SUNDAY BEST WINNERS LEANDRIA JOHNSON AND Y’ANNA CRAWLEY ADDED TO THE STELLAR LIST OF PERFORMERS ON BET’S CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL , PREMIERING SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 8:00 P.M .* LOS ANGELES — December 6, 2010 —Due to popular demand, LeAndria Johnson and Y’Anna Crawley , the winners of season two and three of BET’s hit gospel singing competition SUNDAY BEST , have been added to all-star lineup of performers on the number one gospel show on television CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL . The anointed songstresses will perform alongside season two runner-up Jessica Reedy and 2011 Grammy®-nominated artist (Best Female R&B Vocal Performance ) Kelly Price . This highly acclaimed two-hour special, premiering on Sunday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m.* ,   pays tribute to the rich history of  gospel music in a unique format that combines today’s leading gospel and secular artists!   In addition, BET would like to congratulate the following CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL perf...

KIRK FRANKLIN , MARY MARY , CHAKA KHAN , EL DEBARGE , SMOKIE NORFUL , FAITH EVANS, KELLY PRICE AND VASHAWN MITCHELL TO PERFORM ON BET’S CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL   PREMIERING SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 8:00 P.M .* Hosted by Comedian, Radio and Television Personality Steve Harvey , BET’s CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL  will Feature Performances and Appearances by Kim Burrell , the Rance Allen Group , Israel Houghton , Beverly Crawford , James Fortune and FIYA and Many More. LOS ANGELES — December 1, 2010 — Having just celebrated its 10 th anniversary as the number one gospel show on television, CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL moves into the new decade with inspiring and uplifting music. This highly acclaimed two-hour special, premiering on Sunday, January 30 at 8:00 p.m.* ,  pays tribute to the rich history of  gospel music in a unique format that combines today's leading gospel and secular artists! “ Keeping the Faith ” is this year’s show theme, setting the stage for a world...