(NEWARK, NJ) -- The 38th Annual McDonald’s Gospelfest returns to Prudential Center on Saturday, May 9. The event begins at 5:00pm with a competition which includes rising stars of all ages and cultures competing in a variety of categories including Soloists, Choirs, Praise Dancers, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Poets and Gospel Rappers. The noteworthy gospel concert, beginning at 7:00pm, will feature some of the greatest artists in Gospel history including Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Hezekiah Walker with his Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir and many more. Note: Line-up subject to change.
Yolanda Adams - After twelve albums, five Grammys and performing for several U. S. presidents, she still wows audiences all over the world, ever since her 1988 debut album, “Just As I Am.” Yolanda Adams is renowned for pioneering the blend of modern gospel music infused with soul and jazz. For decades, she has empowered fans through her inspirational and contemporary music.
Her albums have earned her multiple awards from music’s highest honors such as the Stellars, Grammys, BMI, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image, BET, and more. In 2001, she opened a new category and was the first artist to receive an American Music Award for “Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist.” Although the Gospel Music Association has continuously honored Yolanda through multiple Dove Awards, on May 9, 2017, she was inducted into GMA’s Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements in the Christian music industry. In addition to being a gospel superstar, she has reigned on radio airwaves for more than ten years as the host of her own show, “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” which has been heard in over sixty markets nationally.
Kelly Price - Nine-time Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Kelly Price is the second of three daughters, born and raised in Queens, New York, in the church. Price has collaborated with the likes of Mariah Carey, George Michael, Elton John, The Isley Brothers, The Clark Sisters, Brian McKnight and Sean "Diddy" Combs as well as Faith Evans, Yolanda Adams, the late Whitney Houston, Donnie McClurkin, Eric Clapton, Shirley Ceasar, Fantasia, Jay-Z, Kanye West, DJ Khaled, Bonnie Raitt, the late James Brown and the list goes on and on. She has taken her talents to the screen and stage with roles in Soul Food, the series, Bringing Down the House and the stage plays Why Did I Get Married? Kelly Price can currently be seen as a series regular for the critically acclaimed Drama American Soul now in its second season which tells the life story of the late Don Cornelius and how he launched the iconic television show and global brand “Soul Train”. Price has also been given the distinguished honor of joining the iconic panel of Judges for Sunday’s Best for the second time now in its 10th season.
Hezekiah Walker - Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer and choir leader Hezekiah Walker, known as "the hip-hop pastor,” has brought many young people to gospel and choir music and has shown that he has no problem using modern vernacular and recording techniques to expand his fan and worship base. Pastor Walker’s following is worldwide. Since 1985 he has released more than 15 albums, garnering 10 Grammy nominations and two wins. For more than a decade, Pastor Hezekiah has anchored Afternoon Drive on New York’s WLIB 1190, bringing star power, conversation and inspiration to millions of loyal listeners.
2020 marks the 21st year Director A. Curtis Farrow has joined with McDonald’s to bring this phenomenal celebration to life. He has received two Emmy awards for producing McDonald’s Gospelfest 2000 and 2001 and eleven nominations in 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011 through 2014, 2016 and 2017. In February of 2014, Mr. Farrow fulfilled a longtime dream by organizing and leading 1171 voices to break the Guinness World Record for World's Largest Gospel Choir. He has since produced a 2000 voice choir at Madison Square Garden and a 5000voice choir for at the Nassau Coliseum. he was responsible for the organization, planning and execution of the home going services for the Late Whitney Houston and most recently he produced the homegoing services for the Late Aretha Franklin which was seen around the world. Mr. Farrow credits everything in his life to his strong belief in God.
McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s New York Metro Owner/Operator Association. Over thirty years later, it has emerged as the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and hope to millions of Americans. Previous McDonald’s Gospelfest participants have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, including the renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker.
Prudential Center is located at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark, New Jersey.
