Unforgettable Celebration of Faith, Music, and Football Features Iconic Throwback Performances and Collaborations by Gladys Knight, Snoop Dogg, Fantasia, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Doug E. Fresh, Donnie McClurkin & More
Get ready for a soul-stirring musical journey just in time for the holidays as the “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration,” Presented by P&G, premieres in national syndication on November 18, airing through January 28. Hosted by former NFL wide receiver and co-host of CBS Mornings, Nate Burleson, the “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration” pays tribute to the iconic moments that have shaped this community-event-turned-television-special over the past twenty-four years. It’s a one-hour celebration of faith, a showcase of extraordinary talent, and a testament to the power of unity.
For nearly a quarter of a century, the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, now rebranded as the “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration,” has been a beacon of inspiration during the biggest week in sports. Founded and Executive Produced by Atlanta-based marketing executive Melanie Few, this event seamlessly intertwines the worlds of faith, music, and football, becoming a cherished tradition during the lead-up to the Super Bowl. It stands as the only NFL-sanctioned multicultural program during Super Bowl week, attracting the world’s attention with its extraordinary performances and uplifting messages.
“As a former NFL player, I’ve witnessed firsthand how coming together and finding inspiration impacts not just the game but life beyond the field. Now, stepping into the role of hosting the ‘Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration,’ we’re diving back into twenty-five years of heartwarming memories. This amazing look back highlights performances we’ll never forget, incredible collaborations, and players sharing stories of hope and strength. It really shows how music, faith, and football are interconnected, making this event something truly special.”
Nate Burleson, celebrated Emmy Award-winning studio analyst for the CBS Sports NFL pregame show, “The NFL Today.
“Reflecting on this remarkable journey toward our Silver Anniversary, I couldn’t be prouder to present the ‘Best Of’ Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Twenty-four years ago we brought together champions, uniting their powerful testimonies with musical performances that elevated our spirits beyond measure,” recalled Few, also the visionary founder of the all-NFL Players Choir. “The ‘Best Of’ special is a testament to the incredible evolution and legacy of this event, showcasing the pinnacle of talent and heartfelt moments that have graced our stage.”
In this special “Best Of” TV event, extraordinary throwback performances rekindle the magic created by renowned artists from the past. Soulful renditions by icons like Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, and Fantasia, as well as the spirited collaboration of Snoop Dogg, the late Rance Allen, and The Clark Sisters, take the audience on a trip down memory lane. Performances from Doug E. Fresh, Donnie McClurkin, Kierra Sheard Kelly, The Player’s Choir featuring Jekalyn Carr and Ben Tankard get viewers lifted, while the powerful voices of Yolanda Adams and Le’Andria Johnson create an emotional crescendo. Lecrae and Koryn Hawthorn captivate the audience with their powerful blend of rap and soul, while a spectacular reunion performance by the legendary gospel supergroup Commissioned, featuring Marvin Sapp and Fred Hammond promises an unforgettable highlight of the evening. Each performance becomes a stepping stone on a journey through musical excellence and spiritual upliftment.
Scenes from Super Bowl Soulful Celebration in Mesa, Arizona (2023)
Reaching a broad and diverse audience, the show will be syndicated to households across the nation, including but not limited to Chicago (NBC), Washington, DC (CW), Detroit (CBS), Tampa (CW), Orlando (ABC), Raleigh, NC (CBS), Baltimore, MD (CBS), Memphis (FOX), Seattle (CW) and many more. Viewers may check local listings for airdates, times and stations in their area. In addition to national syndication, this special will be available on Hulu.
With preparations underway to celebrate the Silver Anniversary Super Bowl Soulful Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Pearl Theater, Palms Casino Resort during Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, this television special serves as a fitting prelude. It sets the stage for what promises to be an even more remarkable and memorable evening honoring 25 years of bringing people together through the shared love of music, faith, and the game of football. Ticket sales begin Dec. 1 at Ticketmaster.com.
The “Best Of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration” is presented by Procter & Gamble and its trusted, quality brands: Bounty®, Crest®, Febreze®, and Gillette®. The “Best Of” is also sponsored by NFL Player Engagement (NFLPE). Valarie Benning Thompson serves as producer.
Girls Do Ballet Inc. will roll out its newest fundraising experience that celebrates its ambassadors and helps raise vital funds to support young dancers and local small studios
On September 30, 2023, Brown Girls Do Balletwill be hosting their first ever “The Ballerina’s Ball” at Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth, Texas. The Ballerina’s Ball is a celebration for Brown Girls Do Ballet ambassadors from around the world and help raise vital funds to support young dancers in their continued training.
Brown Girls Do Ballet will be granting 2 scholarships and a small studio grant that will be used to help offset costs to young dancers in training from classes to pointe shoes and to purchase equipment for a deserving local small studio.
The Ballerina’s Ball will start at 3:00 pm with a Pink Carpet Experience, a silent auction to fundraise for our scholarship program, and a performance by Clover the Violinist. Throughout the event, there will be performances by Ballet Nouveau, Ballet After Dark, The Journey Dance Center, and more.
“I am thrilled to unite the journey of past and present with the incredible individuals who’ve been part of this organization’s growth for the past 11 years. We hope this ball demonstrates the boundless potential of young Brown Girls when empowered with mentorship and resources – not just in dance, but in every sphere.”
Brown Girls Do Ballet founder TaKiyah Wallace
Brown Girls Do Ballet®, a philanthropic organization often featured for its noteworthy Instagram movement, began in 2013 as a personal photography project by TaKiyah Wallace in an effort to highlight girls of African, Asian, East Indian, Hispanic, and Native American ancestry in Ballet programs.
Today, the organization arranges ballet performances, photo exhibitions, and provides resources and scholarships to assist young girls in their ballet development and training. Learn more about Brown Girls Do Ballet at www.browngirlsdoballet.com.
The 2023 Super Bowl Soulful Celebration was a night of uplifting performances, unique tributes, and words of encouragement by NFL players Demario Davis (New Orleans Saints), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles), and hosted by syndicated radio personality Willie Moore, Jr.
One of Gospel music’s prolific artists, Tye Tribbett, kicked off the show with “Get Up” & “We Gon Be Alright,” which brought the audience to its feet. Grammy-winning contemporary gospel artist Israel Houghton set the atmosphere by performing “You Are Good” and “Moving Forward.” The powerhouse gospel music artist Kierra Sheard-Kelly took the audience higher with “Something Has To Break” and a spirited collaboration of her song “Miracles” with the Players Choir. Comprised of current and former NFL Players, the choir celebrated their 15th milestone year in the same city where they first performed together as a group back in 2008. Other players making appearances include Kelvin Beachum of the Arizona Cardinals and Justin Herron of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The legendary Patti LaBelle closed out the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration by performing her signature hits “Something Special (Is Gonna Happen Tonight),” “If Only You Knew,” and more, which kept the audience on its feet, dancing and inspired.
This year’s honoree Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback, Jalen Hurts, received the “Faith In Action” award, which honors current and former NFL Players making an impact in their communities and the lives of others off the field. Nicole Lynn, Hurts’ sports agent and the first black woman to represent a National Football League draft pick, serves as the president of football operations for Klutch Sports Group and accepted the award on Jalen’s behalf.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration brings together NFL players, gospel and contemporary Christian performers, comedy, and award-winning musicians on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hop, laughter, and uplifting messages of inspiration. Produced by Melanie Few, the only woman and person of color, and an NFL-sanctioned event during Super Bowl week.
Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture, formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC), is founded and executive produced by Atlanta-based marketing consultant Melanie Few. Conceived in 1999 as a gospel brunch in Miami, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration continues as the only multicultural program and inspirational event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend. The annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music, laughter, and inspirational messages.
The SMG Report has covered several celebrations and 2023 was the best, ever! Stay tuned to our socials for airdates and updates!
Motivational speaker and philanthropist Kym Feltus has announced the launch of what is bound to be the premier virtual women’s empowerment event of the year! To be co-hosted by actress Vivica A. Fox, this four hour workshop on Saturday, May 15, 2021, is anticipated to be the empowerment event of the year! Other special guest will include Eva Marcille (RHOA), Tyler Lepley (P-Valley on STARZ/Tyler Perry’s The Have and Have Nots), Trina Braxton (Braxton Family Values), Vincent Velazquez(TV One’s ATL Homicide), Isaac Hayes III (Estate Manager and Son of Isaac Hayes), Micah Stampley (gospel recording artist), and more! There will also be special virtual gospel performances from “The Prince of Praise”, Byron Cage, and Dorinda Clark Cole of the legendary gospel group, The Clark Sisters.
The event will be held virtually using the platform “Hopin”. There will be multiple stages, vendor booths, and more all hosted by an array of experts and public figures that will be sure to leave each attendee with an overwhelming sense of empowerment and pride. Topics to be covered during the conference include health & wellness, crossover services, business & entrepreneurship, domestic violence and more! Sponsors that are helping to create this incredible event includes Ampro Pro Styles, Curls, CWK Virtual Experience, Fanbase, The Law Offices of Jamie Feltus, GA Entertainment, The Pink Sugar Box, Pure Soul Powered by Isaac Hayes, Strong Consultants Foundation, Orleans Food, and Bar Chix. For VIP ticket holders there will even be a special New Orleans themed brunch hosted by Stellar Award winning worship leader, Micah Stampley and his wife Heidi.
When asked about her inspiration for creating such an event, founder Kym Feltus says, “I created this based on my own story. I know what it’s like being a victim of domestic violence and I understand the support that it takes in order to overcome this.” She continues, “…It is my goal that people leave feeling excited about the next steps of their journeys as domestic violence survivors with a supportive community to uplift them.”
For the eighth consecutive year, the 22nd Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebrationwill air on BET during Super Bowl LV week on Saturday, February 6th at 8/7c. Kicking off with an opening prayer by author and Pastor Mike Todd, the theme “Nothing Can Stop Us” is the inspirational message for this highly anticipated night of praise and worship during Super Bowl LV. This year’s event will be hosted by national radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley and feature performances by The NFL Players Choir, Erica Campbell, Voices of Fire presented by Pharrell Williams, PJ Morton, Kierra Sheard, Koryn Hawthorne, Zacardi Cortez, and an exclusive performance by gospel music pioneer and living legend John P. Kee.
Additionally, the show will feature appearances from NFL Players Desean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles), Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), Jacoby Brissett (Indianapolis Colts), Teddy Bridgewater (Carolina Panthers), Desean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) and NFL Legend Cris Carter.
The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will present Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson with this year’s “Faith In Action Award,” presented by celebrated NFL Legend Warrick Dunn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Atlanta Falcons). The son of a courageous cancer survivor, Watson is one of the NFL’s youngest philanthropists and is committed to causes that support families and youth in underserved communities.
In collaboration with the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, the American Cancer Society will highlight the need to eliminate barriers to prevention and treatment in the black community during the broadcast. African Americans have the lowest survival rate for most cancers, and the pandemic has caused a devastating drop in cancer screenings. Viewers will be encouraged to donate during the show on BET by texting HOPE to 20222 to donate $10 to the American Cancer Society. Originating at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, the annual event joins key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian, and mainstream GRAMMY® Award-winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music and inspirational messages.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) is the largest multicultural event during the Super Bowl weekend. In its 22-year run as an NFL-sanctioned event, SBGC has featured artists including Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Gladys Knight, Natalie Grant, Mary Mary, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, Anthony Hamilton, among many others. Melanie Few is theFounder and NFL Sanction Holder of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. The show’s Executive Producers are Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, Jamal Noisette, VP of Specials & Music Programming at BET, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, CEO of J. Rou Productions Inc.
For more information, visit superbowlgospel.com and join the social conversation using #SuperBowlGospel and #NothingCanStopUs.
Click to listen to our interview Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie as she talks to us about SELAH 2020
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first woman elected to this position in the denomination’s 233-year history, and presiding prelate of more than 200 churches in Texas, has joined forces with Minnie’s Food Pantry, to feed the growing number of North Texas families facing food insecurity. Bishop McKenzie will host a virtual edition of her annual leadership conference, SELAH: The Main Event, on November 20-21, 2020. The event is open to the public and forty percent of registration will go to Minnie’s Food Pantry. Attendees can register at bit.ly/SelahMainEvent.
Named one of the top eleven conferences for women who want to level up by Essence Magazine, Selah is a place for leaders to reset, refresh, and recalibrate. This year’s line-up includes power-packed speakers and performers, including Grammy-award winning recording artist, Marvin Sapp; author, Minda Harts; master entrepreneur, Gloria Mayfield Banks; author, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams-Bryant, preacher and author, including her newest book, “Together: A Biblical Meditation and Guide to Enrich Covenant Marriage”; Nicole Fortune, National Manager, Customer Relations Toyota Lexus Financial; Rev. Dr. Danielle Brown, pastor of church life at Cathedral International; Nicole Roberts Jones, nationally recognized transformational speaker and bankroll your brilliance expert; and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.
“There are thousands of families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of them have food security issues for the first time in their lives,” said Bishop Vashti McKenzie. “We felt compelled to support Chery Jackson and Minnie’s Food Pantry to help her help hurting families. We invite our Selah women and the Dallas Metroplex to join us.”
Each year, SELAH partners with an organization to make an impact in the community. This year, they are partnering with Minnie’s Food Pantry to feed families for the holidays. With the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, job loss and unemployment at an all-time high, the number of North Texas families facing food insecurity has increased by nearly 60% since this time last year.
“From March until June of 2020, more than 1.9 billion meals were distributed nationwide to people facing hunger. Minnie’s Food Pantry has distributed 3 million meals since March and food pantries are giving out 60 percent more food than an average month,” said Cheryl Jackson, CEO and founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry. “The need is greater than ever and generosity of neighbors all across the country is a necessity to keep up with this demand.”
