The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, a one-hour music special, in partnership with the NFL, tapes Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Pearl Theater, Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, in advance of Super Bowl LVIII, airing Sunday, Feb. 11 on CBS. Tickets on Sale Now at Tickmaster.com.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will celebrate 25 wonderful years as the only event of its kind during Super Week when it tapes its annual special at the Pearl Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Through the years, the celebration has brought together athletes and gospel artists during the biggest week in sports. Many times, it is the kickoff to Super Week and gives concertgoers a chance to see marquee athletes’ faith in action!
CBS today announced performances and player honorees for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY, (previously known as the “Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”), airing Saturday, Feb. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs)*. Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold of CBS’ THE NEIGHBORHOOD will host.
The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration is marking its 25th anniversary this year — and our very own @NateBurleson will receive the Lifetime of Inspiration Award.
Also announced today on CBS MORNINGS, co-host, Nate Burleson, will be honored on the special with the “Lifetime of Inspiration” Award. The honor will celebrate Burleson’s substantial impact on the NFL and people of faith, as well as recognize his contributions to media, sports, philanthropy, and business. This accolade has been bestowed six times in the event’s 25-year history, recognizing truly exceptional individuals in football who embody excellence, resilience, gratitude, and inspiration, both on and off the field. Previous recipients include Tony Dungy (2009), Ray Lewis (2013), Tim Brown (2015), Troy Vincent (2017), and Deion Sanders (2022).
Additionally, the special will feature an electrifying performance lineup led by Earth, Wind & Fire, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Robin Thicke. Also, the telecast will feature a performance by The Players Choir. This all-player ensemble has become a staple of Super Bowl weekend festivities, captivating audiences with its powerful harmonies and unique blend of NFL talent for 16 seasons. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.
The show will also pay tribute to outstanding NFL players for their remarkable contributions on and off the field. The following players will be honored for their exceptional achievements:
Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills (S), will be presented with the New Beginnings Award, recognizing his dedication, resilience, and inspiring journey in overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
Markquese Bell, Dallas Cowboys (LB), will be honored as the HBCU Player of the Year, celebrating his remarkable achievements and impact while representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
For a quarter-century THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY has captured the hearts of millions through the shared love of music, faith and the exhilaration of football. Bridging cultures and igniting inspiration, the Super Bowl LVIII sanctioned special brings together NFL players with award-winning artists and acclaimed musicians from diverse genres onto a single stage. The result is an unforgettable evening that transcends boundaries and remains the sole multicultural and inspirational program sanctioned by the NFL during the electrifying Super Bowl week.
Tickets for THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY are on sale now and available to the public via Ticketmaster.com. Additionally, to mark this special occasion, exclusive commemorative 25th Anniversary limited-edition merchandise is available via the event’s official website SuperBowlSoulful.com, or on-site at the special taping in Las Vegas, allowing attendees to take home a piece of this historic celebration.
THE SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25thANNIVERSARY is executive produced by Melanie Few, with Valarie Benning Thompson serving as producer. Veteran television creative Leon Knoles serves as Director, with Grammy-nominated artist Adam Blackstone serving as music director.
*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand on Pluto TV and CBS.com the day after the special airs.
For nearly sixteen years, the all-NFL Players Choir has delivered one of the most highly-anticipated musical performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Making its debut in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (now Super Bowl Soulful Celebration), the choir launched with more than 40 active and former NFL players under the direction of Grammy Award-Winning artist, Donnie McClurkin.
Developed by Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few with a core group of NFL players who wanted to share their faith through song, last season the group delivered two fan-favorite performances on the highest-rated television variety competition show “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT) – the classic Bill Withers anthem “Lean on Me” and Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”
To stay up to date with the latest Players Choir news and activities, please follow them on social @PlayersChoir.
EARTH, WIND & FIRE, KIRK FRANKLIN, ROBIN THICKE, MARY MARY, AND THE NFL PLAYERS CHOIR TO PERFORM AT SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY AIRING ON CBS
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 which premiered 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 inspiration, a showcase of extraordinary talent, and a testament to the power of unity. Read more about the special, HERE.
All images courtesy of Super Bowl Soulful Celebration/Front Page Firm
Have we reached a level of autonomy in gospel music that is destroying our sector of the industry?
If I wanted to “get into” gospel music, where would I go? Where is the recommended starting point? That question spurred and inquisitive and introspective afternoon of questions and opinions that I want to share in this article.
Remember when Kirk Franklin told Shannon about his publishing, some people thought it was one entity and other people knew it was another? There used to be multiple streams that all flowed into the same pool. Now there are multiple streams but many of them lead nowhere! We do have labels undergirded by the big three (Sony, Warner, Universal) but what does that mean, now? What does that mean besides having a YouTube or Facebook video stricken for singing one of their songs during church or demonetized for including a song from their catalog in your video? We have radio promotions but many of the BIG gospel stations are owned by companies with no real interest in the genre or the people.
Publications…Journalists…who the heck is going to write about you and reach a mass audience? I can pitch articles to publications but that’s me. I’m one person…I don’t mean re-sharing a press release, either! Where are the people who have a journalistic interest in the furtherance of gospel music? Not just people who can share your content on social media for a fee.
WE STILL DON’T HAVE A GOSPEL MUSIC TRADE ORGANIZATION!
We have tried to make SAGMA this and they never asked us for that burden. The Stellar Awards is an awards show. Mr. Jackson LOVES gospel music; the show is evolving. Save your righteous indignation for something else. Last year, during the lead up to the Stellar Awards, I asked Mr. Jackson if SAGMA and the evolution of Stellar+ programming would lend itself to the work of a trade organization and got a pretty good response to it. There is still no commitment from The Stellars to step into that space nor should we expect that of them. What the Stellar Awards does is award top gospel acts and for that they have earned the respect and adulation of those of who enjoy gospel music and work in that segment of the entertainment industry. I don’t have a beef with the Stellars and will continue to cover the show each year!
GMA (CCM and some gospel), CMA (Country Music), The Recording Academy (those are a few trade organizations) We don’t have one and I’m not sure if we’ll ever have one. GMWA filled this void for years but when the industry shifted away from actually supporting the music we sing in church, GMWA lost its weight in the industry. Where would you go now to break new music? What are we breaking in gospel music now besides our necks to keep up with our friends singing secular music?
Did y’all know that Nicki Minaj hit #1 on the gospel charts a few weeks ago? She did this WHILE openly feuding online and being her usual self. The song features Tasha Cobbs Leonard so it’s no surprise that it’s doing well. When the two teamed up for “I’m Getting Ready,” Cobbs Leonard endured severe backlash despite the song’s success. I don’t dislike Nicki Minaj, I just hope that she one day becomes who she’s clearly called to be in the Lord. When Lil Nas X burst on the scene with his “country” song, it was initially removed on Billboard’s country charts because they said it wasn’t country. I didn’t agree with it but I understood the move. Their governing body spoke up, but in gospel music, we don’t have a governing body. We do still have gatekeepers, if you can still call them that. They clearly misplaced the keys. We’re letting everything in because of toothless hirelings!
You would think that the gospel message would be central to our sector of the industry. Now it sometimes seems weird to meet people who love Jesus, are active in ministry and actually believe the Bible. Can we bring that back or do we need to create an entirely new sector for that? Other genres have filmmakers, authors and other creators as a vibrant sector of their membership. The gospel music industry is just that…music and truthfully only what can get on the radio. Do we care to change that? I have a BIG problem with gospel artists who don’t respect God, the Bible or even the gospel music sector of the entertainment industry. I would rather lose them to secular music than to see them push their real desire on unsuspecting gospel listeners and supporters.
I also have to call out the people making artists’ time and experience in gospel music a nightmare! If you can’t be helpful on general principle, leave these artists where they are! Almost too frequently, artists run to sign with labels who don’t care to elevate them. Instead, these artists are stuck in bad deals, with companies that won’t promote them or simply charge them to use company people or relationships to do the things they did well on their own. We can’t be mad when artists want to leave gospel music to be treated right. We gotta chill with that, y’all!
CHH…why is it a CCM thing? Super random, I know but I’m asking all the questions, today!
Digital Streaming (and purchasing) Platforms have eliminated much of what we even needed a trade organization for. Now that you can simply upload your music and artwork, the actual work and art of engagement is lost. What is also lost is the potential for artists to engage opportunities with their music. Many artists remain oblivious to the many tools these platforms provide to help artists attain a manageable level of success. Why? No one has told them, they don’t read nor do they attend the conferences and workshops that provide this information. By the way, those are the less shiny workshops and some don’t come with performance opportunities. This ignorance is punctuated by their lack of knowledgable representation which means they have no way of learning about opportunities or presenting themselves and their music for said opportunities. I was at a workshop at the Dove Awards when I learned this! Put the mic down and pick the pen up! Learn for what you want to earn!
I remember listening to an artists’ song that ministered to people with suicidal thoughts and struggling with mental health. I don’t know if their manager ever tried, but in my notes to them, I told them that they needed to reach out to organizations and pitch the song for potential campaigns. But if you’re content with radio spins and people hearing your cover of a CCM song, so be it! When is the last time you heard a good gospel song in a movie or tv show? I watch a lot of indie films so I’ve heard a few. Why not connect with music supervisors or find the submission pool to put your music to work? It’s not being streamed but it could be in a movie, tv show or commercial? If you believe in it enough to even submit it! A trade organization would at least post these opportunities and be able to show artists how to take advantage or be considered for them.
Real Christian fellowship is lacking in our industry because we’re suffocating under the weight and false pretense of superficial relationships! We can’t alienate once beloved broadcasters because their station format flipped! We can’t ignore people who make sense because they don’t have a large following. We can’t assume roles of influence even though we know nothing! I’ve seen it happen and it’s causing a deep divide among people who should be doing everything they can to keep our segment of the entertainment industry strong! People should be able to see us in the gospel music industry and see the gospel music permeating through our dealings. That includes equipping artists to thrive in this industry. Instead, our artists are poorly equipped to compete for big opportunities en masse. It’s a shame because these Pop, Country and R&B concerts are jamming to music played by church kids all over the world!
That’s all I have for now. We’re at the midway point of January and here I am starting stuff, already! I haven’t been afraid to stir the pot but this time, I’m grabbing a bigger spoon! I am GUILTY of starting something and I hope it’s engaging conversation as we work to recover control of our sector of the entertainment industry. Let’s talk…
After a virtual year in 2020, a return to previous home sites of Atlanta and Nashville, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards return to the city that truly never sleeps! And, how could you with BIG events at each corner of the city? The Stellar Gospel Music Awards’ return to Las Vegas is heralded but the biggest night in gospel music isn’t the biggest event in the city. The Stellar Awards join the NBA Summer League action, Usher Raymond’s residency at Park MGM, Chris Tucker’s weekend at the Wynn Resort, the WNBA All-Star game, AAU West Coast Championships, AGT Super Stars LIVE, countless musical reviews and attractions.
However, the biggest night in gospel music could be getting even bigger! With a return to Las Vegas, the Stellar Awards are making room for gospel music lovers from all around the world. Early indications are that Saturday’s show is nearly sold out so if you plan to be there, you should probably have already bought your ticket!
The city is excited, the gospel music industry is excited but no one is more excited than Chairman & CEO, Central City Productions, Inc. Founder & Chairman, Stellar TV Network, Mr. Don Jackson. He says of this year’s Stellar Awards, “We’re back in Vegas and we’re there because the Stellar Awards has grown and to accommodate all of these wonderful nominees, the press, the performers and their families and all of that we have more than enough room in Vegas and we’re just so delighted at how they are receiving us at the Orleans arena.”
With the lineup that we have, I feel like a kid again!
Jackson continues, “They are happy to see us coming back to the Orleans. Vegas is a wonderful atmosphere for our pre-show, our involvement with the radio partners and radio stations where we are giving awards…” On Wednesday, during the Stellar Awards Youth Symposium, Mr. Jackson and the Central City Productions were honored with a proclamation proclaiming Saturday July 15th, Stellar Gospel Music Awards Day in Las Vegas by Councilman Cedric Crear.
Youth in attendance were treated to a sit down with Pastor Mike, Jr. and a dance session with celebrity choreographer Rosero McCoy. This year’s performing and visual arts camp carries a theme of passing the torch and Mr. Jackson seems to have passed the torch to his daughter Rhonda Jackson-Simmons who is behind much of the 2023 community involvement effort. This year, Central City Productions introduced the Stellar+ Experience which features one of a kind experiences with gospel music lovers, artists, media and friends leading up to Saturday’s big show.
The Stellar+ Experience comprises highly informative and engaging events as well as new events engaging gospel music lovers, artists, their representation and working media. This year’s show is hosted by Tasha Cobbs- Leonard and Jonathan McReynolds, transformative artists whose connections to listeners extend well beyond the confines of gospel music. Top nominees this year are: Pastor Mike, Jr. (10), Tye Tribbett (9), Maverick City x Kirk Franklin (6), Tasha Cobbs-Leonard (5), Zacardi Cortez (5). Other notable artists with multiple nominations include: Travis Greene & Forward City, JJ Hairston, Maranda Curtis, Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp, and Brent Jones.
CeCe Winans returned like she never left. After a 10 year hiatus, everything she has since touched has turned golden, adding another tier to her already legendary status. Acknowledging her return to dominance in both gospel and Christian music, Winans will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. This year’s James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Reverend Milton Biggham, Pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, NJ and founder of several mass choirs – The Miami Mass Choir, The Mississippi Mass Choir, the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, and the Georgia Mass Choir. Songstress extraordinaire, Dottie Peoples will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award and Dr. Bobby Jones, recognized as a global ambassador of gospel music will receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for his indelible contributions to gospel music.
The Stellar Awards have if nothing else a home away from home in Las Vegas. And with community roots growing and deepening, “sin city” could soon be known in posterity as “Stellar City.” Flights are landing, the saints are hitting the strip and over on Tropicana Avenue at the Orleans Arena, gospel music lovers are preparing to rock the arena and raise the roof with praise!
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards pre-show begins Friday night at 5 PM and the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards begin at 4:30 Saturday afternoon. Record temps in the forecast, get your reprieve in the coolest seats in the city when the gospel music industry converges on the Orleans Arena for the 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards. We’ll be there, stay tuned for our reports and red carpet coverage.
The Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar TV network between July 24 and August 6, 2023, which can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios and Xumo Play. Viewers may check with their local provider for availability in their area.
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!
Marking its 24th year, the groundbreaking music and inspiration extravaganza “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration) returns during Super Bowl LVII week with a live taping on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona.
The only multicultural program and community event sanctioned by the NFL during Super Bowl weekend, the highly anticipated night of music, comedy, NFL Players and soulful inspiration is themed “Unstoppable,” with featured performances from the legendary Patti LaBelle, Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more!
“Super Bowl Soulful Celebration: An Evening of Inspiration and Culture,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration)
In addition to uplifting and inspiring audiences with musical tributes, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration highlights NFL players, their faith and philanthropy. This year, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration will confer its highest honor, the “Faith In Action” Award, to Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback and Super Bowl LVII contender Jalen Hurts.
The “Faith In Action” award honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others off the field. Jalen’s service to the Philadelphia community, numerous charities and his native Texas has aided countless individuals and institutions. Previous recipients of this special recognition include Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Tim Brown, Russell Wilson, Tony Dungy and Troy Vincent, among others.
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 evening brings together an ensemble of NFL players, gospel/contemporary Christian performers, comedy and award-winning musicians spanning all genres on one stage for a spectacular show filled with song, hope, laughter and uplifting messages of inspiration. This year’s show-stopping performers include the illustrious Patti LaBelle, joined by Israel Houghton, The Players Choir and more.
Originating at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, 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.
Past programs have featured show stopping performances from artists such as Yolanda Adams, CeeLo Green, Chloe Bailey, Kirk Franklin, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Patti LaBelle, Erica Campbell, Gladys Knight, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and Anthony Hamilton among others.
The Players Choir, comprised of former NFL players
For fifteen years, the Players Choir has delivered one of the most highly-anticipated musical performances during the biggest weekend in sports, the annual Super Bowl Weekend. Making its debut in 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona during the 9th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (now Super Bowl Soulful Celebration), the choir launched with more than 40 active and former NFL players under the direction of Grammy Award-Winning artist, Donnie McClurkin.
Developed by Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Founder and Executive Producer Melanie Few with a core group of NFL players who wanted to share their faith through song, this summer the group delivered two fan-favorite performances on the highest-rated television variety competition show “America’s Got Talent,” (AGT) – the classic Bill Withers anthem “Lean on Me” and Justin Timberlake’s chart-topping “Can’t Stop The Feeling.”
Led by Grammy-winning Gospel producer Myron Butler, now the choir is back in the city where it all began for a special milestone appearance — current and former NFL Players appearing with the choir include: Bryan Scott, Buffalo Bills; Cameron Newton, Atlanta Falcons; Michael Gaines, Carolina Panthers; Stephen Pierce, Cleveland Browns; Isaiah McKenzie, Buffalo Bills; Tully Banta-Cain, New England Patriots; Jamon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams; Trey Williams, USFL (previously Cowboys); Nathan Palmer, 49ers, Broncos; KeShun Freeman, New Orleans Saints; Dwayne Wright, Buffalo Bills; Prince Amukamara, NY Giants; Willie Yarbary, USFL (previously LA Chargers); Michael Martin, Cincinnati Bengals; and Timothy Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders.
To stay up to date with the latest Players Choir news and activities, please follow them on social @PlayersChoir.
Melanie Few, SBSC founder
Meet the Visionary, Melanie Few
Melanie Few, Founder, Executive Producer, and NFL Sanction Holder of Results Marketing and Media (RMM). Melanie is the only female and person of color with an NFL sanctioned event. She also founded the (NFL) Players Choir in 2014, which has become a staple performance at Super Bowl Soulful Celebration. The Players Choir drew national recognition with their fan favorite appearances on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022. Melanie’s company RMM has partnered with agencies and corporations alike to create, plan and produce over two hundred integrated marketing events, representing more than thirty brands across sixty product categories.
