With silver anniversary, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration brings football and faith to Super Week in Las Vegas

With silver anniversary, Super Bowl Soulful Celebration brings football and faith to Super Week in Las Vegas

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 25th ANNIVERSARY, (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. 

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 & FireKirk FranklinMary 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 HamlinBuffalo Bills (S), will be presented with the New Beginnings Award, recognizing his dedication, resilience, and inspiring journey in overcoming obstacles to achieve success.
  • Markquese BellDallas 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 25th ANNIVERSARY 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 25th ANNIVERSARY 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
Former NFL wide receiver and co-host of CBS Mornings, Nate Burleson to host “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”

Former NFL wide receiver and co-host of CBS Mornings, Nate Burleson to host “Best of Super Bowl Gospel Celebration”

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.  

For more information, visit www.superbowlsoulful.com or follow @superbowlsoulful. 

The SMG Report