LOS ANGELES — December 2, 2008 —BET will “Raise the Praise” on Sunday, January 25 at 8PM* with  its ninth annual mega-hit, CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL. With a 24-piece orchestra led by world-renowned musical director Ray Chew, the show will again be hosted by veteran comedian, actor and popular syndicated radio personality, Steve Harvey, who has hosted CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL since its inception.

Each year this exciting show brings new awe-inspiring performances and spoken word segments by both mainstream and gospel greats and this year will be no different. Taking to the stage will be hip-hop icon LL Cool J, Oscar winner, Lou Gossett Jr., along with gospel supernovas, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Bobby Jones & 21:03, Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans, Smokie Norful & Heather Headley, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Hezekiah Walker & LFC, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, and direct from the United Kingdom, Contemporary Christian artist Muyiwa & Riversongz. These are just a few of the artists who will “Raise the Praise” on Wednesday, December 10 at 6 p.m.* at Los Angeles’ historic Orpheum Theater. 

Last year’s show boasted performances by R&B and soul singer-songwriter Patti Labelle, R&B chart topper John Legend, gospel songstress Yolanda Adams, gospel music singer and author Kirk Franklin and spoken word selections by Rev. Jesse Jackson, actor Henry Simmons among other offerings.

CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL is produced by Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming & Specials, BET, Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET and Marilyn Gill.