On Sunday January 25th at 8pm BET will “Raise the Praise” with its ninth annual mega-hit, Celebration of Gospel. The show is set to record on Wednesday December 10th at the famed Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, CA at 6 pm. Free tickets are available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis by submitting a request via BETRSVP@bet.net or calling (202) 608-2617.

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. The program was rated the number one gospel program on television last year.

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, Louis Gossett Jr., along with gospel supernovas, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Dr. Bobby Jones with the Nashville Super Choir and 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.

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.