A duet by Fantasia and mom Diane Barrino-Barber, a moving tribute to ten year host Steve Harvey, and gospel legends that brought the audience to their feet were among the evenings offerings at downtown LA’s Orpheum Theatre, the scene of the taping of BET’s 10th annual “Celebration of Gospel.”

The gloomy LA rain was no match for the celebration as the enthusiastic crowd gave ovations for almost every performance including gospel greats Bebe and Cece Winans, Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Fred Hammond, Rance Allen Group, and James Fortune to name a few from the evening’s stellar line-up.

A moving tribute to Steve Harvey’s ten years as host brought out a rarely seen side in the funny man as he was reduced to tears. He was comforted by his wife at his side, whom he told the crowd almost didn’t make it in to the show.

Actress Elise Neal, doing commentary for the evening stated that Steve’s wife hailed from Memphis as she did, which he then turned into a series of back and forth banter with his wife in the front row. Harvey wanted to know who was the man seated next to her, why was he in a coat as it was hot in there.

The seat-fillers for the talent were a moving target for the funny man too, as they made their way down the aisle during commercial breaks. The comedian entertained the audience putting the show staff on the spot claiming they were setting him up with wrong directions, the latest in church sayings, and his challenges with being a ‘young Christian.’

Shirley Caesar and Dr. Bobby Jones seated prominently in the audience, told the crowd of upcoming projects. The evening’s many duets included Anthony and Tarsha Hamilton, Kelly Price and Ledisi, Bebe and Cece Winans and an animated Fanatasia and Diane Barino Barber.

Red carpet arrivals featuring tastefully toned down ensembles, the most popular color choices being black and beige, and the favorite hairstyle, an asymetrical bob rocked at different lengths by Fantasia, Elise Neal, and Kelly Price as most recently seen on pop princess Rihanna. “Sunday Best”

winner Y’anna Crawley’s ensemble stole the spotlight for the carpet’s edgiest outfit with her spiked, studded trend footwear. Stephen Hill was spotted walking the carpet in jeans and black taking pictures with the evening’s talent, perhaps opting for comfort in his role as exec producer.

The behind the scenes goings on and pictures are available online, and all the acts from the 10th Anniversary “Celebration of Gospel” can be witnessed January 10th on BET.

With some of the most memorable moments and powerful performances on television, it’s hard to believe BET’s annual special, Celebration of Gospel, marks its 10th anniversary this year. The BET special will air Sunday, January 10, 2010.

This year’s Celebration of Gospel continues the tradition of uplifting messages, and inspired performances of song and spoken word with a roster of talented artists and personalities blessing the fame Los Angeles Orpheum Theatre. The evening is hosted by bestselling author, radio host and King of Comedy, Steve Harvey, who brings his signature touch of class, laughs and style to the festivities.

A 24-piece orchestra led by world-renowned musical director Ray Chew is at the center of what can only be described as a spirited musical gala. Throughout the evening a chorus of gifted gospel and mainstream artists will hit the stage. “American Idol” winner Fantasia and her mother Diane Barrino Barber will perform, as will Anthony Hamilton and his wife Tarsha Hamilton. Grammy Award-winning family act BeBe and CeCe Winans are back on the gospel scene with a hit song and an exciting duet. Deborah Cox, Kelly Price and Tamia may be best known to some for their R&B careers, but will rejoice in their deep gospel roots.

BET’s “Sunday Best” winner Y’Anna Crawley is no stranger to the BET stage, and will show why she won the popular gospel competition. “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd also lends her star power and faith to the evening; and of course gospel superstars Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune & FIYA, Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing, Dr. Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir, The Rance Allen Group, and P.S.A.L.M. Choir from the City Of Refuge round out this electrifying evening of praise and worship.

Don’t miss the 10th annual Celebration of Gospel, Sunday, January 10, 2010 on BET. 10 years, faithfully yours!

Multi-platinum selling R&B/Gospel Superstars BeBe & CeCe Winans are together again ready to release their first album together in over 15 years. As fan anticipation mounts, BeBe and CeCe have released their single Close to You on ITunes so fans can get a taste of what is to come.

On Tuesday, June 30, diehard followers and newcomers alike can experience what many have been waiting for, a sample of BeBe and CeCe’s forthcoming project. The Close To You single has already received rave reviews across the airwaves and for those who have yet to experience the chemistry this dynamic duo has, hold on to your seat!

Beginning their career together in 1987, this dynamic duo has garnered many successes with the crossover hits “Heaven”, “Addictive Love”, “I’ll Take You There” and “I’m Lost Without You”.

BeBe and CeCe’s 20 year career in music includes multiple platinum and gold albums in both the Gospel and R&B music genres, numerous awards including 5 Grammy Awards, 8 Doves Awards, over 12 Stellar Awards, 2 NAACP Awards, 12+ charting R&B singles, and countless #1 Christian and Gospel radio singles.

BeBe and CeCe are planning their Reunion Tour for Fall 2009. It’s a date you won’t want to miss. Keep watching for details.

CeCe Winans Bio Image

Priscilla Winans Love (born on October 8, 1964) and known professionally as CeCe Winans, is an American Gospel singer and winner of numerous Grammy Awards and Stellar Awards.

Early life

CeCe Winans was born in Detroit, Michigan to David and Delores (”Mom” and “Pop”) Winans. She’s the eighth of ten children, and the oldest of three girls.

BeBe & CeCe

Around time that Winans had been accepted to college, the television show “The PTL Club” (now known as “Praise the Lord”) took interest in her and her brother Benjamin (BeBe) as potential background vocalists for the show. They were accepted after going to North Carolina to audition. BeBe and CeCe moved to the PTL campus in North Carolina, and were on the show for about five years. It was during this time that CeCe met her husband, Alvin Love, Jr. who was also from Detroit. During their time on The PTL Club, BeBe & CeCe recorded Lord Lift Us Up on PTL’s label following popular demand on the show. The success yielded another effort, “Feels Like Heaven (With You)”. Eventually the success warranted another effort: a full length album.

BeBe and CeCe left PTL to pursue their singing career and recorded four more albums including Heaven, Different Lifestyles, First Christmas, and Relationships. In 1995, BeBe and CeCe split up to pursue solo careers and other interests. However CeCe Winans’ official website indicates that the two will release a reunion album in 2008. BeBe & CeCe performed their classic song “Hold Up The Light” with one of CeCe’s former background vocalists, Melinda Doolittle, on the 2007 American Idol finale. Winans co-hosted the 2008 Stellar Awards alongside Kirk Franklin and Byron Cage in January 2008.

Solo career

CeCe began her solo career with the Gold certified album Alone in His Presence. It was released in 1995 and earned her a Grammy Award and 2 Dove Awards including the Female Vocalist of the Year, an award she earned again in 1997. Winans’ next release, Everlasting Love was released in 1998. The song “On That Day” from the album was written and produced by R&B singer Lauryn Hill. Later that year, Winans released His Gift a holiday album.

In 1999, Winans started her own recording company, “PureSprings Gospel”. Her first album on the label was Alabaster Box in 1999. Some production of the disc was done by Gospel singer and musician, Fred Hammond. It included a guest appearance by Take 6. In 2000 Cece released a concert VHS titled Live At The Lambs Theater in New York. The concert contained songs from her previous albums. Winans released her next album, the self titled CeCe Winans, in 2001. The single “Anybody Wanna Pray” included a guest appearance by GRITS. The second single, “Say A Prayer” crossed over into the CCM market.

Winans took a two year break from releasing albums and returned in 2003 with Throne Room. The first 1,000 copies were issued with a bonus CD that contained exclusive interviews with the artist, the making of the CD, some touring footage, and the music video “More Than What I Wanted” (which came from the 2001 release). In 2004, the 25 city tour Throne Room featured free admission and was followed with a DVD release of the concert recorded in Tennessee near CeCe’s place of residence. Live In the Throne Room contained tracks from all of Winans’ albums. Around September 2004, Winans experienced what she thought was a flu but turned out to be a serious stomach infection and was hospitalized immediately for surgery. Due to the extended recovery time, the second half of the Throne Room Tour was postponed to early 2005.

Winans’ 7th album Purified was released in 2005. Producers on board for the project were longtime BeBe & CeCe collaborator Keith Thomas, and CeCe’s nephew Mario Winans. Winans’ son Alvin III also co-writes several songs on the album and younger sisters Angie and Debbie Winans make an appearance as well.

CeCe’s collection of Top Ten R&B radio hits include “Count on Me”, her duet with Whitney Houston, from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. The single was certified Gold in the U.S. and reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, #4 on the Adult Contemporary chart and #8 on the Billboard R&B Singles charts. She has also released her 8th Album Thy Kingdom Come on April 1st, to feature the single “Waging War.” The first single released from the album “Thy Will Be Done,” was released digitally on iTunes on April 1, 2008