BET Taps Taraji Henson to Host Celebration of Gospel 2014

Taraji Henson - photo by Royalty Image

Taraji P. Henson will succeed Steve Harvey as host of the 14th BET Celebration of Gospel 2014 show.

The Celebration of Gospel brings together, on one platform, the best voices from both the secular and gospel music worlds.

The Oscar nominated actress known for her roles as Yvette in the popular film "Baby Boy" and Shug in "Hustle and Flow" was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" in which she starred opposite Brad Pitt.

Taraji P Henson - Photo by Royalty Image

She will take over from Harvey who has hosted this two-hour prasie-a-thon for the past 13 years.

"I am thrilled to join the BET "Celebration of Gospel" family. I look forward to a great evening of incredible music and continuing the rich history of BET and gospel music which started 14 years ago hosted by the talented and very funny Steve Harvey," shared Henson.

Last year, Le'Andria Johnson and Tyrese Gibson, Tamela Mann, Anita Baker, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Yolanda Adams all performed. Expected to perform this year is "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, BET's "Sunday Best" winner LeAndria Johnson, and soulful crooner Kem, who will join forces to raise the praise as a triumphant trio. Acoustic soul artist India.Arie will team up with Christian contemporary artist Jonathan McReynolds for a special performance.

Pastor Shirley Caesar performing at the 2013 Celebration of Gospel (photo courtesy of BET Networks)

BET's annual gospel music special, "Celebration of Gospel" tapes Saturday, March 15 at 7 p.m./PST at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, CA, and will premiere on Sunday, April 6 at 8 p.m./EST.

Yolanda Adams on stage at the 2013 Celebration of Gospel - courtesy of BET Networks

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