(New York)ย January 31, 2014 was a night of music, praise and spirit-filled performances. The mega-event, sponsored byย American Family Insurance (AFI), was co-hosted by television show hostย Wendy Williamsย and EXTRA TV correspondentย AJ Calloway. The evening was full of great performances, memorable moments and appearances by NFL players and special guests, all on one stage to celebrate the love of faith, gospel music and football.
This yearโs Super Bowl Gospel Celebration was led by renowned Music Directorย Ray Chewย (American Idol, BET Awards, Miss Universe 2013) and special guest appearances includedย Reverend Jesse Jackson, who blessed the entire theater with a special prayer; and surprise performersย Kierra Sheard,ย Doug E. Freshย andย Papa Sanย who joinedย Donnie McClurkinย in a praise-filled, reggae inspired performance.
Since its inception in 1999, theย Super Bowl Gospel Celebrationย has donated a portion of its proceeds and more than 5,500 tickets to local and national charities. This yearโs benefactor isย St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital.
Introduced byย Alicia Matthews, Director of Multicultural Marketing and Business Development for St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital, a special moment at this yearโs concert included St. Jude patientย Markell, a cancer survivor who shared his inspiring story of courage and triumph that touched the hearts of everyone in audience.


Photo Credit – Getty Images for Super Bowl



The biggest highlight of the evening was legendary entertainer and GRAMMYยฎ Award-winning singerย Patti LaBelle, who performed a duet of โIf Only You Knewโ and โSomebody Loves You Babyโ with special guest โ Season 12ย American Idolย winnerย Candice Glover.ย Ms. LaBelleย also performed โWhen Youโve Been Blessed,โ bringing the audience to their feet in awe of the iconic performer.



Source: ย Press Release.