McDonald's Gospelfest facts for kids

The McDonald's Gospelfest is a big annual event in Newark, New Jersey. It's a gospel music festival, a talent show, and a fundraiser all rolled into one! It brings together many talented singers and performers.

What is Gospelfest?

This special event started in 1983. McDonald's has been its main sponsor since the beginning. Gospelfest happens every spring. Since 2008, it has been held at the Prudential Center, a large arena.

The final night of the event is a big contest and celebration. It is put together and hosted by A. Curtis Farrow. Many people say it's the "largest collection of gospel talent ever assembled." It's also called the "most spectacular gospel celebration in the nation." Parts of the event have even been shown on TV.

A Look at Its History

Gospelfest takes place at the Prudential Center

McDonald's Gospelfest began in 1983. It was started by the McDonald's Corporation and local McDonald's owners. This event is very important for raising money. It helps support education in local communities. Over the years, it has given out millions of dollars in scholarships.

The competition has been held in many different places. These include the Hammerstein Ballroom and Madison Square Garden. Since 2008, it has found a home at the Prudential Center. TV stations like WABC and WWOR-TV have broadcast parts of the show. WABC even won New York Emmy Awards for its religious programming in 2000 and 2001.

A. Curtis Farrow, who founded Irving Street Rep in Newark, produces and hosts the Gospelfest. The Newark area has a rich history of gospel music. Many famous artists have come from there. Cissy Houston, a well-known singer, has been a big supporter of the New Hope Baptist Church and the Gospelfest.

The Competition

Before the main Gospelfest event, auditions are held. These tryouts happen in the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut region. Many talented people try out to be part of the show.

There are fourteen different categories for performers to compete in:

• Praise Dance Group
• Praise Dance Solo-Trio
• Gospel Rap
• Gospel Comedian
• Gospel Poetry
• Step
• Adult Choir
• Group Soul
• Contemporary
• Spanish Language Soloist
• Teen Soloist
• Gospel Soloist
• Youth Choir
• Out-of-Town Choir

Recent Gospelfest Events

2023: 40th Anniversary

In May 2023, the festival celebrated a big milestone. It held its 40th anniversary event!

2021: A Holy Ghost Party

The 38th annual Gospelfest was originally planned for May 2020. However, it was moved to May 8, 2021. This event featured many famous gospel artists. Some of them included Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, Hezekiah Walker, and Tramaine Hawkins. Local artists also performed.

2019: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin

The 2019 Gospelfest took place on May 11, 2019. It was held at the Prudential Center. This year's event honored the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. The lineup included stars like Tamar Braxton, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, and Fred Hammond.

2018: Praise Break

The 36th Annual McDonald's Gospelfest was on May 12, 2018. It took place at Newark Symphony Hall. This event featured artists such as Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Jekalyn Carr, and Cissy Houston.

2017

On May 13, 2017, Gospelfest continued its tradition. It was held on Mother's Day weekend. Performers included Donnie McClurkin, Erica Campbell, and Fantasia Barrino.

2016: Honor Thy Mother

This event was held on May 7, 2016, during Mother's Day Weekend. It featured well-known artists like Yolanda Adams, Tamela Mann, and Shirley Caesar.

2015: When the Choir Meets the Quartet

On May 9, 2015, this Gospelfest brought together different styles of gospel music. It included Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy.

2014: Women Who Worship

The 2014 Gospelfest took place on May 10, just before Mother's Day. Auditions were held in January. This year celebrated many popular female gospel artists. Some of them were Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans, CeCe Winans, and Yolanda Adams.

2013

Auditions for Gospelfest 2013 were in January. The show itself was on May 11, 2013. It was a long event, lasting eight hours. It featured performances by Aretha Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Hezekiah Walker.

2012: Honor Thy Mother

On May 12, 2012, one thousand performers took the stage. They were chosen from 80,000 people who tried out! Headliners included Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, and Mary Mary. The festival also honored Whitney Houston, who had passed away earlier that year. Her funeral was held at the New Hope Baptist Church.

2011: The Mighty Men of Valour

This event was held on June 18, 2011, for Father's Day. More than 1,100 competitors performed. They were chosen from over 40,000 people who auditioned. Big names in gospel like Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin were there. This Gospelfest showed how gospel music is changing and growing.

2010

In 2010, 850 performers were chosen from 80,000 auditions. The event took place on June 19, 2010. Headliners included Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, and Hezekiah Walker.

2009: What a Fellowship

Over 1,500 competitors took part in the Gospelfest on June 13, 2009. This was out of more than 80,000 people who auditioned. The concert after the competition featured Patti LaBelle, Donnie McClurkin, and CeCe Winans.

2008: 25 Years of Glory - Let There be Peace!

On June 14, 2008, Gospelfest celebrated its 25th anniversary. For the first time, it was held at the recently opened Prudential Center. This allowed more performers and a bigger audience. Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Hezekiah Walker were among the stars who performed.

See also

• GMA Dove Award
• African-American Music Appreciation Month