McDonald's Gospelfest facts for kids

The McDonald's Gospelfest is a yearly event that celebrates gospel music. It's a big talent competition and also helps raise money for important causes. This festival takes place in Newark, New Jersey.

About Gospelfest: What It Is

The McDonald's Gospelfest started in 1983. It is sponsored by McDonald's. This exciting event happens every spring. Since 2008, it has been held at the Prudential Center. The final night of the competition is a huge show. It is put together and hosted by A. Curtis Farrow.

This event can last for many hours. Parts of it have been shown on TV, like on WABC-TV and WWOR-TV. More than a thousand talented people perform at Gospelfest. Many call it the "largest collection of gospel talent ever." It is also known as the "most spectacular gospel celebration in the nation." After Gospelfest, there's a national tour called McDonald's Inspiration Celebration.

The History of Gospelfest

Gospelfest takes place at the Prudential Center.

The McDonald's Gospelfest began in 1983. It was started by the McDonald's Corporation and local McDonald's owners. This event has become a very important way to raise money. It helps support education in local communities. Millions of dollars have been given out as scholarships.

Over the years, the competition has been held in many famous places. These include the Hammerstein Ballroom and Madison Square Garden. Since 2008, the Gospelfest has been held at the Prudential Center. This was for its 25th anniversary. Parts of the show have won awards. For example, WABC won New York Emmy Awards in 2000 and 2001. Since 2006, the show has been on WWOR-TV. A. Curtis Farrow, who founded the event, directs and hosts it.

Newark has a rich history of gospel and jazz music. Many famous artists got their start there. Cissy Houston, a well-known singer, has been a big supporter of Gospelfest. She also helped the New Hope Baptist Church.

How the Competition Works

Before the main Gospelfest, auditions are held. These tryouts happen in the tri-state area. This includes New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. There are many different categories for performers.

Competition Categories

There are fourteen exciting categories 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

Gospelfest 2023

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

Gospelfest 2021: A Holy Ghost Party

The 38th annual Gospelfest was planned for May 9, 2020. However, it was moved to May 8, 2021. This was because officials decided to pause the event. The show featured many famous gospel singers. These included Yolanda Adams, Kelly Price, and Hezekiah Walker. Other special guests like Erica Campbell also performed.

Gospelfest 2019: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin

The 2019 Gospelfest took place on Saturday, May 11, 2019. It was held at the Prudential Center. The event honored the legendary singer Aretha Franklin. Performers included Tamar Braxton, Yolanda Adams, and Shirley Caesar.

Gospelfest 2018: Praise Break

The 36th Annual McDonald's Gospelfest was on Saturday, May 12. It took place at Newark Symphony Hall. The event featured many gospel artists. These included Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Jekalyn Carr, and Cissy Houston.

Gospelfest 2017

The 2017 Gospelfest continued the Mother’s Day weekend tradition. It was held on Saturday, May 13. This year’s event featured artists like Donnie McClurkin, Erica Campbell, and Fantasia Barrino.

Gospelfest 2016: Honor Thy Mother

This event was held on Saturday, May 7, 2016. It was part of Mother’s Day Weekend. The show featured Yolanda Adams, Tamela Mann, and Shirley Caesar.

Gospelfest 2015: When the Choir Meets the Quartet

This Gospelfest took place on May 9, 2015. It brought together different styles of gospel music. Performers included Bishop Hezekiah Walker & LFC and Ricky Dillard & New G. The Clark Sisters also performed.

Gospelfest 2014: Women Who Worship

The 2014 Gospelfest was on Saturday, May 10. This was just before Mother's Day. Auditions for this event were held in January. The show featured many popular female gospel artists. These included Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans, and CeCe Winans.

Gospelfest 2013

Auditions for Gospelfest 2013 happened in January. The main show was on May 11, 2013. It lasted for eight hours. Famous performers included Aretha Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Lecrae.

Gospelfest 2012: Honor Thy Mother

This event took place on May 12, 2012, for Mother's Day. One thousand performers were chosen from 80,000 people. Headliners included Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, and Mary Mary. The festival also honored Whitney Houston. She had roots in Newark and had passed away earlier that year.

Gospelfest 2011: The Mighty Men of Valour

On June 18, 2011, this Father's Day show took place. More than 1,100 competitors were chosen from over 40,000 auditions. Some of the biggest names in gospel performed. These included Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Bishop TD Jakes. This event showed how gospel music was changing and growing.

Gospelfest 2010

There were 80,000 people who auditioned for Gospelfest 2010. Out of these, 850 were chosen to perform. The event happened on June 19, 2010. Headliners included Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, and Hezekiah Walker.

Gospelfest 2009: What a Fellowship

Over 80,000 people auditioned for Gospelfest 2009. More than 1,500 competitors took part on Saturday, June 13, 2009. The concert after the competition featured many stars. These included Patti LaBelle, Donnie McClurkin, and CeCe Winans.

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

On June 14, 2008, Gospelfest celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. For the first time, it was held at the Prudential Center. This new arena allowed more performers and audience members. Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and Vickie Winans were among the headliners.

See also

• GMA Dove Award
• African-American Music Appreciation Month