The DVD starts off big with performances by Kirk Franklin doing "Declaration (This Is It)" and "Walk Around Heaven" sung by Patti LaBelle. Once Mrs. LaBelle left the stage, Dr. Bobby Jones and J Moss appeared to sing "Thank You Lord."
After this powerful performance, actor Henry Simmons (Another World) stood up and recited a lead-in for John Legend to both sing and play the piano for the song, "Show Me." When the performance returned from a commercial break, the final four contestants, and the winner of the BET reality TV series Sunday Best joined Fred Hammond to sing "Spirit of the Lord / Loud, Loud."
When the Sunday Best were done with their part, BeBe Winans sang "I Feel Like Going On / I Got A Feeling" and then J Moss returned to the stage, this time accompanied by Kierra "KiKi" Sheard to perform the "Jump Jump" in a fittingly energetic manner. Kirk Franklin also returns to the stage, this time performing "Jesus" and then Pastor Shirley Caesar sang the inspiring "Never" and preached the story of her injured brother.
Rev. Jesse Jackson even took the stage to retell the story of a drowning man's gratitude towards God after being saved and expresses his feelings for not being able to make it without God, which was a great lead in for Marvin Sapp to sing a song to that respect. This ends in the entire theater standing up and praising God and Jesus for helping them get through the rough times in their lives.
Obviously a main focus of this special is the music, and with such a wide assortment of R&B and Gospel stars, it isn't lacking in that department. I was especially impressed with Ray Chew and the Ray Chew Orchestra that supported these varied artists in their different flavors.
Special Features include "Wise Words with Pastor Shirley Caesar" where BET interviews the pastor about the event, BET and Gospel in general, while the other featurette, "Access Gospel", hosted by the host of Sunday Best, is an all access pass to the behind the scenes events, practices, parties and red-carpet interviews surrounding the Spirit in Song event.
Celebration of Gospel: Spirit in Song is a great choice for anyone interested in Gospel and the uplifting spiritual songs that these various artists perform. If you missed the special when it was on BET, then this DVD is your chance to experience the power of Gospel like never before.
