Vickie Winans
By Isseu Diouf Campbell and Don Sherrill
The anticipated McDonald’s Gospelfest returned May 12, 2012, bringing its annual talent competition, concerts series and comedy show to the Prudential Center in New Jersey.
Rising stars competed in a variety of categories including “Soloists,” “Youth Choir,” “Adult Choir,” “Praise Dance,” “Step,” “Singing Groups” and “Gospel Rappers.”
After the competition, some of the biggest names in gospel including Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, Mary-Mary, Fred Hammond, Vickie Winans and Cissy Houston performed, and there was a special comedy set by Steve Harvey.
The 2012 McDonald’s Gospelfest winners, and their respective categories, are: “Che Che da Supastar of East Orange, N.J. (Gospel Rap); Isaac Zellner, Freeport, N.Y, (Praise Dance Solo-Trio); Steppers With Class, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (Step); Jah ‘Kev Prod. Performance Ensemble, Winston-Salem, N.C. (Praise Dance Group); Greater Central Jersey Community Choir, Plainfield, N.J. (Adult Choir); Evangelist Barbara Daniels and God’s Gift, Passaic, N.J. (Group); Denise Perez, Bronx, N.Y. (Spanish Language Solo); Jose Figueroa, Jr., Bronx, N.Y. (Adult Solo); Chaude Cymone Taylor, Central Islip, N.Y. (Teen Solo); and Joy Unlimited Youth Choir, Philadelphia, Pa. (Youth Choir).
The McDonald’s Gospelfest competition, produced by Emmy award-winning producer A. Curtis Farrow, has been an important fundraising event, supporting education opportunities within local communities since its start in 1983.
Photos of the event
