Gospel's Greatest Voices Gather in New York

McDonald's Gospelfest 2025 represents the 42nd edition of one of the most prestigious gospel music celebrations in the United States. Produced and directed by Emmy Award-winning producer A. Curtis Farrow, who has been with the event for 27 years, this Mother's Day weekend showcase brings together some of gospel music's most revered and influential performers on a Broadway-scale production at Palladium Times Square.

An All-Star Gospel Lineup

The 2025 lineup features Yolanda Adams, one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time with nearly 10 million albums sold worldwide and four Grammy Awards. She will share the stage with Shirley Caesar, the legendary "First Lady of Gospel" who began her professional career in 1958 and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Her career boasts 11 Grammy Awards. Karen Clark-Sheard and Dorinda Clark-Cole round out the powerhouse roster of vocalists.

A Milestone Moment

2025 marks a special moment for McDonald's Gospelfest with the inaugural presentation of the Cissy Houston lifetime achievement award. The late Cissy Houston was "a perennial performer in McDonald's Gospelfest for over 30 years," and this honor recognizes her sustained contributions to the event and the gospel tradition.

Producer A. Curtis Farrow's Legacy

Producer A. Curtis Farrow has elevated McDonald's Gospelfest to international prominence over his 27 years guiding the event. His credits include organizing the homegoing services for Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, and breaking a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the largest gospel choir at 1,175 voices. His television specials for McDonald's Gospelfest have earned him 17 Emmy nominations and three Emmy Awards, and he has directed Broadway productions including "Godspell" and "Sophisticated Ladies."

The 2025 Experience

Both performances will be held at Palladium Times Square on Saturday, May 10, 2025. A matinee performance begins at 2:30 PM (doors at 1:00 PM), with the evening show starting at 7:30 PM (doors at 6:00 PM). The venue is 16+ (those under 16 must be accompanied by a legal guardian with their own ticket). McDonald's Gospelfest continues to be described by organizers as the biggest gospel event in the country, drawing audiences from across the United States and internationally.