McDonald's Gospelfest Features TD Jakes, Gospel Competition – PHOTOS

By Josephine Vivaldo, Christian Post Reporter
Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House speaks at McDonald's Gospelfest in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011.
Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House speaks at McDonald's Gospelfest in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011. | [Photo: The Christian Post]

NEWARK, N.J. – Over 80 finalists competed in the 28th annual McDonald's Gospelfest event at the Prudential Center on Saturday.

More than14,000 people joined the event, the largest Gospel celebration in the New York Tri-State area.

The contestants, chosen from over 40,000 auditions, competed in various Gospel categories including, Soloists, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Praise Dance, Step, Singing Groups, Instrumentalists and Gospel Rappers.

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Winners were announced at the end of the night.

Bishop T. D. Jakes, the featured speaker for the event, preached a message on the man with the withered hand. In his rousing address, he challenged the audience to never settle for disfunction in their lives but instead allow God to "stretch" their hands in order that they may do greater things.

Gospel singers Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and James Fortune were among the stars that capped off the night with praise and worship performances.

Please check back for a final list of winners of Gospelfest.

Participants perform during the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest competition in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011.
Participants perform during the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest competition in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011. | [Photo: The Christian Post]
A participant sings in the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest competition in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011.
A participant sings in the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest competition in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011. | [Photo: The Christian Post]
Bobby Jones performs in front of thousands at the McDonald's Gospelfest in Newark, N.J.
Bobby Jones performs in front of thousands at the McDonald's Gospelfest in Newark, N.J. | [Photo: The Christian Post]
Attendees react to Bishop T.D. Jakes' sermon during the McDonald's Gospelfest at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Attendees react to Bishop T.D. Jakes' sermon during the McDonald's Gospelfest at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. | [Photo: The Christian Post]
James Fortune performs at the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest competition in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011.
James Fortune performs at the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest competition in Newark, N.J., June 18, 2011. | [Photo: The Christian Post]
Thousands of attendees worship during the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest in Newark, N.J.
Thousands of attendees worship during the 2011 McDonald's Gospelfest in Newark, N.J. | [Photo: The Christian Post]

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