GMC is partnerning with Verizon Wireless on a pair of upcoming gospel choir competition specials: The How Sweet the Sound Road to the Finale reality special, premiering Nov. 26 and How Sweet the Sound Finale from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, debuting Dec. 3.
Both of the specials will be hosted by Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child.
The How Sweet the Sound Road to the Finale reality special will chronicle the excitement, drama, triumph and struggles of choirs competing in Verizon's "How Sweet the Sound" choir competition, which was held this fall in Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Oakland, Charlotte and Washington, DC. The competition pays tribute to gospel music while providing choirs a platform to showcase their talent. Competing choirs had the chance to rejoice in song and praise, sing in front of gospel greats and fans, and win up to $50,000.
The Dec. 3 telecast of the finale will feature a star-studded lineup of performances and presentations, including a duet from Queen Latifah and Dollly Parton from their upcoming move, Joyful Noise . Other celebrity talent appearing in the show includes, Donald Lawrence, CeCe Winans, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Shirley Caesar and the some of the nation's best choirs.
"Verizon's How Sweet the Sound inspires communities across the country through the power of gospel music and celebrates the impact these choirs have on the community," said Marquett Smith, vice president, corporate communications, Verizon Wireless in a statement. "With this documentary, we wanted to capture the choirs' talent and passion and share the uplifting grand finale with viewers across the country."
Noted GMC executive vice president of ad sales Mary Jeanne Cavanagh. "Gospel-centric programming has been and continues to be a strong ratings driver for the network. Verizon will surely benefit from the increased brand affinity with our audience and heightened levels of engagement these two specials will undoubtedly deliver."
