McDonald’s Gospelfest 2026

 

McDonald’s Gospelfest 2026, produced and directed by A. Curtis Farrow, will be at Palladium Times Square on Mother’s Day weekend 2026 on May 9th and May 10th for 3 performances.

The electrifying lineup features The Clark Sisters,  Tony Award–winning Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, Grammy-winning powerhouse Le’Andria Johnson, and a global showcase of outstanding local, national, and international talent. From Germany to Japan to Korea to every corner of the U.S., thousands of voices will unite for an unforgettable celebration of culture and community.

 

About The Clark Sisters

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, The Clark Sisters are the highest-selling female gospel group in history. Since their formation in 1966, they have been credited with pioneering contemporary gospel by blending traditional church sounds with jazz, R&B, and classical influences. The group consists of the daughters of the legendary gospel choral director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, who trained them in what became known as “The Clark Sound”—characterized by intricate harmonies, “squalls” (soulful growls), and high-speed vocal runs.

The Clark Sisters are widely considered the most influential vocal group in gospel history. Their technical vocal abilities and bold arrangements paved the way for artists like Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, and countless R&B stars who cite them as their primary vocal inspiration.The Clark Sisters achieved massive mainstream success in the 1980s, breaking through the “gospel bubble” to reach secular audiences. “You Brought the Sunshine” (1981): Their biggest crossover hit, which was inspired by a reggae beat and became a staple in New York dance clubs like Studio 54. Other classics include “Is My Living in Vain?”, “Hallelujah,” “Endow Me,” and “Expect a Miracle.”

​They have won three Grammy Awards and were honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and their story was popularized for a new generation in the 2020 Lifetime movie, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, executive produced by Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige.

Jennifer Holliday skyrocketed to fame with her iconic, Tony Award–winning performance as Effie Melody White in the smash Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Discovered at age 17 while singing in her Houston church choir, Holliday has since built a legendary career on stage and in music. She is a two-time Grammy Award winner for her unforgettable performances of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” and Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday.”

About Le’Andria Johnson

Grammy Award–winning gospel artist Le’Andria Johnson rose to prominence as the season three winner of BET’s hit gospel competition Sunday Best. Her coronation song, “I Shall Leap into My Destiny,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel charts. Her albums The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson and The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson earned her widespread acclaim, making her the first Sunday Best contestant to win a Grammy Award.

About A. Curtis Farrow

2026 marks the 28th year Mr. Farrow has partnered with McDonald’s to bring the world-renowned Gospelfest celebration to life. Under his leadership, McDonald’s Gospelfest has become the most influential gospel event in the world, earning Farrow three Emmy Awards and seventeen nominations. His work has drawn participants from across the globe, including Japan, Korea, Germany, Canada, and all 50 U.S. states.

Mr. Farrow organized and produced the internationally televised homegoing services for Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. He is also a celebrated choir director, having broken the Guinness World Record for Largest Gospel Choir with 1,175 singers in 2014, followed by a 2,000-voice choir at Madison Square Garden in 2017 and a 5,000-voice choir at Nassau Coliseum in 2018.

A respected force in Broadway, concerts, and live entertainment, his directing and producing credits include national tours of Ain’t Misbehavin’, Smokey Joe’s Café, Sophisticated Ladies, Five Guys Named Moe, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Godspell, and Forever Plaid.

About McDonald’s Gospelfest

Founded in 1983 under the McDonald’s Corporation and the New York Metro Owner/Operator Association, McDonald’s Gospelfest has grown into the nation’s preeminent gospel celebration. For more than four decades, it has brought joy, hope, and inspiration to millions across America. Many past participants have gone on to major success, including Bishop Hezekiah Walker.

About McDonald’s New York Tri-State Restaurants

McDonald’s serves quality, affordable menu options to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of its 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated. More than 560 McDonald’s restaurants, run by 65 franchisees, serve communities throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.