If you love the intersection of faith, football, gospel music, and culture, the 27th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration then you will be overjoyed as the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration returns with a fresh, broadcast-first format, premiering Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT on BET.
Hosted by NFL MVP, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and cultural tastemaker Cam Newton, this year’s theme , “Go Higher” encourages viewers to reflect on faith, purpose, and progress beyond the game.
As the only NFL-sanctioned inspirational event during Super Bowl weekend, this annual special continues to unite NFL players, gospel and inspirational artists, faith leaders, and community change makers.
Filmed in curated segments across Los Angeles and San Francisco during this Super Bowl week, the show offers a more intimate and cinematic viewing experience, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the music, stories, and testimonies.
Gospel, Inspirational, and Culture-Shaping Performances
This year’s celebration brings together a mix of powerful voices
from gospel, soul, and hip-hop, including:
- GRAMMY® Award-winning gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr.
- Five-time GRAMMY® winner Lalah Hathaway
- Bay Area hip-hop artist LaRussell
- Christian hip-hop artist Miles Minnick
- American Idol winner Jamal Roberts
- The powerful NFL Players Choir
- South Carolina State University’s legendary Marching 101 Band
Executive Producer Melanie Few says the new format allows space for deeper storytelling, meaningful reflection, and honoring leaders who impact communities on and off the field: “We’re taking the helmets off and showing these leaders as everyday people.”
GRAMMY®-winning Music Director Adam Blackstone shares that the refreshed format allows the music and message to breathe, creating a powerful, emotional experience that celebrates purpose, excellence, and community. “We’re asking people to open up their minds to this experience,” says Blackstone.
Honoring Faith, Leadership, and Legacy
The celebration also shines a spotlight on individuals making a lasting impact, including:
Lifetime of Inspiration Honoree — Randy Moss
Recognized for his legendary NFL career, resilience, and influence on generations of athletes.
Faith in Action Honoree — Jameis Winston (New York Giants)
Honored for living out his faith through leadership, service, and purpose.
HBCU Player Spotlight — Javon Hargrave (Minnesota Vikings)
A proud South Carolina State University graduate whose journey reflects HBCU excellence, discipline, and perseverance.
Community Impact Spotlight — Presented by Disneyland® Resort
The Almond family of the Bay Area receives a life-changing Disneyland® Resort experience, with a special appearance from NFL veteran Keenan Allen, highlighting the power of family and shared joy.
A 27-Year Legacy of Faith, Music, and Football
Founded in 1999 during Super Bowl XXXIII, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration has remained a cornerstone of Super Bowl week, bridging faith, gospel music, testimony, NFL culture, and community impact for more than a quarter century.
The 2026 broadcast is produced by Executive Producers Melanie Few and Valarie Benning Thompson, with Adam Blackstone serving as Music Director and Producer. Strategic partners include Disney and NFL Charities.
American Idol Winner, Jamal Roberts.
This year’s reimagined format allows viewers to experience the full celebration together for the first time during its premiere broadcast, with an encore presentation airing Monday, February 9 at 10 PM ET / 9 PM CT.
Follow @SuperBowlSoulful for updates and behind-the-scenes moments.
By Lin. Woods
Follow me on X @linwoods and LinkedIn @Lin. Woods, Instagram @linwoods96