As a way of continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Hell’s Kitchen” will be saluting gospel music trailblazers and faith leaders during the week of King’s birthday, which is Jan. 15 and will be commemorated this year on Jan. 19. The series of events, titled “Legends of Gospel Week,” will see principal cast member Yolanda Adams, herself a multi-Grammy Award winner known as the “Queen of Contemporary Gospel Music,” participate in post-show talkbacks with the gospel icons from Jan. 20-22.
Emmy Award-winning producer A. Curtis Farrow will co-host all three nights. Each night’s post-show discussion will include the honoree, Adams and select members of the “Hell’s Kitchen” cast.
The Jan. 20 event will also be co-hosted by Toya Beasley, who hosts the radio show “Inspirations on the Block” via Audacy’s 94.7 FM. This first night of the celebratory series will honor Grammy-winning producer and composer Donald Lawrence. A 16-time Grammy nominee, Lawrence also wrote the music and lyrics for Jordan E. Cooper’s “Oh Happy Day,” which ran Oct. 15-Nov. 9, 2025 at the Public Theater.
On Jan. 21, Adams, Farrow and SiriusXM Kirk Franklin’s Praise personality Meta Washington will salute Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard and Darwin Hobbs. Bernard is the founding pastor of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, and a nationally respected faith leader, author and speaker. Hobbs is a worship leader at the Center and a gospel vocalist, known for such songs as “Everyday” and for his collaborations with artists including CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Michael McDonald.
Finally, on Jan. 22, Grammy-winning gospel artist Hezekiah Walker will be recognized, with WBLS 107.5 FM’s Liz Black co-hosting. Founder of Brooklyn’s Love Fellowship Tabernacle and leader of the Love Fellowship Choir, Walker is an internationally recognized choir leader known for anthems like “Every Praise” and “Souled Out.”
During “Legends of Gospel Week,” Adams will also receive the Cissy Houston Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing Adams’ lifelong and invaluable contributions to music and the impact she has had on communities around the world. Adams currently plays the role of Miss Liza Jane in “Hell’s Kitchen.”
“Collectively, Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence, Rev. Dr. A. R. Bernard, Darwin Hobbs and Hezekiah Walker represent a powerful legacy of faith, artistry and service,” according to a release. “Their voices have shaped gospel music across generations, inspiring audiences worldwide through collective excellence through their talents.”
Directed by Michael Greif and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, with a Tony-nominated book by Kristoffer Diaz and featuring a score of preexisting and original songs by Alicia Keys, “Hell’s Kitchen” follows Ali, a 17-year-old girl searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world. The show opened on April 20, 2024, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre, and received 13 Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical.
“Hell’s Kitchen” is produced by AKW productions. McDonald’s Gospelfest serves as lead promotional partner in “Legends of Gospel Week.”
