Fox announced Grammy winners Yolanda Adams and Michael W. Smith have signed on to The Passion. The two-hour musical will air live on Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 8pm ET (tape delayed on the West Coast) and stars Jencarlos Canela (Jesus Christ), Chris Daughtry (Judas), Prince Royce (the disciple Peter), Seal (Pontius Pilate) and Trisha Yearwood (Mary, the mother of Jesus). Tyler Perry is the host and narrator.
Yolanda Adams will perform live to kick off The Passion. Smith has been tapped to play one of Jesus’ disciples.
The Passion will feature New Orleans locations including the Mercedes Benz Superdome and Woldenberg Park. Peter Barsocchini wrote the script and Robert Deaton is the event’s showrunner. Deaton, Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, Mark Bracco, Jacco Doornbos, Adam Anders, and David Grifhorst are executive producing.
The Plot: The Passion tells the 2000-year-old story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of contemporary popular music, sung by the cast, and arranged specifically for this event by executive producer and hit music producer Adam Anders (Glee, Rock of Ages). Set in modern day, the event will follow the dramatic and inspirational story of Jesus of Nazareth, as he presides over the Last Supper, and then is betrayed by Judas, put on trial by Pontius Pilate, convicted, crucified and resurrected.
More on Yolanda Adams, Courtesy of Fox:
Billboard magazine Gospel Artist of the Last Decade Yolanda Adams is a five-time Grammy Award-winning artist who believes that her music heals, encourages and inspires others to trust more than themselves. She has triumphantly carried the torch for contemporary gospel and inspirational music via 13 glorious albums. Adams has earned numerous accolades for her shining efforts, including the first American Music Award for Contemporary Gospel Artist and four Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Her pioneering blend of modern gospel with R&B – infused with a touch of jazz – continues to inspire her fans and transform the musical landscape. “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” a program of her creation and ownership (in conjunction with Radio One/Reach Media), can currently be heard on radio stations across the country.
More on Michael W. Smith, Courtesy of Fox:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed contemporary Christian singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, received 2x RIAA multi-Platinum, six Platinum and 16 Gold certified albums, while earning three Grammy Awards, one American Music Award and 45 Dove Awards. Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, Smith was honored at ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary for his groundbreaking career and significant influence in music. Smith was appointed by the White House as Vice Chair for the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and, most recently, was the featured performer at the 2015 USO Gala. In addition to the international impact he has had through multiple global tours, he has written and composed various scored film projects, authored 12 books and acted in assorted motion pictures.
