(BLACK PR WIRE) Roseland, NJ – Gospel fever returns to the New York Tri-State area on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at the Prudential Center (165 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ). The auditions are now complete and competitors are preparing to share the stage with some of the biggest names in Gospel including the legendary Dionne Warwick, Hezekiah Walker, Vickie Winans, Kurt Carr, Regina Belle, J.Moss, Cissy Houston, Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, KOHSHI, and superstar Roberta Flack! Special Inspirational message by Bishop T.D. Jakes!

Produced and directed by Emmy Award winning Producer, A. Curtis Farrow, McDonald’s Gospelfest is a talent competition that features choirs, steppers, praise dancers, soloists, rappers and poets. Rising stars of all colors, ages, cultures and faiths will compete in a variety of categories including Soloists, Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Praise Dance, Step, Singing Groups, Gospel Comedians, Gospel Rappers and Gospel Poets.

The official hotel partner of McDonald’s Gospelfest is the Hilton Newark Airport which is located at 1170 Spring Street in Elizabeth, NJ. There is a special rate of $99 per night for the dates June 18th, 19th and 20th. To book your reservation, call 1-800-HILTONS and use the code “MGF”, or go online at www.newarkairport.hilton.com, choose your dates, then enter the code “MGF” in the “Group/Convention Code” box.

McDonald’s Gospelfest originated in 1983 under the auspices of the McDonald’s Corporation and the McDonald’s Tri-State Owners’ Association. Twenty-seven years later, it has emerged as the nation’s preeminent Gospel celebration, bringing joy, inspiration, encouragement and hope to millions of Americans. Previous McDonald’s Gospelfest participants have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, including the renowned Bishop Hezekiah Walker, who headlines The McDonald’s Gospelfest celebration each year with his Love Fellowship Choir.

Over the course of the past 27 years, The McDonald’s Tri-State Owners’ Association has awarded millions of dollars in scholarship money. The McDonald’s Gospelfest competition has been an important fundraising event which supports education opportunities within local communities.

Tickets can be purchased at the Prudential Center Box Office or through Ticketmaster by calling 800.745.3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com. For further information, please call the McDonald’s Gospelfest Hotline at 866.898.7772.

About McDonald’s New York Tri-State Area Restaurants
McDonald's is the world's best-known brand and is the global leader in food service. There are more than 600 McDonald's restaurants, owned by 100 franchisees, located throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area. For more information, please visit www.mcdonaldsnymetro.com.