Out with the old and in with the new! Taraji P. Henson is officially replacing comedian/actor/talk show host, Steve Harvey, as the new host of BET’s Celebration of Gospel: Forward In Faith. Harvey hosted this spirited celebration for 13 years and Taraji is set to breathe new life into the star-studded show. R&B and Gospel stars will raise the praise together as BET reimagines one of its most viewed programs. The powers that be at BET say Henson’s effervescent personality and quick wit are a few qualities that make her a perfect fit for the job.

This isn’t Taraji’s first time hosting. She hosted BET’s Soul Train Awards in 2010 with “Hustle & Flow” co-star, Terrence Howard, so we know she’s got the chops to carry an entire show. Taraji says that anyone who knows her, knows how much she truly loves the Lord, so hosting this Celebration of Gospel was organic and an automatic yes! #TeamBeautiful recently caught up with the “Think Like A Man Too” actress and she basically went to church during our chat, enlightening us on how she continues to walk by faith and not by sight, how she stays grounded in Hollywood and how important gospel is to her life.

HelloBeautiful: What made you want to host the gospel celebration?

Taraji P. Henson: You don’t say no to God, girl [laughs]. It’s a well-established celebration for 14 years. Steve Harvey turned it up. It already has a following. I was honored and blessed and surprised. Not surprised that they picked me, well, kinda. If you follow me on Twitter and if you know me, you know that I love the Lord, so that’s no secret. So, when I met with the producers, it just felt like the perfect marriage. It just felt like God said, “Here.”

HB: Who are some of the performers we should be looking out for?

TPH: All of the performances are going to blow you away. I think they did an amazing job pairing the secular artists with the gospel singers, like India.Arie does an amazing duet with this up-and-coming gospel singer and he plays the guitar. I can’t remember his name; it’s just beautiful. The pairings they did was absolutely amazing. Charlie Wilson performed with Richard Smallwood. It’s just gonna blow you away. Charlie Wilson’s testimony is gonna have you shouting in your living room!

HB: Was that your favorite moment from the show?

TPH: I guess it was because he actually goes into a testimonial. It’s something to witness. He had people dancing in the aisles [laughs]. Amazing.

HB: Is there a particular scripture or Bible verse that has stuck with you for your life?

TPH: You know what it is, whenever I have an issue or problem in my life, I always go to the book of Psalms. There’s always something there that speaks to my issues, to my problems. The book of Psalms is where my head is all the time. I just wake up and flip through and it’s usually the one I pick, it’s like, ‘God, really?’

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SOURCE: HelloBeautiful
Danielle Young