13 Gospel Artists Who Deserve a Las Vegas Residency
Gospel music is taking center stage this week following the announcement of a “Legends of Gospel” Las Vegas residency featuring iconic acts like The Clark Sisters, Fred Hammond, and Deitrick Haddon—a move that has sparked widespread online debate. The genre will also be celebrated on Saturday (Aug. 15), when Kirk Franklin hosts the annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
With all this hallelujah talk, we put together a list of other phenomenal gospel stars who belong on the Las Vegas Strip with residencies of their own. After all, who says praise and worship music has to stay within the four walls of the church? Read on for our top picks.
Kirk Franklin
Suggested Opening Songs: “Looking For You” and “Brighter Day”
DUH. DUH. DUH. No one knows how to put on a show for the glory of God and entertain at the same time like Kirk Franklin. His show alone could easily last three hours if he performs his hits and a few deep cuts. In fact, somebody needs to set this up ASAP. Sin City won’t know what hit it!
Related: 13 Black Gospel Songs That Slap Like ‘Worldly’ R&B Jams
John P. Kee
Suggested Opening Songs: “Jesus Is Real” and “I Believe”
John P. Kee’s recent Tiny Desk performance reminded us all why our mothers and grandmothers would clap and stomp whenever his music came on. He’s a good time and would be great to see in Vegas.
Mary Mary
Suggested Opening Songs: “God In Me” and “Shackles (Praise You)”
This feels like an obvious choice because Mary Mary has consistently produced top-tier songs and albums since they hit the scene in 2000. They definitely deserve to have their Vegas moment, and we want to be front row when they get it.
Donald Lawrence
Suggested Opening Songs: “Giants” and “The Blessing of Abraham”
The minute Donald Lawrence gets anywhere near the Tri-City Singers, you already know it’s going to go up! We can see him rocking out onstage in Vegas and giving the crowd the affirmations, courage, and good vibes they need.
Israel Houghton
Suggested Opening Songs: “Friend of God” and “New Season”
An OG in the gospel game, Israel Houghton has a song that speaks to nearly every situation. He also has varying music styles, so if you like ballads, more upbeat, or Latin-esque sounds, he’s got it all. That’s exactly what Vegas needs: diversity and good music!
Byron Cage
Suggested Opening Songs: ” I Will Bless the Lord” and “The Presence of the Lord Is Here”
Surely the man who coined himself as “The Prince of Praise” would come with the energy level needed to keep the crowd moving and the devil shaking in his boots!
Hezekiah Walker
Suggested Opening Songs: “Every Praise” and “Souled Out”
Watching Hezekiah Walker do a VERZUZ battle against John P. Kee in April 2020 should’ve shown you that he has some serious heat in his catalog. We’ll all be dancing for a while thanks to his songs, and we know he’d bring good vibes to Vegas.
Yolanda Adams
Suggested Opening Songs: “Open My Heart” and “Be Blessed”
Do we really need to explain this one? Yolanda Adams is a gospel icon, a legend, and will forever be the moment. Her blessed vocals and ability to usher a positive atmosphere to listeners are things that should be studied.
Ricky Dillard & New G
Suggested Opening Songs: “More Abundantly” and “I’ve Got the Victory”
Choir lovers know that it only makes sense to have Ricky Dillard & New G on this list. Talk about an old-fashioned gospel good time. Yes and yes!
Kierra Sheard
Suggested Opening Songs: “You Don’t Know” and “Something Has to Break”
Yes, we know Kierra Sheard’s mother, Karen Clark Sheard, already has her residency, but we believe in Black nepotism over here! Especially when it’s abundantly clear that Kierra has the talent and vocal chops to sing the house down. We don’t want to hear any criticisms.
Koryn Hawthorne
Suggested Opening Songs: “Won’t He Do It” and “His Favorite”
Honestly, Koryn Hawthorne could keep performing “Won’t He Do It” for the first 30 minutes of her show and we’d be happy. The song is lit, and it has a culturally popular phrase that resonates with the masses. Of course, she’s got to have her Vegas moment!
Pastor Mike Jr.
Suggested Opening Songs: “Turn It Around” and “Amazing”
While Pastor Mike Jr. may be a new name for some people, his songs have probably been circulating a lot more than you realize. He has a loyal following, and his catalog is fire. This would definitely be a show worth watching!
Tye Tribbett
Suggested Opening Songs: “Only One Night Tho” and “He Turned It”
Tye Tribbett has been around for a long time and has an undeniable stage presence and the stamina to get everybody moving in the name of Jesus! This would be a great choice.
