Super Bowl Soulful Celebration Media Roundtable Sets the Tone for “Going Higher” Ahead of National BET Broadcast
- Admin
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The spirit of faith, resilience, and cultural unity took center stage during the virtual media roundtable for the 27th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, held Thursday, February 5, 2026. The session offered media outlets an exclusive preview of this year’s highly anticipated, NFL-sanctioned inspirational event, ahead of its national broadcast on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8 PM ET on BET. If you missed the live broadcast, there will be an encore on February 9, 2026 at 10pm ET.
Moderated by entertainment journalist Porsha Monique, the roundtable brought together key voices behind the long-running celebration, including Melanie Few, Founder and Executive Producer; Valarie Benning Thompson, Executive Producer; Adam Blackstone, Grammy-winning Music Director; and performer Miles Minnick, whose presence represents the next generation of faith-driven artistry. The discussion was guided by agency representative Tosha Whitten, who welcomed participants and outlined the vision behind this year’s experience.
“Go Higher”: A Message for the Moment
The 2026 theme, “Go Higher,” resonated deeply throughout the conversation, particularly as panelists reflected on the current social climate and the role of faith, music, and storytelling in challenging times. The Super Bowl Soulful Celebration, now in its 27th year, continues to stand as the NFL’s only sanctioned inspirational program during Super Bowl week, intentionally spotlighting purpose beyond the game.
A powerful moment during the Q&A came from Lady J of E.G.O. Entertainment Network, who posed a heartfelt question directly to founder Melanie Few:
“This year’s theme is ‘Going Higher.’ And with the state of our nation feeling so low right now, how do you hope people are impacted by this year’s show to give them hope in going higher?”
Melanie Few on Hope, Faith, and the Power of Story
In response, Melanie Few spoke candidly about the responsibility—and joy—of creating a space that uplifts audiences during difficult times.
She shared that part of the inspiration behind this year’s lineup, including artists like Miles Minnick and LaRussell, was rooted in showcasing the future of the industry—voices that bring both light and authenticity. Few emphasized that the show is designed to offer viewers a moment of relief and renewal.
“We’re living in some very difficult, challenging times,” Few explained. “So we want to bring hope. We want to bring light into a dark room. We want people to feel like, for one hour, they could take their mind off everything going on around them, just vibe, have a good time, and listen to stories of hope and faith.”
She went on to highlight the often-overlooked testimonies of NFL players, noting that less than one percent of Black men make it to the league, many carrying profound stories of perseverance, purpose, and belief.
“So many of these guys’ dreams started with wanting to help their families, to tell their mothers, ‘Mama, you can come home from your third job,’” Few said. “And beyond football, so many of them want to show people the glory of God and the power of faith. Being able to tell those stories—that brings us hope.”
A Reimagined, Cinematic Experience
This year’s Super Bowl Soulful Celebration introduces a broadcast-first, cinematic format, filmed across curated segments in Los Angeles and San Francisco during Super Bowl week. Hosted by Cam Newton—NFL MVP, broadcaster, and entrepreneur—the program blends music, testimony, and tribute in a more story-driven approach.
Featured performers include Pastor Mike Jr., Lalah Hathaway, Jamal Roberts, LaRussell & Miles Minnick, the NFL Players Choir, and the South Carolina State University Marching 101. The broadcast will also honor Jameis Winston as the Faith in Action Honoree and spotlight Javon Hargrave in the HBCU Player Spotlight, alongside a special Community Impact segment presented by Disneyland® Resort.
Continuing a Legacy of Purpose
Founded in 1999 during Super Bowl XXXIII by Melanie Few, the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration has grown into a cornerstone tradition of Super Bowl week—bridging music, faith, football, and culture while honoring impact beyond the field.
As Lady J’s question and Few’s response underscored, the heart of the event remains unchanged: to inspire, uplift, and remind audiences that even in uncertain times, there is still room to go higher.
Broadcast Details:27th Annual Super Bowl Soulful Celebration
Premieres: Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT on BET
🔁 Encore: Monday, February 9, 2026 | 10 PM ET / 9 PM CT
For more information, visit SuperBowlSoulful.com and follow @SuperBowlSoulful.
Join the conversation using #SBSC2026 and #GOINGHIGHER.
By EGO News Staff
