As Kanye West drops out of Joel Osteen's 'Hope Is Alive', here's how to livestream Mariah Carey's performance
Televangelist Joel Osteen's Houston-based megachurch Lakewood Church is taking their Easter service, titled 'Hope Is Alive', to virtual territory and will feature some huge celebrities, including former collaborator Kanye West.
Easter is a big day for all who celebrate it, being the festival and holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It's a day for rejoicing, and for many during these trying times, it's also a time of healing.
So if you're worried you'll miss out on this year on account of being under quarantine, you can put those worries to rest by watching Lakewood Church's 'Hope Is Alive' this Sunday!
Here's everything you need to know about it:
What is 'Hope Is Alive'
Lakewood Church is hosting its annual 'Hope Is Alive' Easter service on Sunday as it does every year, but it will do so virtually this year to comply with social distancing rules and stay-at-home orders in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The show will be pre-recorded on Friday and will air on Easter Sunday.
When
The service will be streamed on Saturday, April 11, at 7 pm CDT / 8 pm EDT and Sunday, April 12 at 8.30 pm CDT / 9.30 EDT and 11 am CDT / noon EDT.
They have also introduced a new mid-week service airing on Wednesday, April 15 at 7.30 pm CDT / 8.30 pm EDT.
Host
Osteen and his wife Victoria will run the show, sharing Easter messages and music with viewers.
Collaborators
The show will feature remote performances from rapper Kanye West and his Sunday Service Choir as well as Mariah Carey who will be singing her 1993 hit song 'Hero'. Tyler Perry is also set to make an appearance.
In addition to these celebrities, local officials including Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña will also record prayers for the city that will air during the show.
What to expect
West has previously performed at the service to rave reviews, including bringing his classics like 'Jesus Walks' as well as songs from his album 'Jesus Is King' to the show.
West, along with his Sunday Service Choir, also performed gospel and R&B classics and remixed a few songs including SWV's 'Weak' and Destiny Child's 'Say My Name' (which was rebranded 'Call His Name') for the service.
So expect to see just as many instances of interesting musical choices and songs of praise this time around as well.
Where to stream
Osteen's 'Easter Sunday service' will be available to watch at Lakewoodchurch.com/Easter and will also stream on Facebook, YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, and SiriusXM Channel 128.
Trailer
If you like this, you will love these:
Andrea Bocelli's solo show at the Duomo in Milan (streaming on his YouTube channel on Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT)
Live Easter mass with Pope Francis from The Vatican (streaming on their YouTube channel on Sunday at 4.55 am EDT, which is 10.55 am in Vatican City)
Lifetime's 'The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel'