After nine years, Gerard Henry, the face of BET's "Lift Every Voice" has left the network.

Millions watched the down-to-earth TV personality conduct gospel celebrity close ups while they dressed for church on Sunday mornings.

His tete 'a tete with Bishop Thomas Weeks was one of the highest viewed episodes to air on BET this year. Henry knew then that "The Bishop Speaks" interview would be his last as the host of "Lift Every Voice."

The show originator was given the news of the ouster in September of 2007. The network's executives had decided to move the show in a different direction without him.

"I was in agreement with doing something fresh and new. We just couldn't come to terms with how to do that with me being the host," said Henry, 36. His lips were sealed when asked about the exact circumstances surrounding his departure stating it's, "kinda like what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas."

At a time when "romp-shaking and rap" dominated BET, Henry proposed a weekly Christ-centered music magazine-styled program. They embraced it, but tweaked the concept, changed the name of the show and gave him full run of the equipment he needed to make it happen. Gerard holds a degree in Communications and was intellectually prepared for the new venture.

However, for an entire year, Henry said he took a leap of faith, quit his job as a BET Business Analyst and executed "Lift Every Voice" with no pay. His new gig took him into celebrity homes, on video shoots, and various other locations around the country to place stars in view of their fans. At the same time the show served as another platform to expose artists with videos. After a year, not only was "Gerard Henry" a household name, but also he was officially on the BET payroll as the show talent.

In a statement, gospel legend Richard Smallwood lauded the young visionary's work:

"Gerard created a new format in gospel music. Never before had there been a chance to witness these kinds of personal and in-depth interviews with gospel artists. As an artist I can say that he will be greatly missed in this kind of format. For me it was like talking to a close friend, not an interviewer and I always looked forward to it. Gerard's love for God and for the art form has always shown through. His style and his gift will never be duplicated."

When asked if he felt "Lift Every Voice" made way for the talent search, "Sunday Best" and "Celebration of Gospel" special Henry was hesitant to take credit.

"The ultimate win is that BET is open and they wanna do what's right. Whether it's what's going on with BET or with our political leaders, quite frankly, we need to pray for those in positions of authority that they would be influenced with Godly ideas," Henry hopes.

His faith and fans have helped ease what might have been a difficult transition. Henry is a member of Bishop Wellington Bloom's The Father's House church in Atlanta and also a minister.

"I've been getting so much love and support it's like I better do something now so I can leverage the love so to speak. My identity has never been based in being on television. BET has never defined who I am. It has been one of the sources God has used to bring provision," he clearly states.

Although he was not in complete agreement with the termination, his perspective on moving on is mature:

"Going through the transition it was more about God, what are you moving me into? It was more about getting on God's transition for me. I never felt I would have the Doctor Bobby Jones longevity on BET--never. I always knew there would be change and transitions. I thought it could have been within the BET camp and it still may be."

Reflecting on his most memorable interviews he lists Yolanda Adams, Vickie Winans, Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Kirk Franklin and Rance Allen were some of his favorites.

He admits Shirley Caesar was his most intimidating interview.

"She was checking me out," Henry recalls when he met her in the dressing room on a women's concert tour. "I think she was trying to see was I the real deal. You know what's going on with this young man? Looking at how I was dressed. She was gracious, but I could feel her checking me out."

The door of opportunity has already swung open for Gerard Henry. He has just launched a one-hour inspirational talk show entitled, "G-Talk! Religion, Sex, and Politics" which airs Sundays 12:00-:00 p.m. in Washington D.C. on WPGC Heaven 1580 AM and getting it syndicated is job one. Henry can also be heard daily as a featured commentator on The Akintunde Show on the same station between 1:30-2:00 p.m. He continues to be a sought after speaker, host, and consultant. For booking interviews, speaking engagements, or hosting events call 1.800.797.6677 or email annika@ameventplanners.com.

Source: eurweb