Kelly Rowland and a few of her celebs friends helped kickoff Super Bowl Weekend in New Orleans last night. See pics of Kelly, Serena Williams, Jesse Williams and Lolo Jones partying with ESPN and Ray Lewis honored at the Gospel Celebration with Fantasia .....
Last night, "Ice" singer Kelly Rowland attended ESPN The Magazine's 'NEXT' Event at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana. She gave us a shout out saying, "Ooohhh I Love The YBF."
Kelly took over the @ESPNMag Twitter handle and served as celebrity social media ambassador for the event.
She posed with US Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and personal trainer to the stars Jeanette Jenkins (who helped her earn her famous six pack).
Kelly's BFF Serena Williams (posing with Shawn and Jeanette) wore a form fitting dress and big curls. Jeanette told us that she's enjoying the local cuisine and has had beignets and tuna stuffed with crab so far....
Track and field superstar Lolo Jones gave Angelina Jolie a "run" for her money with an exposed leg pose.
Tony Rock was spotted on the black carpet.
And Holly Robinson Peete posed with Green Bay Packers player Greg Jennings (who'll retire soon).
Also, Holly thinks the Ravens will win tomorrow. She said, "I think it's going to be 27-24 Ravens will win. I have friends on the 49ers, when you are a football wife for 16 years you have friends on both side of the ball. I hate to choose but it's going to be the Ravens."
And the evening's entertainment was......
Cee-Lo Green and Goodie Mob entertained the partygoers .
Cee-Lo posed with D-Nice who kept the crowd moving during the party.
Also....
Kirk Franklin and Sherri Shepherd hosted the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration yesterday at the University of New Orleans.
Backstage, Kirk posed with his wife Tammy Collins.
Sherri even sang a few notes with Donnie McClurkin and the choir.
Fantasia headlined the concert and did the red carpet and interview with her mom, Diane.
Both mom and daughter did a few costume changes while sticking with a black and white theme.
She performed alongside her mom, Diane Barrino, for several songs.
And she was brought to tears when speaking about her testimony with Kirk.
And Baltimore Ravens player Ray Lewis was honored with the Lifetime of Inspiration Award. Ray, who has performed with the NFL Players Choir during the celebration for many years, sang during the event.
Melanie Few-Harrison, creator and producer of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, spoke of Ray saying,
"His accomplishments and triumphs have inspired football fans, teammates and colleagues – a true representation of what the essence of the convergence of faith and football is all about. As a big supporter of the event, Ray Lewis has attended many Super Bowl Gospel Celebrations and sang in the NFL Players Choir, so we are beyond thrilled to honor him in what is sure to be a memorable year.”
After playing in the Super Bowl with the Ravens, Ray plans to retire and begin a new career as an ESPN analyst.
Photos by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for ESPN/Rick Diamond/Getty Images North America
