DIRECTV, Inc., the nation’s leading digital television service provider, is celebrating Easter across the country with its exclusive original programming special, SONGS of PRAISE, hosted by NASCAR legend Darrell Waltrip and Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning vocalist Nicole C. Mullen. Premiering Good Friday, April 14, and running throughout Easter weekend, this DIRECTV musical event takes viewers on a journey through the story of Easter with performances from inspirational choirs across the country, as well as special appearances from contemporary Christian artists, including Grammy-award winners Kirk Franklin and Michael W. Smith, and Point of Grace and Rachel Lampa, who will be sharing scripture and special Easter memories.

Choirs and artists scheduled to perform throughout SONGS of PRAISE, include the Brentwood Baptist Choir, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Chicago Mass Choir, Coral Ridge Choir, Crystal Cathedral, Kirk Franklin, McGregor Baptist Choir, Michael W. Smith, Nicole C. Mullen, The Potters House Mass Choir, Prestonwood Baptist Choir, St. Olaf College Choir and more.

“SONGS of PRAISE will be one of the biggest Easter celebrations on television with performances from the country’s most inspirational choirs and contemporary Christian artists – available exclusively to DIRECTV customers,” said David Hill, president, DIRECTV Entertainment. “This is DIRECTV’s first foray into original religious programming and we look forward to providing even more content like this to our more than 15 million customers across the country.”

As the first in a series of more original religious programming to come from DIRECTV, SONGS of PRAISE will premiere at 6 a.m.ET/3 a.m. PT on DIRECTV channel 103 beginning on Friday, April 14, continuing with back to back airings throughout Easter Weekend. This Easter special, which is available to DIRECTV customers at no additional cost, is part of DIRECTV’s original programming lineup, which also includes CD USA, an exclusive weekly music series that DIRECTV launched in January.

“I am really looking forward to this show,” said Waltrip. “It has a lot of merit and potential. I think this show is much needed and am thrilled that David Hill and DIRECTV have asked me to be part of it.” In addition to his role as a broadcast analyst for Fox Sports, Waltrip is also chairman of MRO - the Motor Sports Christian Outreach program, which holds chapel services each week at NASCAR races.

Added co-host Nicole C. Mullen, “As a recording artist and a subscriber to DIRECTV, I am doubly honored and excited to be a part of such a wonderful program. Songs of Praise is an excellent way for people to find and be reminded of the hope, joy and love that this Easter celebration brings.”

SONGS of PRAISE is produced by DIRECTV Original Entertainment in conjunction with Propeller Consulting, Triplehorse Entertainment and Indelible Creative Group for broadcast exclusively on DIRECTV. Customers subscribing to any DIRECTV TOTAL CHOICE® or SELECCIÓN programming package will have access to SONGS OF PRAISE at no additional cost.

About DIRECTV, Inc.
DIRECTV, Inc. is the nation’s leading digital television service provider with more than 15 million customers. DIRECTV, TOTAL CHOICE, SELECCIÓN and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV (NYSE: DTV) is a world-leading provider of digital multichannel television entertainment services. DIRECTV is approximately 37 percent owned by News Corporation.