Gospel Music News!
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Christmas at Union Station with Mandisa and George Huff
1. I love Mandisa! I just recently read her book, Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame
Her story is one of strong faith in God. She recounts how she literally relied on God to direct her through the American Idol process. I enjoyed the book. It is always encouraging to read someone else’s story and be reminded that we all go through trials, but God always has great things in store for us. The book and the CD, True Beauty
2. Gospel Music brings it’s message to Rome for the holiday season!~The Inspirational Choir of Harlem
3. Don’t forget to vote in the first ever Gospel Music Channel Video Awards. You can vote until December 5th. Videos by Mary Mary (”Yesterday”), Fred Hammond, Melvin Williams, Shirley Murdock, KiKi Sheard, and Michah Stampley are up for voting. In The Gospel Hip Hop category, Da Truth & Tye Tribbett (”Who Am I”), Soul P, Tonex, Kevin L, and Toby Mac are also up for their videos.~Gospel Music Channel Video Awards
4. Missouri Gospel Announcers Guild is having an Artist Showchase in St. Louis, MO on December 14-15.~December Artist Showcase
5. Don’t forget to watch the live finale of Sunday Best! It will be on BET at 7 p.m. central tomorrow. I can’t wait! If you are in Studio City there are free tickets available.~Crystal & Shari, BET
Sunday Best-Powerful Stuff!! Gospel Music at it’s Finest
Who will stay and who will go? Stephanie Mills was the guest this week and she started the show singing “Sweeping Through The City” with the contestants. She was great and her performance was full of energy and passion. I must say the guest talent throughout the contest has been excellent. Good to see that the show can pull in such great entertainers.
“God has brought me so far. From beginning to end, this is not easy at all. It’s a blessing to have ministered to as many young people as I have ministered to.”
Well, just as everyone thought, Jermaine got the boot. Not because he wasn’t good, because he was. The talent is just great and he was next in line. I’m proud of him! He did a stellar job and repped himself well. I’m going to miss his unique and anointed voice.
“Don’t give up on your dreams. A lot of people have written their
eulogies on their giftings. You just need to know, if God promised it shall
come to pass, and if you trust Him, your latter shall be greater than your past.”
And then there were two……Crystal and Mrs. Shari. The theme this week was judges choice. The showdown started with Mrs. Shari. She came out in a long flowing gown looking beautiful. The judges choice for her first song was, “Ain’t No Need To Worry”. She came out singing nice and subdued, but then gave it her special treatment close to the end. She did a fantastic job! She took a highly recongnizable song and turned it into her own. BeBe Winans said he was glad to be in the gospel music industry because of people like her.
“What’s been most special is hearing unsaved staff members affected.
I’ve heard people who don’t go to church say, I’m going to start going to church.
So for me, I feel like we’re doing a job and purpose is being met.”
Next Crystal sang “Optimistic”, and she connected with the crowd right away. She really works to draw the audience to her. She looked beautiful as well. I like the hairstyle Crystal! Erica said she liked how Crystal let the song build and she liked how she used her gift. Bebe thought she was a fantastic singer and communicator. Erica said her timing was impeccable and she was a skilled musician.
The next round of songs from the contestants was truly anointed. I guess they saved the absolute best for last. Shari sang “We Need A Word From The Lord” and she killed it. It was awesome, powerful, anointed and just a joy to watch. Tina said she was anointed and the power of God just takes over when she sings. Erica said she beautifully articulated the message of the song.
Crystal sang “Even Me” and she also did a standout job. How can anybody choose between the two? I say let them both win! Tina said she it was a privilege to watch her perform, Erica said that it was hard to critique her because she knows just what to do, and BeBe said he saw her performing all over the world.
This weeks show was powerful! I wish I could have been there. After Shari sung one of her songs, Kirk Franklin mentioned history being made. I feel that way about the entire show. It’s certainly one for the history books! I’m proud of BET for producing such a great show. Well there it is. It is in the hands of God and His people. Tough, tough decision.
Visit BET to see videos of the performances and to get more info on the contestants. Stay tuned next Tuesday for the live finale. It’s not to be missed!
Gospel Music News!
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Bishop Weeks says that Juanita Bynum is lying
1. Bishop Weeks has more stuff to say! Get a cup of coffee because the video is more than an hour long.
2. Martha Munizzi’s live CD recording is on December 7th, in Florida. Special guests will be Israel Houghton and Ricardo Sanchez.~Change The World
3. I look forward to BET’s Celebration of Gospel every year. If you would like to attend the live taping there are free tickets available. Hosted by Steve Harvey, it will be held Saturday, December 15th in Los Angeles.~Spirit in Song
4. Hezekiah Walker presents the 1190 WLIB Anniversary Concert featuring John P. Kee, Myron Butler, Dewayne Woods, Tye Tribbett and more.~Hez Presents
5. Watching Sunday Best? The competition is starting to heat up! The theme this week was contestants choice (2 of their favorite songs). Emily was eliminated, leaving Crystal, Jermaine and Mrs. Shari to sing their favorites. I really enjoyed Crystal’s version of Richard Smallwood’s, “Center of My Joy”. She gave an excellent, anointed performance.
Mrs. Shari sang a great rendition of a favorite, Sounds of Blackness, “Hold On”. She looked beautiful and gave each of her selections “the Shari treatment”. Jermaine sang Mariah Carey’s, “Hero” and put his own unique spin on it. His voice is in a class of its own and his coolness was in full effect! He ended the song with, “the Father lives in you”.
Pastor Shirley was this weeks guest and she had the place rocking with “Heaven” and “I Remember Mama”. Spotted in the front row of the audience was Tonex sporting a mohawk. Be sure to tune in tomorow! The guest will be Stephanie Mills.~Sunday Best
