Who watched it? I LOVED it… like, practically every single moment of it.
Mary Mary opened the show performing their lastest single, “God In Me.” They looked great and the audience was bouncin’ like they had come STRAIGHT from the club. Then, Kierra Sheard came out and blaaaazed on the bridge. She, also, looked amazing. Good job, ladies! I did NOT care for the “contestant remix” of the song, but it’s whateva. They’re the reason for the show, so I don’t mind the inclusion.
10 of the 20 contestants performed last night and here’s my review of each, in order, along with the songs they sang.
1. Tammy Turner – “Look At Me”: I think Erica Campbell said it best– it’s a classic and you’ve gotta be careful to stick close to the melody on classics. First of all, the original was done perfectly by Tramaine Hawkins. Then, Coko brought her own flair and demolished it on her debut album a coupla years ago. Both are soooooaaaaaaring sopranos and Tammy Turner appears to be an alto, so the key was… way different. But she went first (which is hard), and she still sounded great, so good job!
2. Clifton Ross III – “Now Behold The Lamb”: 
What?! YES!!! An instant favorite. He chose a great song, TORE IT TO PIECES like a pro, was gracious and humble throughout. We like you, Clifton. You’re among my faves, no question.
3. Camille Betton – “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”: She looked like a GAZILLION bucks, but I was not a fan of the song or the arrangement. It didn’t go where I wanted it to, so she never really broke out and GAVE it to us. But, she’s a good singer and I like her.
4. Jeff Spain - ”Seasons”: The judges loved him, but I keep thinking that he borders on forgettable. It’s not that he doesn’t have a nice voice, he certainly DOES… it’s just that he’s kinda reserved and laidback, so the “artist” element isn’t really there for me. I think he mentioned that he recently came to Christ, which implies that he may not know what a typical “gospel audience” expects… perhaps he’ll learn as the show goes, though. Or perhaps we should change our expectations…
5. Jessica Reedy – “Just A Prayer Away”: Another ABSOLUTE fave of mine– I have LOVED her voice and her passion since the auditions. Tina Campbell said it well: “Powerful but light.” She reminds me A LOT of Jazmine Sullivan (maybe it’s the look, maybe it’s the voice)… I want her album NOW.
6. Jonathan Johnson – “God Will Make A Way”: It was a bit disconcerting for me, and I dunno why. I just didn’t know what to look at, listen to, or think. He’s a nice guy and I think he wants this. He’s got a nice voice, albeit very mature considering his age, and he’s kinda got the look… I just dunno.
7. Latice Crawford – “Peace Be Still”: When she came out, I said “you’re not gonna try THAT…” But she did more than try. She DID the doggone thing! The song was a great choice cuz her timbre is reminiscent of Vanessa Bell Armstrong. She doesn’t execute her riffs as well as Vanessa, but FEW do, so that can’t be a dealbreaker for her… I think she was great.
8. Kalind Haynes – “Center Of My Joy”: He’s got a smooth and passionate voice and a lovable personality to boot. He’s an all-around “nice” contestant to me– nice voice, nice guy, nice look… I kinda want someone more edgy, but he’s undeniably a great vocalist and someone who brings his heart for Christ to the forefront when he performs. Sidenote: Kirk Franklin is stooooopid for bringing out a box to stand on because Kalind is so much taller than him.
9. Audrey Lewis – “He Looked Beyond My Faults”: 
I just think the world of this woman! Another fave of mine. She’s ministers on stage like a seasoned pro and I feel like she’s already a part of the fabric of the industry. We’re gon’ put her right next to Dottie and ‘em. Go’n and take your place, mother! (And how much do we love the nickname, Mama Lew?!)
10. Zebulon Ellis - “God Is Standing By”: He’s a nice guy, with a nice voice and tons of energy, but I wasn’t as excited as the judges were. I thought the song choice was kinda weird, and I just kinda couldn’t get with it. I wanna hear him sing somethin’ else, though, cuz I think he’s got a good voice.
My predictions for the 5 that would proceed to the next round were: Clifton, Jessica, Latice, Kalind and Audrey. HOW-SO-EVUH… the show pulled a fast one on us and decided that NO ONE was going home, EVERYONE was stickin’ around.
How sweet. 
Note to BET: We’re not so fond of talent competitions that don’t really have… the COMPETITION part in there. I felt like I watched one big concert, which you KNOW I don’t mind anyhow, but don’t prolong the inevitable… And the whole “everyone was just toooooo good for the judges to make a decision” thing… 
I don’t wanna crush anyone’s dreams and, at the end of the day, it’s not a big deal at all– it just means more episodes for us. But I’ll tell you WHAT… I’ma need 5 folks on a plane come next Sunday. 
Having said all of that, MAJOR KUDOS to BET and the Sunday Best producers– y’all are doing a DYNAMITE job. I’m really loving it!
Yo...EJ... Good blog man, and I'm w/ u abt the show. The producers are doing a great job, and I don't mind more episodes. I agree that Mary Mary was HOT!! It helps that they look good, so that's a plus! One thing tho...the contestants don't pick their own songs. Camille is my homey, so I'm prolly biased, but she didn't "GIVE IT," due to the fact that the song was GIVEN to her...if that makes sense. Mark my words tho, whn she does bring it it will MOST CERTAINLY be brought!! LOL God bless
latice crawford is my pick to win I LOVE HER OMG SHE BLAZED!!!!!!! I love her vibe....and cliffton was great he sings so high lol wats up wit bet sound system the mics were peaking the whole night.... and the BACKGROUND singers were SO loud BUT MY GOD THEY WERE ON POINT
Oh yeah...per the BET previews’ contestants don’t pick their own songs...just so u don't think I'm makin it up.
@Anthony: it's all good, man. i believed you! LOL good to know, so thanks for the heads-up, for real!
Cool! Keep the updates comin!
Am i too late on the Lyrical Trivia? That's Kim McFarland. In My Name.
Ummm, what's up with the contestants not being able to pick their own songs?! That doesn't seem fair, especially if that's one of the areas in which they are critiqued. I also must say that the world needs to be watching Sunday Best! I mean, the vocal talent is a far cry ahead of the collective vocal talent on American Idol. The people that got sent home were amazing, let alone the ten we heard last night! Man, gospel music don't play!
I agree the vocal talent was amazing. Especially Latice Crawford. Girl can sing! Another of my favorites was cool cat Jeff Spain. Great update, EJ. I'm looking forward to next week.
@Alivia: you're NEVER too late for ANYTHING on GospelPundit.com! welcome... (and, you're right!) @Janice: yeah, it's kinda wack that they don't get to choose their own songs. @Dominique: thanks!!!
I looooved Cliff and Latice!! I'm excited to hear more from Zeb as well, i always loved his voice with PJ Morton.
Latice is my fav!! I agree that the judges are being tooo nice...let's get it movin'!!! I know that they can't be Simon...but could they...I love simon..he tells the truth...it makes us free!!!
Everyone was okay. I did really enjoy Latice immensely and I really liked Jeff Spain, yes Jeff. I know I'm in the minority but I did enjoy him singing that song. His voice is smooth but I don't know if he has it to really go all the way. I didn't care too much for Zebulun. I mean truth be told all of the people on that stage could sing us under the church pew and altar, which is why they are competing, but I believe that it's just as Erica Campbell said, the anointing must be on everything you bring. These contestants need to reflect on last season's shows. Crystal Aiken and Shari Addison were two of the most annointed contestants on the show which is why they were 1st and 2nd place finishers.
Can some one please tell me who made that song that Jonathan Johnson sang!!!!! I am eager to hear that song.
Jessica Reedy kinda reminds me of Onitsha, her tone and even appearance. I like her, a lot.
well all i want to say is i happen to enjoy the whole entire show i thought everyone brought something different and can reach a different target audience and their own group fans... what i dont think is fair is if they all got to stay---why are they sending them home without a fair chance to sing again?! they're gonna put 5 people off, but they were too good to let go??!!!! Sounds like an oxymoron.... sounds a little "rigged" to me.... my favorites were Cliff, Latice, Miss Audrey, John John and Jessica Reedy. All of their sounds and presentations where something worth seeing in the second round i think. As far as everyone else, I loved them, but it's all been seen and heard before.... that's just my opinion... holla back
@Dev: I can see the Onitsha comparison. Similar kinda vibe. @Stedman: Not sure-- will try to find out, but it seemed like an original arrangement to me. Anyone know the answer? @musikman09: welcome! and I totally agree. if they're all too good to let go.... ummm... we gon' have a problem! LOL
Johnathan Johnson did an old SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS tune, The Lord will make a way......I love his voice..he had the right one for it.
HEY YA'LL THIS IS JOHNATHAN JOHNSON, AKA "JON-JOHN" FROM SUNDAY BEST, I WAS JUST TALKING TO A FRIEND OF MINE AND HE TOLD ME TO STOP THRU AND READ YOUR REVIEW (EJ), AND SO I CAME BY. I WANT TO TELL ALL THOSE WHO THOUGHT I DID A GOOD JOB "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" I'M JUST GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY! EJ, I APPRECIATE YOUR CRITIQUES AS WELL. YOU WERE HONEST, AND THAT MAKES WHAT YOU SAID VERY POSITIVE IN MY BOOK! I THINK IT'S GOOD TO READ REVIEWS ON HOW PEOPLE FEEL ON THE SHOW, CAUSE IT HELPS US ALL KNOW WHAT AMERICA IS THINKING... FOR THE PERSON WANTING TO KNOW WHAT SONG THAT I SANG ON THE SHOW, IT'S CALLED "The Lord Will Make A Way" by the Sounds of Blackness, orginally led and written by "Jimmie", the organist in the Ray Chew Band this year. I WAS DOUBLE HONORED TO PERFORM THAT SONG. ALTHOUGH, I HAD NEVER SANG A SONG WITH THAT TYPE OF "FEEL" TO IT, AND I AT FIRST DIDN'T THINK IT FIT ME, I SANG IT FROM MY SPIRIT, AND I DO STILL BELIEVE HE WILL DO JUST WHAT I SANG ABOUT---"Make A Way..."! WE DON'T GET TO PICK OUR OWN SONGS ON THE SHOW, I WOULDN'T HAVE PICKED THAT ONE PROBABLY, BUT I'M NOT TOTALLY BUMMED ABOUT IT. I DID THE BEST I COULD DO UNDER THE CONDITIONS; nerves, sickness, feel of the song, not familiar with the song.... I REALLY TRIED. GOD WAS GLORIFIED. THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THAT! lol AS FAR AS WHAT TO LOOK AT? Wowwwwww.... :-) God bless you sir! STAY TUNED TO THE SHOW THIS SEASON, EVERY SUNDAY @ 9pm, EVERYONE WILL BLESS YOUR SPIRITS! THANKS FOR READING.... EJ, GET AT ME... I'D LIKE TO TALK TO YOU SOME MORE :-) (To hear more of me, or to hear how I sound(ed) prior to Sunday Best (lol), you can type in "johnjohnpraize" on youtube.com, that's me!) JOHNATHAN -jonjohn- JOHNSON LOVE U ALL!
I love Sunday Best! Great blog for recaps of the show. It has helped me prep for radio interviews I have with Clifton Ross, III (6:15 p.m. EST) and Tammy Turner ( 7:30 p.m. EST) on www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Mitchell-Productions
@johnjohn: dude, thanks for visiting and commenting. i'ma get at you, for sure. you're talented, without question... but i think people wanna see more of YOU, the person, which is kinda unfair to demand because BET edits stuff and shows us what THEY wanna show... but i'ma get at u. keep comin' back!
Hey EJ, Let me know if you'd like to hear mama lew's great CD! Keep doing what you do.
@Diane: Uhhhh... YEAHHHHH!!! Of COURSE I wanna hear it. Email me at ej@gospelpundit.com. Thanks for coming by!