Last night’s episode featured the Sunday Best auditions in D.C. I was excited to hear ‘em, cuz people have been talking about THOSE vocalists for a minute. I think this episode demonstrated how tough the auditions really are– they took only 10 singers from the city, but A BUNCH of ‘em could blow.
My thoughts:
1. I kinda don’t have time for the antics, so the unicyclist was frustrating, but it was ALL worth it once Tina Campbell said “When Sunday Best becomes a circus, YOU’RE IN!”
2. All the internet ravings about Y’Anna Crawley were right. She saaaang.
3. Clifton Ross III (director of the Howard Gospel Choir, by the way) made it through and I’m glad about it! A big ol’ “WHATEVER” to the judges’ assessments of his image/attire– I’ve seen him a few times and I think that’s kinda just who he is.
4. I know folks are gonna knock the judges for not letting the young lady with the skin condition through, just like with the woman who stuttered, but I tended to agree with the Marys– pretty voice, but not the best.
5. I kinda don’t know what the heck the judges wanted from that woman who auditioned in each of the three cities. She gave something different each time, and could GO on the vocals. I have to chalk that one up to some edits that we ain’t see cuz they put other folks through that just…kinda…were subpar.
6. One of my faves so far is Peter Robinson. He and his girlfriend were robbed, kidnapped, shot and left for dead. She died in his arms, but God miraculously saved him. He’s got a nice tone, great agility, but more than anything, a profound testimony that can really witness to people.
7. I LOVED Jessica Reedy, the last contestant to be put through. She, also, has an awesome testimony about being ostracized after getting pregnant, then finding refuge in Jesus Christ, the one person who will NOT condemn or cast aside… wait… am I preachin’? 
All in all, I’m excited for next week’s episode (of course). To see a full list of the FINAL 20 Contestants, with images and bio info, click here. Too early to call it, though I’m hoping that someone outta the D.C. auditions wins.
What did y’all think about last night’s show???
I saw it. I wasnt overly impressed with some of their choices. I'm with you about the lady who came through three times. Maybe we missed something but I felt that she had it. Do they not do a pre screening first before they have the auditions? How in the world are these non-singers makin it thru to even audition? When Tina asked the one lady why did she do that song like that, she said that she doesnt sing. ??? I dont know WHAT some of these people are thinking about.
they do that for the entertainment aspect like idol
yeah... a few friends of mine thought the same thing about the lady who showed up in three cities... like why exactly are we not putting her through? cause u JUST put that other chick through who really didnt sound like a star... lol but maybe it was edits. (shrugs)
I agree with all said so far. Watching last night made me realize how much more gospel consumers expect vocally of our singers. Literally, every other person could REALLY sing!
Totally agree... the standard for gospel singers was so much higher than any competition out there! 10% of the contestant 'losers' would have blown away American Idol contestants any day. Only if they had comparable budgets... Oh, and look out for my childhood friend John McClure Jr. to come through in the clutch. Sweet voice.
for comment #4 I agree with not letting the lady with the skin condition in, she was very good but not the best... however the young woman who stuttered had me in amazement, whenever you stutter so badly like that but open your voice to sing and just kill it with no traces of stuttering....That's when you know God put you down here to sing His praises i would have liked to see her go through, maybe she didn't fit this "Sunday's best" visual description that Tina and Bebe seem to be looking for more than actual vocal talent... but that's why there are people in the business to help develop that character, that can all come later I buy her CD
@mdixon I understand that chief, but my point is this if a contest calls for singers, why would you even bother entering if all you can do is rap. Dont waist people's time; entertainment or not. That's all i'm sayin doc.
With Tina's constant "I can't see you outside of the Church" declarations - I'm having a problem with the name of the contest itself (LOL)! I believe it should be called "Crossover" or "Crossover's Best" (nothing wrong with crossing over but the name Sunday's Best really doesn't apply here). I think Kirk is one of the most down to earth people on the show (but he's not a judge ;) so he has that liberty). What amounts to a dis to me is the dismissal of the lady with the studdering problem - to me this shows the problems with the industry as other artist have mentioned. Off topic....I hope CMR reshapes the Gospel music industry as we know it (and just gospel rap either) :)
Correction : I hope CMR reshapes the Gospel music industry as we know it (and not just gospel rap either) :)
@David: You know, you're actually quite right. The title of the show doesn't exactly fit what Tina's been saying. I NEVER considered that!
@ EJ and David...exctly why i made the comment "maybe she didn’t fit this “Sunday’s best” visual description that Tina and Bebe seem to be looking for more than actual vocal talent…" the show title is Sundays best not Fri-Sat night's best lol also @ David i agree with you i like the CMR but REACH Records is also Fiyah! those young men are doing their thang!
Oh, Yes!!!! Reach Records and the 116 clique is definately legit!