My, my, my… Between tweeting on Twitter, updating my status on Facebook and takin’ notes for this post, I barely saw any of the show… but I HEARD it all and that was good enough for me!
Kirk Franklin opened the show with his Grammy-winning single, “Help Me Believe.” I saw Charmaine, Anaysha, Nikki, Eric and Isaac singing bgv’s, but ummm… where’s Ashley?! I kinda don’t consider the group complete without her, but maybe I’m just weird. 
In any event, great job and THANKS for not having the contestants behind y’all, talking ’bout some ”ooooooooh”…
The show kicked off with each singer doing their thang and, as usual, my humble recap:
Dontavies Boatwright – Medley of Fred Hammond’s “Glory to Glory to Glory” and “Blessed”: He’s got a really nice, soaring voice (that training!). He had a really nice look, with great energy, too. I enjoyed him more last night than any time that I’ve seen him thus far.
Jessica Reedy – “Brighter Day”: Let me tell you something right now. I don’t care WHO wins this competition– my favorite, since the auditions, has been this young woman and she is HANDS-DOWN my pick for this entire deal. She brings something soooo smooth, so unique and original, so relevant… She sang an incredible arrangement of Kirk Franklin’s “Brighter Day,” and I mean… Jessica demolished it from the first note to the end, was confident, looked great, COMMANDED the stage. Folks get stuck on the contestants’ riffs (which she does well), but for ME, it’s about the musical CHOICES an artist makes– did you stick to the melody only, or did you go exploring? was it tasteful? did you do something that I can’t hear elsewhere? Jessica channeled a little of everybody (did y’all hear that Anita Baker-esque deal she did?!). Ok, I’m moving on, but I’m just sayin’… Jessica Reedy.
Clifton Ross III – “Total Praise”: I agreed with the judges that Clifton seemed a bit more nervous this time around. I also agreed with Erica Campbell that he should have done a bit more in the beginning instead of saving the killer vocals ’til the end. That said, he still gave a smooth, consistent vocal that I really enjoy.
John McClure Jr. – “??????”: Umm… I ain’t never heard the song, but it was something about having a testimony. Anyone know??? In any case, he’s got a great voice. He reminds me SO much– vocally and appearance-wise– of Smokie Norful. He did a good job on the song and I still wanna hear more from him.
Y’Anna Crawley – “Grandma’s Hands”: She’ll sing out the side of that mouth, but SING, she does! She’s absolutely another fave of mine. Any time the host asks a contestant to do some MORE of the song they just sang, it’s sayin’ something. She delivers– vocally and with stage presence– like she’s been doing this for decades. She’s already a pro, in my book, and we’re just kinda waitin’ for the album. 
Zebulon Ellis – “He’s Able”: Another reaaally nice arrangement of a classic Kirk Franklin tune. I think he did a great job. His spot was kinda unfair cuz he had to come on the heels of audience members laying slain in the aisle cuz of Y’Anna’s performance, but I think he held it down.
Jeff Spain – “Yesterday”: He did Mary Mary’s hit, and he did a nice job. I really like him as person, for sure. And I love that he’s only been doing gospel for a couple of years, but that he’s determined to do it. I mentioned on my tweet last night that I dunno if he translates well for gospel audiences. By that, I mean that the MAJORITY of the gospel audience often wants a vocalist to come and slay us with the squall and the riff. “Churchy” is not Jeff’s style. Funny thing: Though he’s got more of a voice for R&B, he doesn’t want to use it for that and I respect THAT. For that reason alone, I say that if we don’t have room for him, we try to make room for him. We like you, Jeff Spain.
Carolyn Johnson-White – “Secret Place”: Now, I typically don’t like folks doing Karen Clark-Sheard cuz I think 9 out of 10 will only embarass themselves. And, while she had a few theatrics that I didn’t need (“shush”-ing folks and what not), I think she really made the song her own and, to be honest, I kinda didn’t think of it as a KCS track anymore– I thought of it as a Richard Smallwood track (which it is), sung by a great vocalist in a way that really captured what the “secret place” may be like. And, to that, I say “very good and well done, ma’am!”
Kalind Haynes – “Healing”: Alright, sir, with the hip new look! Got the hat and what not… I see you. Kalind gave a nice, smooth vocal, as usual. I didn’t feel like the performance was necessarily strong enough to keep him in the game, but I enjoyed him.
Latice Crawford – “Praying Spirit”: So, this is one of those songs that I don’t ever want people to touch because I’m almost certain they won’t do it right. So, when the music came on, I thought “uh oh.” To that, Latice said “ummm… I can kinda sing my face off, so BOOM!” And WOW. This woman delivers every time. And the reason that I enjoy her is that she REALLY has some of the hardest, most nostalgic tunes to do each week (remember her doing Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s cut a few weeks ago?). That’s tough. And to not just do them, but to do them like you own ‘em… great stuff. Definitely a fave.
As great as EVERYONE was, the judges had to cut the 10 down to 5. They are: Jessica, Dontavies, Y’Anna, Latice and John. Plus, there’s a wildcard contestant from the Top 10 that will be selected to perform next week… I’m kinda hoping it’s Clifton.
Thoughts about the show??? Do you agree with the Top 5? Who do you wish was in there that isn’t? Among the Top 5, who’s your fave? HOLLA!
That testimony song is off of vashawn mitchells latest project.
Knew I could count on you.
I agree with the top 5 except Y'Anna. I would have chosen Kalind instead. I am hoping the wildcard will be Kalind. I was very impress with Dontavis, Jessica, and Latice. As for the ladies, I am stuck on Latice, I believe she has the total package when you think of Sunday Best but if we are looking for something different, it's Jessica. Why are they cutting so many, so soon?
Y'anna -whoa -all the way!!!! I love this girl, did you see Erica when she was singing - I did the same thing. I want Clifton III to be the wildcard. I don't agree with John McClure Jr being picked but what do I know. I wanted Kalind to be in the number too. Go Miss Jessica. I hate it for the judges, what a tought job b/c the contestants are excellent in their own way. Y'anna, Dontavious, Jessica, Latice, and Clifton. I will probably cry when either one of these have to leave the show. I'm not too worried about Y'anna or Jessica, I sense that they will be fine whatever happens on the show. Couldn't be my show, it would be like Sunday's Top 5 Best -lol!
@ebonisun: welcome! i know, right?! i'd be like "all of y'all are gettin' a contract!" lol @tyrone: really?! you don't like Y'Anna's voice that much? and i agree about cutting so many so soon... i kinda wish they just sent one home every week, but that costs A LOT in the production budget, so i'm not sure if Sunday Best is there yet...
It snowed in my area last night, so 20 minutes into the show my satellite feed went out:-(
@luda: that wasn't nothing but the devil - lol! I don't know what I would have did if my cable went out last night during Sunday Best. I probably would have been calling people to see if they have a signal so I could come over.
Well, I just sat there staring at the tv, hoping it would come back on.......and it never did, lol.
Y'anna and Jessica are my favorites by far! I don't really care for many raspy-voiced singers but Latice is incredible as well! She has brought the anointing each & every time and you gotta appreciate it. I agree w/ Tina's comments, Jeff Spain was a total dud for me on "Yesterday" and so was mutha on "Secret Place". I would've traded her in last week with the other "older" woman for a place in the Top 10. I'm claiming Clifton Ross III as the wildcard, I didn't agree with the judges, I loved that rendition.
How in world was Clifton not in the Top 5??!! Are the judges deaf?! The singers aren't given enough time to build and build up a song, so he had to kick it in full gear in a hurry to show his talent. I think Clifton is one of the best vocalists in the contest.
Kirk Franklin's back up singer Ashley resigned from the group (with Kirk's blessings a few weeks ago to start a sole career. Her last concert with them was at the Va Tech college. It was a surprise anouncement and stunned everyone on stage (except Kirk)
Oh Noo. I loved Ashley so much. I know Kirk is going to miss her. I heard this but I thought is was just a rumor. The other singers didnt know she resigned but Kirk lol. Anyways I wish her well. She had been with Kirk for a longtime so I guess its time to branch out.
re: Ashley-- I don't care WHERE she is, as long as she's happy and doing what the Lord has called her to do. If she's moved on, I sure will miss her, but I think God's got GREAT things in store for her. And I'm supporting 100%. Holla! oh yeah... and WELCOME to Keisha, E Man, Tony and Browngirl!! and uhh... luda, you KNOW i'd be mad if my TV cut off like that!
Is Ashley the white girl?
@Tyrone: Ashley is Caucasian, but I don't know that she's "the" white girl.
@EJ LOL
Also, EJ, you think the contestants wouldn't brought it if they backed KIRK up?
@Alivia: don't be laughin' at me. LOL Umm... I'm sure it would've sounded aight if the contestants backed Kirk, but I just love his folks so much... I didn't want anything tainted, y'know? LOL
E Man: I agree, how could Clifton not be in the top 5. I was like noooooooo! I do understand the judges critique re: his last song, but still. Luda: I went home last night and asked my sis if she watched the show, she said their cable went out and we live in FL-lol. It's a conspiracy man- lol! EJ: I agree, I know whatcha saying about the contestants backing Kirk. It reminds me of when I hear an artist sing live, I really want them to stick to the melody they sing on the album (what I'm used to) but they hardly do. I hate it b/c I know the song, but then they flip it. It's all luv though.
@EJ. You are something else- you didnt want anything tainted. I agree with ya 100%. I came across this site yesterday and I am enjoying it. Kudos to you EJ.
@browngirl: thank you SO much. be careful... i hear folks get addicted to the site. ;-) but it's a HOLY addiction!
@ ej. Gotcha....that first show when they started singing It's the God in me, there was an obvious difference..it wasn't as sweet. You see Kirk didn't use them......LOL
@Alivia: LOL! Right! That's all I'm sayin'.
@EJ..I think I can handle the HOLY addiction. I also agree with the person who mentioned Clifton Ross. I really believe he deserved to be in the top 5. Anyways, I think he'll be okay regardless of the outcome. BTW, Did anyone else notice that Kirk Franklin is soooo small/short compared to the contestants. He looks like a little boy. What is Kirk doing to look so young? I mean, he is 39 but it doesnt appear that he has aged over the years.
Greetings, Y'Anna from Sunday Best, "She can heal and wake up the dead with that voice." I have never in my life heard a voice like that. I love the way she sings from the side of her face. "REAL TALK" PRAISE AND ACKNOWLEDGE JESUS...HE IS ALIVE Y'ALL!!! Check out my Blog: http://brendasawjesus.blogspot.com Truth, Peace and Love BSJ+
The song that Kalind Haynes sang..."healing'??? who is that by. That song really touched and i need to hear it.
@Deondra: Welcome. I believe he sang "Healing" by Richard Smallwood.
sunday best was tha best until they got rid of the wrong people. clifton ross, y'anna, latice crawford and that really tall guy should have been the top 4 u can put who u want for number 5. i recorded every show and went back over it, i don't see jessica in the top 6 cause she dont have a sunday best voice. r and b she wouldnt even make the top 10 for american idol. she's smooth yea but compared to last year sunday best is someone with an annointed sprit and the audience is suppose to feel something when a true sunday best contestant sing and we all got that everytime clifton, ayanna, that tall slim man, and latice sang except on 1 of her songs. come on i really believe jessica is some kin to mary mary cause every time she sings they are squeeching in their seats like they are feeling something they didnt do that for clifton. the truth is that they had to get rid of the best so that they can keep their girl jessica in. cause the 3 thats left cant touch ayanna she has no competition at least clifton, and that tall man wouldve gave her a run for her money but she probaly wouldve took it all anyway
Thank you so much kita------you are so right!!!!