Ask and ye shall receive. I said “I WANNA TALK TO JESSICA” and, just like that… 
THEN, I got Y’Anna and Latice, so I’m launching a Sunday Best Edition of my artist interviews. EVERY NIGHT this week, a new interview with a different finalist– just to get y’all ready for this Sunday’s show!
Up first is Jessica… Now, I’ve not been quiet AT ALL about the fact that Jessica Reedy is my favorite contestant on BET’s Sunday Best. I like her tone, her approach, her look, her testimony… We like you, ma’am! Plus, she’s just as sweet and humble as you’ll find ‘em, and we LOVE that, ma’am!
So, without further ado, here’s my chat with Jessica Reedy…
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EJ: Jessica Reedy.
JR: Yes! How you doin’?
EJ: Good, how are you?
JR: Wonderful!
EJ: I don’t know how familiar you are with my gospel music blog, GospelPundit.com–
JR: I read the reviews.
EJ: Yeah?
JR: Yes, I’m addicted! I read those things all the time.
EJ: Oh, on my site or across the web?
JR: On YOUR site.
EJ: Oh, well thank you! This is gonna be easy, then. First, do you have any idea how good you are?!
JR: Absolutely not.
EJ: *laughing*
JR: *laughs* Listen, EJ. I am shocked! Every episode you watch, I’m shocked that I make it each time I do. Now, I know a lot of people would say it’s a lack of confidence, but there are a billion and one singers in this world. In my mind, it’s like “why me?!” I have no idea what people hear.
EJ: But I think some of the greatest singers feel that way. I just posted an interview with Melonie Daniels and she basically said “yeah, well, my tone… it’s nothing special to me.”
My wife and I sit and watch you with goosebumps EVERY week, and I watch your performances EVERY day on my DVR. I know every note, every riff…
JR: *laughing* awww…
EJ: Serious! And if you gimme another week, I’ll know your stage positioning!
JR: *laughing*
EJ: I think you’re bananas!
JR: Are you serious?! I cannot believe you’re saying this.
EJ: I’m serious. I speak with other folks in the industry and everyone agrees that you are NOT playing. I mean, don’t get me wrong– we’ve got Y’Anna and Latice, too. All THREE of you are phenomenal vocalists and at this point whoever wins, it’s gonna be fair.
But you are just doing so well, week-by-week. How overwhelming is it all?
JR: EJ, I am from Saginaw, Michigan. I don’t know if you’ve even heard of a “Saginaw.”
EJ: *laughs*
JR: *laughing* I mean, I can’t believe it. I didn’t believe I got past the auditions, so being on the show is overboard for me. It’s not even reality yet. I am overjoyed.
I’m so grateful to God to be favored enough in His eyes to be placed on this type of platform. I cannot believe it.
EJ: And we can see that, too, because each week, as the judges give their feedback, you always seem a bit shy and you have this “shocked” expression on your face… like “really?!”
JR: *laughing* I’m just shocked. Especially with the comments they make… I wish you could see how I act before I go on stage and when I come back, after the performance. I’m still like “oh my God, did y’all hear that?” The other contestants are like “Jessica, you did good.” EVERY time.
EJ: What musical experience had you had before Sunday Best? Were you doing music already?
JR: Ummm… well, I pursued an R&B career when I was younger. I would mimic Brandy and think “man, I wanna sing like that,” but I was raised in the church. After going through life’s struggles, I got saved and there was just no way that I could sing R&B.
EJ: That influence kind of shows because some would say that you have the least “gospel” sound among the contestants. But you seem to be infusing those mainstream sounds into the Gospel message, which is why a lot of folks like you.
JR: I read somebody’s blog and they said “she doesn’t have a gospel voice” and, my thing is, Gospel is a message. And the Gospel can be delivered in all kinds of ways– through preaching, through a walk of life, how you live– and I hope somebody will explain that to people.
I love God, EJ. I don’t even know how to express that to you. I am so in love with God. If you had met me about four months ago, you would be like “wow… I can’t believe you’re smiling or you’re happy.” I was in such a bad place in my life.
I owe everything to God. So, I’m grateful that God has given me favor with the judges, favor with people, but it’s GOD’S doing. I am NOT that good.
EJ: Amen. The other day, my wife was watching you and she was like “when I watch Jessica, I feel like she MEANS what she’s SAYIN’!” You appear to mean it, not just because you learned it growing up, but because you tested that faith out last month or last week… it’s real for you.
JR: Yeah. Definitely.
EJ: Now, you have a son and I can imagine that the Sunday Best tapings cut into your “mommy time”. How do you manage all that you have to do for the show with your responsibilities as a mom of a baby boy?
JR: I honestly don’t know how I manage it. I’m really preparing myself now because of the conclusion of the show– I don’t know how busy I might be. And I love my boy. If you notice, he’s at every episode.
EJ: Yep, we see him sitting with your sister?
JR: Yeah, with my sister. And, beforehand, my mom was saying “well, Jessica, leave him here so you can stay focused.” And I said “absolutely NOT!” I’ve gotta have my boy.
He’s my blessing. For a while, I thought he was my curse because I was so young being pregnant. Like, this was my punishment. But that boy, he is… man, I can’t even explain it. So, I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it, to be honest. I have no set plan. I don’t even think I’m mentally prepared for it. Because I can go to a store and think “okay, I need to go home and get my boy, I miss my son.”
EJ: That’s awesome. BET aired a portion of your testimony during the auditions, but for those people who missed it, can you briefly share it with the GospelPundit readers? What went down regarding your pregnancy and how did God work in that situation?
JR: Well, my town is so small. When you excel at something, it blows up. I was in this group called ACT-SO.
EJ: I know of ACT-SO.
JR: Yeah, and I won gold my senior year. It was really big in Saginaw, put on by the NAACP. Then, I got a full ride, a scholarship in music to Tougaloo College in Mississippi. Once I got there, I had favor with all of the teachers, all the students. Then, I got pregnant.
I had been working on music– I was working with J-Pat, Usher’s mom. And some of the other people I was working with were saying “so, you’re pregnant… yeah, this is not a good time for a baby, so what are you gonna do?”
EJ: Like that?!
JR: Yeah, and I was thinking to myself, “HUH?! What are you asking me?” I was already ashamed and embarrassed. One guy was like, “maybe you should go home and have your son, or you could stay here.” I said “stay here and kill him, right?” And they said “well, right now is not a good time for a baby.”
I said “I’m going home.” Now, granted– did I want to have my son? I questioned it, just to be honest, but I don’t have enough guts to go to a clinic, passing people with signs that say “don’t kill your kids.” I don’t have enough guts. So, God blessed me with enough courage to take what I call that “walk of shame.”
Now, my family, they all can sing. But they’re older now and I was the closest person to reaching those dreams of singing. So, when I got pregnant, they were like “J, we were really hoping that you would be the one. Man, Jessica. How did you do this? How did you get pregnant right now?!”
EJ: That’s a lot of weight on you.
JR: And I was the talk of the town, too. “Y’all heard? Jessica Reedy got pregnant. I knew she wasn’t gonna be nothin’.” It was the first feedback.
So, I stayed in the house. Nobody saw me. I barely went to the mailbox. And I just cried. And on top of that, I was by myself with my son… his father didn’t want to be involved. AND, I’m young, so I’m like “no, God, this can’t happen to me like this. I’m not a fast girl. I made a mistake, but you can’t do me like this.”
That was my mindset. And I was just so depressed. I know everyone has their own separate pain, but my pain hurt me so badly. And for [Sunday Best] to happen…
EJ: Wow.
JR: This was just going out on a limb. A friend of mine auditioned last year for Sunday Best. He didn’t make it, but he said “I’m going back.” I had just lost my job– my only source of income– and I lost my car! And I was really depressed then.
My friend said “Jessica, you need a break. Come on and drive down here with us.” So I agreed to go, but even then, people were like “you don’t need to audition… you’re not ready.” And I was like, “yeah, you’re right.”
EJ: Like, spiritually? Because of all that had happened?
JR: No, just my vocals! After I had my son, my voice got deep.
EJ: WAIT. What? That wasn’t like that before?!
JR: I never could hit those notes.
EJ: GIVE ME A BREAK!
JR: I promise you. I was a soprano!
EJ: Oh my goodness.
JR: While I was pregnant, I couldn’t go any higher than maybe a middle alto note, but I started hitting all these low notes. And I was depressed about THAT! I was like “Ma, I sound like a man! I can’t sing like this.” I was so used to being able to sing high. And I thought I just didn’t have any range.
EJ: And what did God do?
JR: I’m talkin’ bout… God DID it.
EJ: For REAL.
JR: Yeah.
EJ: And so, your confidence is being built? You’re saying you’re a work-in-progress.
JR: I am. And I’m not gonna sit here and lie to you. I have never been one to be in denial– my confidence is not… all the way up there. I question my ability all the time, even now, watching myself on the show, I say “God, why did you choose me to do this? God, I can’t do this. I’m scared… help me.”
EJ: Yeah.
JR: I’m sorry if that offends somebody, like “she’s not ready.” Whatever.
EJ: Nah, that’s real.
JR: I’m being honest. This is how I feel on the inside– I’m scared. I don’t wanna mess up, I don’t wanna… you know, I wanna make sure that I’m saving souls, but that’s a big responsibility because everyone’s got you under a microscope now.
Like, a lot of people, for example… I know Y’Anna. That’s my friend. A lot of people say she’s arrogant. Y’Anna has a little sarcasm, but she’s funny. It’s like you make one facial expression, and everyone says “oh, she’s arrogant.”
Everything now MEANS something. Every movement you make, it means something. “Did y’all see how she did her fingers???”
EJ: *laughing* Not fingers!
JR: *laughing* You know? Every little ol’ thing. So, I’m scared, but I trust God. So, I’ve kinda gotta let that fear go.
EJ: I think you should be proud of yourself. Definitely, be mindful of how you got here, but rejoice in that grace that He’s given you because it’s a beautiful thing. And He’s definitely faithful. And I know God is committed to working with you like He’s committed to working with everyone else.
JR: Absolutely.
EJ: Well, we’re gonna keep watching to see how things shape up on the show. We actually want an album TODAY, but we’ll wait if we have to.
JR: Oh my goodness, thank you so much.
EJ: No doubt. I appreciate you for taking a minute to chat with me. And definitely keep in touch.
JR: Okay.
EJ: Alright, take care.
JR: Bye!
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That, ladies and gents, is Jessica Reedy!
Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for my interview with another Sunday Best finalist! You don’t wanna miss it. In the meantime…
What did you think???
Jess--I miss you girl!! You done good, you looking good, let the haters push you to the LAWD Jesus, to your knees and to excel to your next place....
Jessica is a wonderful performer and I hope she wins. If she fail to win he judges, I will talk with my boy about signing her to a deal. May God bless her along with her family and love ones
anybody that can sing through their TEETH is a bad girl...
From casual conversations with other Sunday Best fanatics, I think everybody expects Y'Anna to win. I've said it once and I'll say it again, Jessica is the "dark horse" to win this thing. She's the only performer who has had progressively better performances each show and has built one heck of a fan base. This competition is FAR from having a clear cut winner. I wish Jessica, Latice, and Y'Anna the best. All of them are phenomenal and whoever wins deserves it!
I must say this, and I am not trying to be hard on her, however, everyone goes through something. I applaud her efforts for keeping her child and perservering, but she is not the first and probably won't be the last. My mother had not 1 but 3 children before she was married. My family turned and left her homeless, yet we made it from not having anything to living in abundance. I know it's part of her (Jessica) testimony but I fear she is using her child to be a part of her "gimmick". Everyone who auditioned and everyone who watches has been through a storm. Things happen to strenghthen us and on the same hand we can prevent alot of things from happening, in this case, as well as my mother's condoms an birth control, better yet abstinence. Jessica made a valid point when she said that gospel didn't have a sound. That is so true, we always try to put God in a box, and he is so much greater. Personally, she is not a favorite, I've been for Y'Anna and Latice since the beginning. I think Jessica has a good voice but it seems she lacks passion for ministry. Her opponents not only sing, they minister, they tell stories, they take you to "that place," and she just does not do it for me.
I'm so happy you're interviewing the finalist. I will buy Jessica's CD when it comes out. I pray that she records, "God Has Smiled On Me", "The Question Is" and "Just As I Am". She did a phenomenal job and God knew what he was doing when her voice changed to alto. Jessica is Sunday's Best! She has improved every week, she doesn't need to hit high notes. The low tones are bangin'.
I really enjoyed this interview. I love how Jessica didn't let her adversity completely consume her. She could have easily given up on life after the birth of her child. Now, thousands of people will be blessed by her testimony and ministry.
Absolutely agree with you Cliff. I think she, like everyone else, has gone through some stuff... but it's refreshing to hear her testimony about God's faithfulness to her!
Thanks EJ for the interview. I find joy listenting to someone giving God glory over what they've been through. Praise God!!
God is such an awesome Sovereign God! I love hearing about his hands on our lives, and his transcendent love for us. She is a beautiful, talented, and blessed young lady, and Jesus is getting all the glory out of her life... It's not over till God says it is over... Jessica it's not over! And we all see it... I love your humility... You really don't know how good you are, and all you seem to know is that you have a great God, remain a jar of clay carrying the treasure of God's glory... I've been waiting for a sound like yours in gospel for a while... Like EJ said we want that album very soon. Let me stop before I go on... God Blesses!
Hi Jessica, it's been a couple of emails ago since we've all communicated (the Sunday BestFriends), but I want to encourage you to see God's hand on you and, use the time and platform which He has provided to propel the Gospel. I can only imagine your awe of God as He moves you past what you could see for youself. Continue to let God get the Glory. Love You - Mama Lew
Jessica, Thank you for your testimony. We are all works in progress. Keep the faith and continue giving God the praise with your great voice.
Jessica, This was an awesome interview. When I heard you during the first show, I wondered why you were singing so low. I kept saying, "take it up girl, take it up, show them your stuff, stop holding back." Now, I look forward to hearing what you're going to do with your new, God-given lower register. He knows what He's doing. You have always been an amazing singer to me, but your "new sound" is even more unique. Be blessed, not stressed. Let the Lord have His way. The other contestants are good, but you are by far the MOST unique. God is doing a new thing in gospel music. You will definitely revolutionize the industry, and I will be among your #1 cheerleaders praying for your success. GO HOLLYWOOD!
Thanks for the interview. To GOD be the Glory for the thing he has done. Jessica is so awesome and she don't mind sharing her testimony with the world. I'm just like everyone else waiting for the CD and Concert, and I really like that she don't have to put the others down to make herself look good. Pleny good room in my fathers kingdom. Jessica I fell like I really know you. I know that GOD has great thing for you stay humble.
@Fena' Carter: welcome and thanks for the comment!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY JESSICA GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.GOD HAS TRULY SMILED ON YOU.PLEASE CONTINUE TO TOUCH ME AND OTHERS WITH YOUR SINGING.PLEASE TAKE ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS AS A STEPPING STONE FOR YOU TO AND DON'T LET THEM DISCOURAGE YOU.JUST LIKE FRED HAMMOND SAY "NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER.GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!!!!
I really love Jessica's voice. I believe the judges do also. Everyone knows that Y'anna Crawley CAN & WILL SING! However, she hasn't found that 'middle' spot that BeBe was talking about. Y'anna can sing but she is just showing how high and how strong her voice is. Singing is more than that. I believe, African Americans have been and still is so caught on into our traditional that we can't see the forest for the trees. When musicians play instruments during a concert, the music is always louder than the artist. It shouldn't be this way. It's been a part of our culture for so long because we are creative and musically talented people, however, the sound of music is never supposed to dominant, outshine, or be louder than the singer. The singer is supposed to be the main attraction. Mainly in church choirs, the musicians 'gear' the music up so loud and the singers are employed to sing loud ( especially if the want to be heard) and strong to project their voices. So we are trained to think the louder and stronger you sound the better, or that you are just 'sanging'. Sometimes people are singing real well who do that, but singing is about voice inflection, changing pitch, range variation - and finding your 'special place' whether it is the middle, bottom or whatever and make it unique. Whose to say how Gospel is to be performed. For all anyone knows, the world probably got their sounds from the church. The earth is the Lord's, the fullness thereof, and they and all of them that dwell there in - everything starts with God. So it's not fair to say that Jessica is taking from the world and bringing to Gospel. The world has taken from God and using God's goods to pervert the world. God is the beginning and the end. The other thing I want to touch base on is this young man who did not want to be involved with Jessica or the baby when she first became pregnant. How is he acting now. Is he the gentleman who the camera picked up holding the baby boy. He definitely looks like him. When did he not want to have anything to do with the baby initially? Now all of a sudden when you are being displayed worldwide he shows up. God has prepared a table before you in the presence of your enemies and haters. This is just how God operates. God is putting you on display for the whole world to see. I don't know if I would take to him too well Jessica. Watch him! If he wanted to treat you bad then, why is he so interested now? I'm sure he has a story. ( well it wasn't like that, you know, huh, yeah and etc) God is calling for black men to be much more than baby makers. God has striped him naked. He's a fraud, and I'm sure now he's apologetic and wants to be around. He needs to be reminded of his irresponsible acts (God showed him his shame) and this needs to be a reminder, a display to all irresponsible me. God is calling me to a higher place. Stop falling by the wayside with low standards. This may or may not be the case with this gentleman, however, it's the case and story with 99.9 percent of males, especially black males of yesterday and today, With 'hope' maybe 'tomorrow' this will change. That's the great thing about God. HOPE maketh us not ashamed. yourbreadandwater.com
I believe that I am *JESSICA REEDY* #1 fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I watch her everyday on my DVR......ova and ova and ova again! She's my Sunday Best winner and when that album drop......I will be the first 2 get! Her voice is BANANAS!!!!!!!!!!!! Her love for GOD makes you want to better your relationship with christ! To see another young person (20yrs-old) love on GOD the way she does......its AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! Luv u JESSICA:-)
Hey Jessica, I watched the finale tonight and I am so proud of you and the gift God has blessed you with. I wish you would have won because your voice is unique and very beautiful. I will be glad when the cd comes out. You know that your singing is a blessing when you can make the judges cry. WOW! I wish you many many blessing in your walk with God. You are amazing. Happy Mother's Day and God Bless.
Jessica you are truly blessed and God knows what he is doing in you. Keep pressing on and do not be discouraged by negative opinions of how you presented your testimony. It is definitely a level of spiritual maturity to put everything out there for God to get the glory of bringing you out of the storm. Everyone doesn't have the confidence to do that at all. They are worried about being judged and you have true Faith in God to humble yourself as you have done. You are a wonderful lady and if I every get the chance to meet you sister that would be an honor. You now have God in you corner and now you need to do what you said and "get deep in the Word" after the show was over. I am looking forward to your next project and hearing about the lives you touched in doing the work that God wants you to do. I wish you the best in life and know you have really blessed me with your experience. Beautiful, elegant, classy; you have an outer beauty that is obvious, yet your inner beauty is what your viewers, fans, the judges see each time you sing. I can go on and on about how you have impress just myself and lady you would keep blessing me if you kept doing what you are doing. Will be looking for more from you in the near future. Millions of people watch you on their DVR's, YouTube, etc. and they can't get enough of the blessings you bring through your unique approach to gospel. I will never forget; this was simply amazing to witness. You are a winner Jessica!! Take care and God be with you and your family. -mlt
Jessica, I just want to say that you are great. Your voice is like no other. Keep on singing.
Jessica, soon as your album comes out I am buying a couple. Your range your beauty, your gentleness, your class, all showed through out the weeks. I voted as much as I could for you. I just felt your voice was smooth and different. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you and you just wait for the blessings to come pouring in. Happy Belated Mother's Day. Keep on doing what you doing never give up never give in. I am a cry baby myself and my son is 26 and I am still crying. Blessings Kim
Please, Please,Please come on with the album. Jessica we need to hear more of you. You are number one in my eyes. God speed
Jessica, you should have won Sunday's Best, but you are still a winner. In my own opinion, the gospel recording industry should be contacting you every single day until you get a deal. You are beautiful, smart and a powerful singer. I love your voice and it needs to be heard as soon as possible. Please update your myspace, along with some of your music. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Jessica your voice is life changing i look at gospel in a different light because of you i cant get enough now. now i love the williams brothers version of "still here " im first in line when that single comes out
I love, love, love to hear her sang! I watch her on dvr every nite before I go to bed. She has the perfect mellow voice. But is that dude in the audience her baby's dad? If so, forgive and forget. Don't make the mistake he did. Luv ya Jess!!!
My heart and soul praised and worshipped God each time Ms. Reedy sang! When she sang "I Surrender All", I wanted to praise, but I had to do it on a different level. I could not move; I was speechless! I actually felt God smiling during her rendention of that song. The words alone could minister to me, but I actually felt a different anointing through her singing. I felt total surrender to God, and I felt He was pleased. She actually "Romanced The Stone" the same Stone Daniel saw, through that song. To God be the Glory! I pray her continued prosperity in God!
Oh yes, Jessica, "we overcome trials and tribulations by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). Thanks for sharing so that others may know they are not alone, and to prove to "someone" that God is in control! Love to you and your family!
Jessica,girl you are the bomb and don't let know body tell you other wise.You remind me of myself.We kind of have the same style of singing.Not only that we think alike.But when I watched you on sunday's best you gave me cofidence in myself.You showed my that I also can do it.Girl I can't wait until your cd come out!!! YOU ARE THE BOMB! Keep looking up and my god continue to bless you in everything you do.
OMG jessica . i love your sound . you kind of sound like me , but im only 14 , so you know . yours sounds a little more mature than mine does . But i would love to meet you one day , maybe even sing with you . But Jessica , you saved my soul girl . Before , i went to church like once a month , or less . But now , after you talked about what all youve been through , i just put my trust in god , and everything started working out . if it wasnt for you , i think i would be somewhere under a bridge because i ran away . or somewhere getting raped because i thought the world was falling down , and i couldnt take it so i ran away . But please Jessica , keep in touch (my email: datsmexychiq@aol.com) , and (myspace: myspace.com/sexcii_m3) . Please , id love to talk to you someday , maybe even tell you about how you SAVED MY LIFE !
to GOD be the glory, you have touched my heart with your voice, I've never heard anything so touching, I listen to you everyday, and give GOD the praises for bringing you to the for front, you have it, and i mean it to bring souls to christ........when i listen to you it reminds me who is in cintrol....please do not change...you are perfect in christ...... Thank You for all you did and are doing for christ.....pls make that cd can not wait......Thank You......!
THANK YOU JESUS FOR JESSICA! Her voice is so full of peace I'm watching the Sunday Best Marathon right now. Every time she sangs I feel the spirit thank you God for using Jessica to bless me with your peace ! I hope to meet you in person one day
Jessica I just got finished watching the rerun of Sunday Best and everytime I watch it I'm like wow! You are phenomenal! God has blessed you with this "sick" register I'm like...I don't ever want to be anything else but an alto! lol. I really feel your heart and the passion and humility..I so relate to your story. I know everyone has a story and a testimony but what good is it if you don't SHARE it? Don't be ashamed ever, God didn't give us a spirit of fear that is a trick of the enemy! I must say it bothered me to see some of the comments of people just truly "hating" on you and dismissing your testimony. However we both know they are just footstools! I am anxiously awaiting your CD girl! You encouraged me to press on and not to abandon my gift as a psalmist as well. Man, I mean I keep hearing you say "Heeeee's been soooooo gooohood, goodoood lol!! In that low contralto, tenor thang you do..glory to God! I am definitely a fan and God is pleased! You go girl! Don't stop! Be blessed. Love you and God blessings upon you!
Jessica Jessica I love your voice and I think you should have won. But believe me GOD has something special for you. When you sang I Surrender All,chills went through me. I sat and listen to it at least six times. When I get home from work I can't wait to listen to it. Please please make a CD and put the on it along with I'm Still Here. You are so blessed keep singing for the LORD and you will be blessed. You help me get through a difficult time with I Surrender All ,and I want to say THANK YOU AND MAY GOD ALWAYS BLESS YOU. A fan for LIFE. Keep singing for GOD GOD BLESS YOU