The nominees for BET’s 9th annual BET Awards have been announced. Jamie Foxx will host the show, which will be telecast live from Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28th at 8pm ET.
The nominees for “Best Gospel Artist” are:
Regina Belle | Shirley Caesar | Mary Mary |
Smokie Norful | Trin-I-Tee 5:7
Ok, let me say this from jump: CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH OF THE NOMINEES. What I’m about to say is intended neither to discourage nor discredit you and the work you’re doing to advance the mighty Kingdom of God on this Earth…
Now… WHAT?! 
Can ANYONE tell me when the eligibility period is? I’m assuming that “date of album release” is irrelevant. Smokie Norful’s album came out last month. So, if he’s eligible, so is Donald Lawrence, Israel Houghton and Donnie McClurkin, as they each had first-quarter releases, too. Were they considered?
Plus… is it just me, or is the entire industry playin’ Kierra Sheard?! First, the Dove Awards and now this. 
And didn’t James Fortune & FIYA just blaaaaaze radio and what not? What’s a man gotta do?!
Anyhoo, I’m predicting Mary Mary for this one– they’re sweeping everything else and BET loves ‘em. And so do we! 
I have 2 words for you... It's BET
C'mon EJ, Phaeth is right, BET don't count, lol. Only awards show that you should expect to be accurate is the Stellar Awards, and some of those categories and nominiations dont make a bit of sense, lol. As far as BET, who cares, lol. Trin-i-tee 5:7 has the hook up on these award shows, dove & bet, cause gospel stations havent really played there music for years. Then they just threw Shirley Caesar in there just because (ha). So again, it's bet, so I could care less.
Yes, I'm predicting Mary Mary -luv them too, but what about my girl Kierra, what is the deal?
@Phaeth, @Luda - I'm with you on that-lol!
I thought it was by record sells and radio play. It's going to be Mary Mary, but it should be James Fortune, some where in there. James Fortune is getting the same exposure like Marvin Sapp. And Shirley hasn't done anything in like 2yrs......lol
I'm mad Regina Belle got counted in the number; although Im aware why; like err body said, BET!
Foolishness!
@Ray@Rob I'm not surprised Ms Belle was counted, I mean she is on that world famous legendary label Rob told us told us about yesterday, lol!
Now where is the Clark Sisters ????? and second, Shirley Ceasar hasn't even came out with anything recently so why is she even on the list!! and out of all people Trin-i-tee 5:7, who haven't had any real current hits in about how many years lol! wow, come on BET do better!! Cudos to Smokie & MaryMary!! Don't get me wrong, about about Ms.Ceasar and the girls but, i just hope BET do better when it comes down to the Gospel section of their awards ceremonies.
BET just threw anybody on there to fill up the category. Mary Mary is clearly going to win and is likely to be the token Gospel performer for the ceremony. I just hope they do "God In Me" and have Kierra with them on the show.
I agree Keish!
and now i think about it where's Kierra sheard????? come on BET!! they do everything right in the catorgories for other genres but, when it come down to Gospel you have artists nominated for an album that came out 5yrs ago!
EJ, I am in total agreement with you! In addition, I'd love to see a gospel awards show recognize a variety of artists. Where are Canton Jones' performances and awards? The man is ridiculously talented. I'm also a Kierra Sheard fan. And if I'm not mistaken, Donald Lawrence's CD came out months before Smokie's. I'm not taking anything away from Smokie... I'm just saying... AND (I've been holding this in for a while) Mary Mary's CD isn't that great. I like the sound of The Sound, but aside from "With all I am I worship You", it's really just good sounds. But of course, they will win the award.
Where is tye tribbett? He gets slept on so much. The stand out album is one of the best albums ever
There is so much to say about this...but I'm going to be nice and just say Regina Belle and Trinitee 5:7 SERIOUSLY?? SERIOUSLY?? And they had the audacity to re release that CD as a deluxe edition???? Check me out at www.dagospeltruth.com!!!
Regina Belle's gospel CD should win! Of her 14 tracks, I absolutely love 11 of them. All 11 could be number one hits! And her CD minsters to your soul. "God is good" is a good song but not the best song on her CD. There are sooooooooooo many others that can top "God is Good."
First lady Regina Belle and her hubby Pastor John S. Battle have a wonderful church in GA (New Shield of Faith Christian Ministries) and Regina has just gone back to her church roots and her first gospel CD is phenomenal! I wish more gospel artists would make CDs with gospel music like hers.
@luda: i'm saying this before you even try it-- don't say that anyone must be somebody's cousin, or somebody's label president or ANYTHING like that. we're allowing it! LOL
I have to say I'm not shocked that Kierra didn't make because BET only goes with the artist they are familar with. All these artist (expect for Regina Bell, she was put in therer b/c she is Regina Bell) have been on the Celebration of Gospel almost every year and folks are comfortable with them, Kierra has only been twice and alot of people outside of gospel music fans don't know her music like that. They did the same thing when the awards first started kept nomminating Kirk, Yolanda, Donnie, and Mary Mary for the first few years.
First lady Regina Belle is there because her first gospel CD is PHENOMENAL and girlfriend can saaang!!!! If you haven't heard her CD, you must get it. It should have a Stellar Award!
Two words...Self Selection BET asked for volunteers and Donnie Mc, Donald, Israel and 'nem said...."nah, we're good." Of course this is all speculation but clearly there was no album release date or radio play taken into consideration. So my guess is as good as anyones. Regarding Kierra Sheard--IDK??? I'm 50/50 with her. I really like Praise Him Now but I was not a fan of her earlier release. I think she's still kind of coming into her own. Granted, she along with all the others should've been considered for the BET awards but I don't see her winning anything...yet.