Word has it that Jermaine Sellers, the popular finalist from season one of BET’s Sunday Best, will be on the upcoming season of American Idol.
Jermaine was in the top 3, along with Crystal Aikin and Shari Addison… I wonder if the American Idol judges will enjoy him as much as the Sunday Best judges did.
To refresh your memory (or introduce you for the first time), here’s Jermaine singing “Tomorrow” on season one of Sunday Best:
I loved him on Sunday's Best. He can really sing. But, with American Idol, they are not into the riffs and runs. And Randy is very hard on singers especially when they do those type of things in singing. I wish him the best of luck and he has my vote. He has a very good chance. Hopefully he chooses the right song every time because song choice plays a big part in making it to the finals. Go Jermaine! You have my vote.
I agree with the previous poster in that the riffs and runs aren't really appreciated on American Idol. Although I think Jermaine is a very talented young man and would be a great gospel singer - the American Idol animal will require him to go for a more polish - watered down sound minus all the tricks. If nothing else I think he will grow as a singer tremendously having to sing all the different genres and styles of minus. I wish him the best!
I am wondering why hasn't Jermaine been signed since his particpation on Sunday's Best?
Isn't he going backwards? American Idol isn't gospel? I don't know. Anyway that would give him more exposure. I think he will do good reguardless!
i wouldnt say going backwards. God could be using him to spread his word to the mass, hopfully a little faster than Fantaisa.
Spread his word to the masses singing rnb ?
I'm sorry, but I found his performance and presence very disturbing on Sunday Best and will have the same response if he is to appear on American Idol... I remember him--his sexuality is ambiguous, at best. Others at my church mentioned the same issue when he was on that BET show. I don't think he serves as a good role model, when people are wondering whether he's straight or not. Scrap whether you can sing or got runs! Get saved! We don't need anymore people on prime time confusing unsaved as well as saved folks as to what christians look and act like.
WEll the bible says judge ye not for ye will be judge and god can use ANYBODY TO SPREAD HIS WORD what does it matter if he is straight or not!!!! no one really cares he is a AWSOME SINGER AND i know with end my hear he will do a wonderful singer on the show i actually will also be on this upcoming season and i got the chance to meet him and he seems very straight to me!!!!! you and your church needs PRAYER
WEll the bible says judge ye not for ye will be judge and god can use ANYBODY TO SPREAD HIS WORD what does it matter if he is straight or not!!!! no one really cares he is a AWSOME SINGER AND i know with in my heat he will do a wonderful job as a singer on the show i actually will also be on this upcoming season and i got the chance to meet him and he seems very straight to me!!!!! you and your church needs PRAYER
Ok. What does his sexuality has to do with his gift? I really getting tired of us (Christians) who are always judging people because they are not doing what we would like for them to do. Everybody has been equipped with a gift. It's left up to you to cultivate it. And why is it because he was on Sunday's Best that we just automatically assume that he can't sing R & B? God made music. Satan doesn't want us to enjoy what God has made for us. So now some of the music is perverted. Jermaine can sing R & B, blues, gospel, etc as long as is clean music it's fine with me because I have a choice to not listen to him and so do you. So let's stop being so hypocritical and support our brother!
I've been delivered from that lifestyle (so, yes--I can spot em' a mile a way) and I don't think it's something to just dismiss, because we value the talent so much. This lifestyle is incredibly destructive to the person as well as the body of Christ. You can not glorify God if you're living in a life that is contradictory to the bible, no matter what your gifting--you cannot worship of God if you're not functioning in the purpose and role that you are meant to be in--regardless of what smoothly delivered tunes are coming out of your mouth. Take-away message: Don't be on American Idol for two reasons, if you're singing secular songs--songs that glorify everything but God and don't be on the show if you ain't got a life and appearance that glorifies Christ. It's just that simple. You shall know them by their fruit.
Being able to spot behaviors does not mean that the behaviors are a true testiment to the person's character. Let God be the judge. We as humans have enough to deal with maintaining our on life and living up to God's word, than to diminish the character of others. Pray for the brother and be happy he is not in jail or dead. I am proud of him and wish him the best in whatever arena God places him.
Why are we so hard and judgemental on people? American Idol is an excellent vehicle/platform for this singer to be on to show his talent to the world. Millions of people watch AI...more than Sunday Best (which is a great platform as well but a smaller one) . I am sure this artist has mapped out a path for his career and hopes that a label exec will see him and sign him. This does not mean that he is not saved or no longer loves God. Truth be told I am sure a lot of you that made harsh statements listen to all types of music and not just Gospel music.
Amen, MrsRKB!
I agree with MrsRKB! Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear! Ephesians 4:29 John 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment
Unlike most of the people responding on this site, I actually know Jermaine Sellers. I'm his publicist and I work with his manager Stacy Merida. Stacy has a long distinguished career in music from working promoting Bishop T.D. Jakes' Woman Thou Art Loosed, to managing CeCe Winans' record label to being a Vice-President at Sony Music where she worked with Tye Tribbett and Mary Mary. Why do I mention her credentials? Because she would not have taken time off of that career to help guide Jermaine's career if he weren't 1) a good person and 2) a talented performer. To those people who have come to Jermaine's defense on this page, I appreciate you. However, the rest of you such as TOE should be ashamed of yourselves. I don't care what you were delivered from or what you think you see in Jermaine, you have no RIGHT to say anything about anybody you don't know and to spread your cancerous words on the internet. It's very sad that Christians , church folks, saints, etc. find it necessary to crucify others for not conforming to what their image of a young man should be. Jermaine Sellers is a good role model regardless of what you say. He dresses well, he's well-spoken and he's a more balanced singer than you all give him credit for. What none of you know is that BET encourages the contestants on Sunday Best to riff it up. That isn't the only way that Jermaine sings. He can sing anything and sing it in the way he's instructed to sing it. He hasn't robbed a bank. He hasn't molested anybody. He hasn't done anything to give you the right to tarnish his image. He's a young man trying to do the right thing and make his family proud. TOE, do you know that a weaker-minded person could commit suicide over your words? It's uncaring, insensitive people who say things like some of you have said and then sit back and say "I'm sorry" when tragedy happens. Frankly, I'm not impressed with you and I'm disgusted by your comments.
Thanks Mr. Publicist, for doing your job. It's nice to know somebody's getting a check in this recession. Mr. Publicist, do this brother a favor--instead of speak for him, pray for him...I'm sorry but I'm seriously concerned; it's not okay, if you're representing Christ. Talent will get you some cash and a record deal, but it won't get you in them gates "He who does not hate his own life, is not worthy to follow me"-- Jesus
Excuse me for a second but this is absolutely ABSURD....TOE WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU??? After judging and slandering a fellow Christian who, mind you, you DON'T EVEN KNOW, his PUBLICIST comes and clears up your lies based on the fact that he actually KNOWS Jermaine and recognizes that he is indeed a good person and, contrary to your fake "discernment" of his "sexuality", has a heart for God - yet you continue to slander him anyway and you insist that you must know him better than his publicist does. Maybe YOU need to have the spirit of judgementalism and slander cast out of you AND the members of your church for slandering a brother in Christ that you barely even know AND self-righteously continuing to do so even when you're called on it by someone who actually knows him! Do you even REALIZE how hateful you sound? I watched the show as well and I saw a genuine brother in Christ who wants to glorify God with his gifts whether it's in gospel or clean secular music. If he stumbles it doesn't mean he doesn't love the Lord, are you trying to tell me you've never stumbled before as a saved person? If you're so righteous then why do I discern nothing but ignorant hatred from your posts??? People like you are the reason why so many people want as little to do with church as possible. Get a life, instead of "discerning" a stranger's sexuality go and focus on getting your own life "straight"! And BTW. If it turns out that Jermaine IS struggling, why don't you just pray for him instead of having a church tea party condemning the man. Who do YOU serve exactly, hmm? (Hint: guess who the "accuser of the brethren" is. It sure ain't Jesus!) I'm passionate about this because I'm SICK and TIRED of church people condemning the world that Jesus came to save in the Name of Jesus. If I offended you by being so passionate about this...good! People like you need to be offended to realize how sinful THEY are before they go about searching for "specks" of sin in everyone else!
I don't know if anyone caught AI last night or not, but they showed a preview of next week's show and Jermaine was on the clip. I'm excited for him! He's represented God and us!
Here's the truth: if our people (Christians) knew what they had in their hands in the form of Jermaine Sellers, the young man would have no need for American Idol. Why didn't we look out for him??? Christians seem to be more judgmental than supportive. And that is a shame.
If you watched AI last night, Jermaine BLEW THEM AWAY! Mikki I agree with you, we need to embrace each other and stop looking for something negative. And if we do see a 'fault' (which mind you we all have), PRAY FOR DELIVERANCE!! As I mentioned previously I'm excited for him!
Go get em Jermaine Sellers!! Make us proud doc!!
Jermaine Sellers was on last night's episode of American Idol for the Atlanta auditions. He was one of the spotlighted singers of the night sharing his story and upbringing in a taped piece. He sang Joan Osbourne's "If God was One of Us" and blew the judges away including guest judge Mary J. Blige. Someone said that American Idol frowns upon the style of riffs & runs in singing, particularly Randy Jackson. Well it was judge RANDY who gave him the HIGHEST acclaim saying that Jermaine was the BEST vocal he [Randy] heard in the auditions yet.
well toe i really dont like people talkin down on my little brother but if u want to meet and pray about it we can
A question--while you all are critical of Jermaine, where were all the Christians when Mandisa was on the show and yes, she's a Christian artist--was tarred and featherd by the Gay community, yet no Christian came to her defense. And just because she sung a song by Mary Mary. And Toe, does these names like George Huff, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Melissa Dolittle, and Jordin Sparks rings a bell? They are all committed Christians and they all appeared on the show. Then again Toe, there is no such thing as a role model. People need to stop holding up Celebrities because they are not perfect at all--and thats includes Christians.
Well he did do a good job he just sung the song straight and without a lot of riffs and runs I hope he makes it pass Hollywood week. But someone please correct me if i'm wrong but I thought it was against AI rules to have mangers and publicist?
Bill Carpenter I would love the chance to meet Jermain!! He is very talented and I support him 110%. As a christian myself I have seen this before and instead of me choosing a side I will pray the Lord's will be done! I feel as though Jermain will go a long way inside and outside of american idol! Love ya Jermain!
But don't look now, Fox revealed the top 24 on several websites, and Jermaine made the top 24.
UPDATE: Jermaine is NOT doing well on AI. AT ALL! He's being torn to shreds on EW.com. He got the WORST grade of all the finalists...an F! Which is crazy cause he can sing...he just needs to focus on HOW to win on this show. Bill Carpenter, please advise Jermaine that AI is all about the melody with cleavor, artistic hints of individuality. He can sing his butt off...but if he doesn't turn this thing around, he won't be kept around long at all. I hope he turns it around next week...
v4c-I've been watching...it's not looking good for the moment...I think if he takes the advice of the judges and tone it down and remember he's not at the midnight musical (LOL), he'll be ok. He has an amazing voice he just has to transition out of what he's used to in order to get further on the show...poor baby! Let's lift him up! :)
@ Tami - I'm praying the brutha get's it together, lol. The whole batch of finalists were blah to say the least this week. The only one that has me interested is Mamasox, lol. I can tell she's really gonna blossom towards the end of the show. But it's crazy cause Jermaine can sing circles around all those guys...though Andrew's Straight Up was HOTT during the Hollywood rounds, lol. This is the worst start to AI EVER! smh... Shameful... Maybe we should post songs for him to sing. I think he may need some help, lol...
Hey Toe, Keep speaking the truth. It's the message they have a problem with not you. I too was delivered from the homosexual lifestyle, but I don't think the issue here is whether or not Jermaine is gay. I would say the issue is more about people calling themselves Christians when they have no idea what a real Christian looks like. I can go around calling myself Captain Kangaroo, but if nothing in my life exhibits any proof of that then it does not matter what I say. We live in a day and age where people are not withstanding sound doctrine and they are turning to people who have itching ears. You are right to hold Christ high where he deserves to be. You are concerned with God's reputation, so stand firm, speak the truth, and live in such a way that no manner of evil can be said of you. As far as Jermaine goes, if he is struggling with his sexuality, I think we should pray for him with a pure heart. It's a horrible battle.
Just seen it him on AI tonight getting ripped by the judges and he tried to fight back, but that might have done more harm than good image wise. I hope people continue to lift a brother up, and he finds whatever success he's looking for.
Yeah...umm, Tami, lol! This isn't looking good for Jermaine. I'm beginning to wonder if half these contestants EVER watched American Idol before. There is a formula for winning...and it's actually pretty simple. You sing the song. They want it to sound like the song. But they want YOU to sing it. It should sound like the song and you. It should sound like it's your song. Your emotions and riffs should match the song. That's what they mean by "make it your own". They don't mean for you to totally change it around. SMH...Jermaine, Jermaine, JERMAINE!!!! Ugh! The onesie, the back and forth at the end!? Ugh! Somebody call him, PLEASE! Somebody tell this brutha how to win!!! What's going on is a subtle song of frustration. You can't take every song to church on American Idol...that's for Sunday's Best. You gotta take the songs where the songwriter intended for it to go...that's what the judges want to hear. This season is so HORRIBLE compared to the others. This group that they picked is clueless...
v4c...I HAVEN'T WATCHED IT YET!!!
From what I hear it's not good though...I'm all over the internet trying to find his performance (while at work Lawd Jesus!) but I can't find it...I dvr'd it so I'll watch when I get home tonight.
I felt bad for him because he seems to be trying so hard but there is no connection. In addition, you don't win American Idol singing runs through a song, especially a classic song. Remember your audience, middle america, so keep it simple with passion and emotion. Finally, don't challenge the judges at this stage of the competition.
I feel like he is trying to hard. While he is talented, he needs to keep the riffs and runs in the pocket. The American Idol audience is not ready for every song he sings to be taken to church.
I've BARELY watched AI since Fantasia's win (no one has come close to her "Summertime" performance). With that said, I did happen to catch Jermaine's performance last night. Here I go: to the publicist who has the reckless boldness to post here, I hope the "one-sies" bit was NOT your idea. It was NOT a good look. The performance: SUB-PAR. He's talented (not sure if I want to call him "gifted" and if so, gifted by whom? Hmmm....). The judges were right. He OVERSANG the song, period. And based on his comments during the judges' remarks, he seems to think he knows everything and is not open to CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. And when he asked the panel what he should sing next week and Simon said "you might not even be here next week", well that said a mouthful. And his attitude ain't helpin' him ONE. BIT. Now as far as jumping from Sunday Best to AI, I've said it before and I'll say it again: do any of the Sunday Best contestants sign a contract saying they are saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost-filled, fire-baptized? I thought not. So let's stop policing these folks' salvation because it will ALL come out in the end on Judgement Day. Now I do sense that he's an opportunist, wanting a place in both worlds and I WISH gospel music fans would defend the faith more by not allowing folks to PIMP gospel music for popularity/financial gain. Yep, I said it! ;-)
Tam Tam: I actually think he is open to criticism. And maybe I'm just being optimistic, lol. But, he (and most of the other fellas) was WAY better than last week...so I believe he's listening. I just think most of these contestants don't understand what the judges mean by "make it your own"...especially after Andrew received so much praise for his cover of "Straight Up". He needs to talk to someone who UNDERSTANDS this show so that they can tell him (or explain in detail) how to win. Cause he clearly does not know. He didn't do his AI homework...and it's showing. Very sad... He needs to read what Michael Sleazak said about him at EW.com (and the comments if he can stomach them). It's harsh. But it's an eye opener so that he can see what "middle America" thinks of what he's done so far. In short, they don't get your churchy riffs and chords, Jermaine. And yes, you DO need them to vote for you...so be a bit wiser with your "churchy" comments too. So stop doing things to turn them off and PLAY TO WIN!
Man I'm sad...Jermaine has so much more potential than he's displayed. And he seemed so humble on Sunday Best. Why did you have to talk back to the judges like that Jermaine? You should have just taken their criticism to the Lord in prayer. Now people are going to think that you're a Spirit-filled church diva, which I know you're not...man it's so sad...but it's not too late...God will turn this around for good! It's so sad because I actually want Jermaine to go far in this competition, he is actually one of the best male singers they've got right now, he could sing CIRCLES around the male favorites! if only he hadn't had that Kanye outburst with the judges!...why did you have to do that, Jermaine, why, WHY? :(
Well, I like Jermaine, but he has to remember this is not a Gospel Idol. This is the American Idol. You have to be able to sing all types of music, etc. and learn how to take critism. He really shoudn't have talked back to the judges. But, on the other hand, the judges need to be more careful on how they grade these contestants. Some of their comments were very offensive to me and I believe none of them fit the criteria to even be a judge except for Simon. Simon has been on point with the contestants, but it's the way he says it and that's hurtful. But I guess if you want to play with the big guys, you have to be able to deal with it.
Aaaaaaaannnd that's a wrap, folks. Jermaine's out in week 2! Should've done your, AI homework...
Yea, I hate to see Jermaine go but I knew when he started talking back to the judges and mentioned "he knew God". This is main stream america and they do not want to hear about "God" on AI. Remember what happended to Mandisa a few years ago. She got the boot when she sang a Mary Mary song. He is talented. I pray that he will get a gospel recording contract. AI didn't appreciate the riffs and runs.
Can't agree with the blanket statement that AI doesn't appreciate a good riff/run/yodel/squall/melisma. It just has to be used in the right song at the right time. There is NO PLACE for riffs in "What's Going On".
Toe: Keep speaking the truth. I'm 100% straight and saved and I see exactly what you're saying. Jermaine was acting like a diva towards the end of AI. He was out of control. Sometimes it's not what you say that represents Christ. Sometimes even in our quietness and humbleness, God will show HIMSELF strong.
I knew he would have a short stint after all that back-talking he did with the judges. That kind of act has sent many other contestants home in previous years. People don't want to see that display of arrogance. It turns people off every time. On the subject of mentioning God & faith on live television, I'm glad he did so. It may not have been the most "kosher" thing to say before mainstream America and I'm sure some might have been turned off because of it. But I'm glad he remembered the scriptures 1 Peter 3:15-16, 2 Tim 1:8 & Luke 9:26. God has the ability to bless Jermaine with so much more than American Idol could ever do. AI won't last forever.
@ Ke - Actually, Jermaine kinda insinuated that because he "knew God", he wouldn't get cut...then he was cut anyway. Not sure how much of a good 'witness' that was, lol. He was right about there being no failure IN GOD...humans will and do fail though (even Christians). And because the way he said it was not the right application of the truth, EW.com made a joke about the fact that he [Jermaine] did, in fact, fail to win AI. So, mentioning God on live TV is good when what you say about Him is said correctly. :-)
Simon did comment why call in regarding the "I know God" statement. Jermaine did stay true with saying he was a "church boy". It's not about denying your relationship with God but there is a time and place for everything. He is right that what God has for him is for him. I hate that America didn't get to see him evolve on the show.
The Bible says that a fool is wise when he remains silent. Jermaine Sellars was out of control. He proved beyond ALL doubt that he is a fool when he opened his mouth and refused to close it while the judges were offering him constructive criticism of his mediocre performance. I won't even mention the fact that he was prancing around in some green alligator print foot-in pajamas that toddlers wear on national television, for goodness sakes. I don't know about y'all, but I don't believe that I want a loose cannon like that representing me.
I have to agree with Lynn on this one.. I love Jermaine's voice he is a great singer... for AI maybe? maybe not? however I feel his time will come in the music industry one day... just not today, He did shoot off at the mouth alot even during hollywood week we seen him "throw the band under the bus" he's young he has some more humbling to do but trust me one day we'll be writing how much we love his debut cd on gospelpundit.com
Hmmmm.... USA Today interview: 'Idol' finalist Jermaine Sellers: 'It wasn't in God's will' http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-03-05-idol-sellers_N.htm
Among other things, this is the part of the article that really made me say "Hmmmm...." Q: What's next? A: I'd like to be a contemporary (gospel) artist, like BeBe and CeCe Winans years ago when it was marketable. When you'd see them on MTV and BET, not just a show that's about gospel. Hmmmm.... gospel...marketable.... not saying a gospel artist shouldn't make money...but err ummm.... yeah... ok....
I was glad he got cut because his attitude was jus disgusting
Tam Tam you need to stop being so obsessed with tearing down a fellow brother in Christ. I've noticed you keep coming back to post negatives about him, why are you so preSSSSed? And yes, there's nothing wrong with a gospel artist wanting to be marketable, pretty much every single gospel artist you know is "marketable" otherwise you wouldn't have heard of them. Get a grip on the judgemental demons already. As for the rest of you, it's hard enough when the world judges us when we fall, but some of you are throwing him under the bus as well. Talking bout "I don't want someone in a onesie representing me". Wowwww. I thought you were supposed to be his brother in Christ? I'm confused... For the record, apparently he "rocked the onesie" so much on AI because he grew up without having alot of the nice clothes his peers had, and he was teased a lot for it. He said it was his own way of representing for kids who grew up like he did...which I can certainly relate to having been a teased kid myself. It just makes the rejection he faces from some of you, some of his own, all the more cruel and un-Christlike. And also, he said Simon came to him after the show to say he was sorry, which I think is also telling of the fact that there is more to what you often see on camera, reality TV is only a reality "snapshot" often taken out of context and it does not always tell the full story. Remember that... Jermaine, just know that there are more people out here that are for you than against you. I, for one, thought that you were being pushy with the judges at first, but when I read your interviews I realized I had judged you and I want to say THANK you for standing up for Christ in a bolder fashion than anyone has ever done on the show. Now I know that's all you were trying to do. It didn't always come off that way, but God knows your heart and He will reward you for it. You have an AMAZING voice, and I Can't wait for your album, I know you will be used by Him to change the world of music for the better!
Lania Thanks for speaking the truth. We should be encouraging instead of judgemental. I saw nothing wrong with rocking the onesie or the "marketable" comment. There is not a record company that would sign an artist that they don't feel is marketable. The music industry is a business be it gospel or secular. I look forward to Jermaine producing a CD.
I don't know about anyone else but I appreciate when those who care about me 1) encourage me and 2) tell me what I need to hear...good or bad. An amen corner won't get you very far when you have things you need to get straight in order to get where you want to go. And I don't care who disagrees, Jermaine didn't make the best choices on AI and his explanations in his interviews don't justify everything that he did or said. If folks are so busy encouraging him that they don't tell him that and explain what they mean, he's bound to make the same mistakes again. Those who know how to handle critiques go far because they aren't too proud to learn from the valid ones and pass over others after giving them serious thought. You gain priceless wisdom that way...