BET’s Sunday Best headed to Philadelphia for this week’s auditions. Donnie McClurkin and Tina Campbell were joined by Kim Burrell to judge this round.
To me, it was probably the best week so far– the judges were hilarious and the talent was more evident than in other cities.
Hilarious highlights this week came from the “gospel hands,” and a one-liner from Tina Campbell: “It was very ‘Black History Month,’ but I think you could do something with the other months too.”
The judges were TOUGH– they weren’t letting folks just slip on through cuz they were “good.” That said, I don’t think I disagreed with any of their picks, or their rejections.
Stand-outs vocalists for me were Bethany Divine, who sang “Soon I Will Be Done” (great tone and not too extreme with the acrobatics) and the 79-year-old Elder McClendon, whose passion and presence captivated me, and whose tone and control blew me away. Excited to hear more from him.
And uhh… that’s about it. What did you guys think???
Definitely LOVE Kim Burrell on this show...she is a highlight a second and Donnie McClurkin brings great presence to the show.
Some good singers were let go because of the petty so-called "gospel hands". Wow, what a criteria to deny some talented people for. A few of the people they let through sounded more mediocre than some of the ones they let go.
I Enjoyed it :) Being from the state of Delaware I was sooooo happy my small state represented well. Welcome to Delaware - the small Wonder :)
I preface my remarks by saying that this is my FIRST time/season watching Sunday's Best. I'll say the good parts first: no matter what Kim Burrell does--unless she blasphemes the Holy Spirit or commits a felony--she will ALWAYS be one of my favorite, most respected (gospel) singers on the planet. She knows her stuff and her critiques were truthful yet constructive, for the most part. Pastor McClurkin: similar comment. He delivered his comments with respect, some joking, but the people didn't leave the audition stage wanting to commit suicide, UNLIKE some of the comments/attitudes that Tina gave. Wow...just wow.... Me thinks she's believing the MM "God In Me" hype WAY. TOO. SERIOUSLY. And that's very unfortunate. But here's the dilemma: I get that Sunday's Best, the American Idol RIPOFF it is, is firstly about the entertainment. I get that. So maybe the producers are coaching the judges to deliver/portray some things. Ok, cool. Also, I am not deceived to recognize that this show is not about promoting Christianity or holiness. Gospel music is an entertainment genre, not a faith/religion so the expectation that rejections ought to be delivered in "love" is silly, foolish, and futile. With that said.... The "gospel hands" as a reason for rejection? Really? Are you serious? Wow... It's already been said: some talented folk were denied for a dumb reason. And if I didn't know better (or maybe I don't), I would wonder if this show was rigged. Orlando Wright? Seriously? I've seen him sing (professionally, including choirs, stage plays, etc. And I think he recorded an album!?!?!) since I was probably a teenager in Detroit and I've been in Detroit all my life and I'm for-real grown now so let's just say that it's been a LONG TIME. And even more, he didn't even sing his "best". No question he can sing, but he just went through the motions. An INSULT to some of the folk who sincerely gave their best and wanted a "fair" consideration.... On a positive note, I think Kirk Franklin is in his element as a host of the show. He can be fun and silly with the crowds and the crowds take to him and he's a respected singer/musician as well. He takes the edge off the RIDICULOUS comments and decisions from some of the judges.... Whooosaaaaaaa!
I must agree with you EJ....This was the best to date .There were by far better talents and the judges although tough made better choices. I do not agree with Josh re Kim..I think she was very unprofessional...although the judges all laughed she was very excessive .Donnie definitely brings presence to the table. The highlight of the evening to me was the singing of the 10 year old boy.
I loved the show. However, I thought some of the judges' comments were dumb - 'gospel hands'. They rejected some good singers for mediocre talent. Did anyone listen to the rap by the fat lady. She was outrageous lol. not even Kirk found her funny.
I must admit that although I found the "gospel hands" comment hilarious, I definitely don't think it's reason enough for someone not to go through to the next round. One of my favorite vocalists, Patti Labelle, uses hands, the microphone stand, shoes, whatever. LOL. And let's not think about Donnie McClurkin singing and pointing up the sky, to the side, and such. Of course, when Donnie does it, I guess it's called "quickening" instead of "gospel hands."
Also, for those of you who may not know, Orlando, who sang "Praise is What I Do" has been a background vocalist of a while. He's also starred in some gospel plays by David Talbert, and leads a track on a Brent Jones CD. I'm not a fan or anything, but just thought I'd remind some people in case you weren't sure from where you remembered him.
I wanna know why the judges did not call Orlando out for messing up the words to Praise Is What I Do. They called out a lot contestants for that, but they let him go through without even mentioning it.
I agree with "ok", I found Kim Burrell demeanor to be a tad bit obnoxious at times. It was like she was "putting on" because she got a television gig. It just seemed too unnatural. I thought Tina was less nasty than Detroit's auditions but she could stand to be humbled some more. All in all, I can't wait for NEXT SEASON when the show is back in order! I'm not really adjusting to this musical chair of judges. Next, Yolanda Adams will be filling in for the stage show.
*The show was entertaining. I laughed & I enjoyed some of the singing. *I'm a Kim Burrell-nista but I must agree with Keisha M. Her actions seemed a bit contrived. *..Regarding those "gospel hands".. I agree with Elaine. Tina must not watch Kim Burrell and other artists perform because Kim follows her runs with her hands (i.e. her BET Honors performance) & so do other artists. *Ready to see the pre-recorded studio episodes. *Why are the episodes pre-recorded? I don't like that idea..
DO NOT sleep on Bethany Devine (auditioned in Phila). She is a smooth and silent killer on the vocals... u will be cut, bleeding, and in recovery fooling with her vocals.... She's anointed and a skilled vocalist! Can't wait to see her WIN Sundays Best!
While I know the lil ten year old kid wasnt old enough to compete, I would have loved to see how far he would have gotten. I too agree with the judges decisons.
I enjoyed last night...I just wish that they would have told ppl..."ok ppl, we are having to let ppl go b/c of the "gospel hands" or "running" too much so watch it....and don't come "black history month" either cause that ain't happening LOL! Naw, it's getting better, I wish Kim could stay as a judge. I think I was satisfied with the picks they made, I was surprised they picked the older man...I thought he was on there just for kicks like the little boy(he was so cute!).
These auditions and comments like "Gospel Hands" is not making me interested in this show at all. I will tune in when the real singing starts. I am a Kim Burrell comment but she is really bothering me these days. She loses weight and this is her new attitude? Or was this her attitude the whole time?
I did not think the show was better. I think it is going down quickly. The mean comments by the judges really hurt my heart. The whole gospel hands thing was ridiculous. If you looked at the end of the show recap, every contestant who went through used gospel hands. This show is becoming a joke. Too bad, it IS one of few gospel shows on TV.
Really? I mean Really? It's the new phrase and thought I'd use it. One more time yall. Really?
"He lets me rest in the marrah's grass." - PRICELESS!!!!!!!!! lololololololol
I Loved Philly so much better! I was getting worried 4 a little bit considering Nigeria & Detroit were a JOKE! I LOVED Kim & Tina because they were real! I feel like u do have 2b hard onthe ppl auditioning, I Mean Come on Ppl this is Gospel Music! U gotta go hard or go home!
Sunday Best is beginning to rub me the wrong way. They are juding amatuers; yet they are treating them like professionals. Kim was a little rude however it was funny. Tina is obnoxious and her behavior does not allow people to see christ. I know that part of it is entertainment and for ratings, but what profits a man to gain the world and lose his soul? No, I'm not saying she's going to hell, but what about the individuals who are babies in christ and are looking to her? If she is acting the way she is they cant see Jesus.
Can u say I so very sick of Sunday's Best! Dear God it's so incredibly sad... I'm tired of the two Marys and Kim Burrell and Donnie is quickly earning a spot on the list. They are just mean spirited and I truly beleive they have lost the TRUE meaning is what it means to sing TO THE GLORY OF GOD!! Yes you need to haved the ability to sing and sound good but they denied some very good people whose heart was pure and let some mediocre people go through... For this reason I not watch this program any more. If I want American Idol like judges then I'll watch that but Sunday's Best is a SIN to kingdom of God
yes, I've been trying to find it again, thinking my daughter recorded it. That was so funny.