Is it just me, or has Crystal Aikin displayed a remarkable amount of artistic growth over the past year?
She gave one of my favorite performances at this year’s Stellar Awards. I was mesmerized as she sang her single, “I Desire More,” not because she’s such a gifted vocalist (though, she is), but because I could see how much she has grown as an artist in just a year.
To be clear, Crystal Aikin, the winner of BET’s first season of Sunday Best, never gave lackluster performances. She always demonstrated her vocal ability to wowed audiences. I’ve always enjoyed seeing her and I have definitely loved her single. In fact, I didn’t even notice that “I Desire More” was “missing” something until I saw her perform it with even more ownership, control and passion this year.
I would’ve been tempted to say that her performance was the result of having just won Stellar Awards for New Artist Of The Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist Of The Year, but her performance of the song was even better at the rehearsals earlier that day!
No, there is a refinement, a confidence, a graceful domination that Crystal Aikin is exhibiting… it’s not the result of accolades or awards. I’m thinking it’s the result of dedication to her craft over the past year and the seasoned grace of a real pro. Whatever the difference, or what caused it, I LOVE IT. I’m definitely looking forward to watching her develop musically and I wanna hear the album she’s slated to work on this year.
To see my point, compare “I Desire More” from her guest appearance on last year’s season of Sunday Best with “I Desire More” from this year’s Stellar Awards…
Sunday Best, 2009:
Stellar Awards, 2010 (pardon the quality):
Do you see the difference I’m talking about? Whatd’ya think???
She's coming to bakersfield next Friday. I can't wait to see the growth up close and personal!
This difference is actually scary! Ha ha ha!!! There is so much more control of the song, ministry, and her confidence on stage. Wow, Crystal!
Yes! AWSOME!
wow...you're right, there is an amazing difference. i didn't watch the first two seasons of Sunday Best but people have been telling me about her for some time now. i also missed this performance on the Stellar Awards. i bought the cd but unfortunately, it's still wrapped in plastic *lowers head in shame* maybe i'll give it a listen tonight.
Love Her! Crystal has a presence that cannot be denied. I wish established artists like, for example, BeBe & CeCe Winans would invite new artists like Crystal and Brian Courtney Wilson to open up for them when they tour. The exposure will benefit the artists and the audiences will be blessed. Just wanted to put that out there...lol!
@EJ: ive been saying this exact SAME thing..that was also my fav performance of the night she just controlled it like an ole skool pop diva I LOVE HER GEEZ @EAZY im gon need you to stop sleeping on crystal sir lol..her album was VERY diff a lot of people didnt like it i thought it was great cause it really displayed her versatility..but its not a church choir cd lol
I really don`t see much of a difference,,she sounds just as anointed on the second one than in the first. She is a amazing singer with a high calling on her life.
EaZy - You should lower your head in shame, lol. Crack that plastic open...you won't be disappointed. I can't listen to the whole CD in one sitting (or anyone else's CD for that matter...I'm addicted to having my iPod on shuffle) but I love it when my iPod plays I Desire More, What if, A Song About Jesus, Lord You Reign Forever, Love Him, and Even Me (*quickens*). Even Me gets me EVERY TIME! *tear*
Wow. I saw both performances as they happened and didn't notice the differences until watching them back to back just now. I could see why people didn't like the CD. I do, but I think that she gives you much more live than can ever be conveyed on the CD.