Yesterday, BET’s Sunday Best transitioned from auditions to competition in the anticipated first-week of vocal throwdowns. This week, 10 of the 20 finalists were commissioned to sing songs recorded by judges Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams.
Before they got started, though, the show opened with a nice medley of “Are You Listening” (Kirk Franklin’s Haiti Relief song) and Donnie McClurkin’s “Ooh Child.” The former featured vocal performances from McClurkin, Isaac Carree, Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell and Tina Campbell. The performance also included the contestants singing BGVs.
The end of the show, albeit incredibly short, featured Y’Anna Crawley singing her new single, “Grandma’s Hands.” She looked and sounded great, but I wish it hadn’t been cut short… even Y’Anna expressed some initial shock over it on her Twitter page. Seems to me, they coulda cut out some of the choir oohin’ and aahin’ at the top of the show… 
Oh, and I’d be lyin’ if I said I didn’t miss Erica Campbell at the judges’ table. Yolanda’s doing a good job, but I miss the innate chemistry between Erica & Tina.
Okay, on to my competition commentaries:
Jonte Thomas – “Just A Prayer Away”
I loved the jazzy arrangement of this tune. It’s one of my faves from Yolanda, so I wouldn’t encourage anyone to touch it, but Jonte did it well. She’ll have to demonstrate more of her own unique style to stand against some of the other competitors, but she’s got the chops, for sure.
LeAndria Johnson – “In The Midst Of It All”
That woman is just dope and we all know it. Not only did she demolish her vocal like a seasoned professional, she was believable and captivating because of her passion and delivery. She’s a natural at this and she just flat-out SINGS.
Robert Hatcher - “What About The Children?”
He’s got a great, clear tone with an old-skool crooner richness to it. The performance was a little too ‘Barry Manilow‘ to me, but he’s got a great voice– I wanna hear more from him. Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of his style come out on the next song he does.
Tawanna Tarvin – “I’ll Trust You”
In my opinion, it was a bad song choice. And I don’t say that because she can’t do it, but because time restrictions made her draw the song to a climax before we knew it was coming. Donnie finessed that song so that, by the time it reached its peak, we were drawn in and ready to go. Tawanna’s arrangement (not her fault, in my opinion) did not allow for that build-up, so it felt kinda Broadway-ish.
Davon Fleming – “We Fall Down”
Dude is kinda fresh to me. He needs to know when to blaze with the falsetto and when to leave it in the natural (so, he’ll also have to pay attention to the lower register so that he has control of his tricks down there, too), but I really like him. And that says a lot because I don’t EVER want to hear anyone but Donnie McClurkin sing “We Fall Down” (I think few can do it well)– he’s got potential, for sure.
Quiana Pettigrew – “Great Is Your Mercy”
I think I wasn’t a fan of the arrangement. It had a bossa nova vibe to it, but it didn’t lend itself to showcasing her vocals well. I’m sure she can do it, but the arrangement made it tough to work it. The vocal was a bit unfocused and, though she can definitely sing, I don’t know that she knew what to do with the song.
Franklin Davis – “I Believe I Can Fly”
Again, wasn’t too thrilled with it, but I believe it was because of the urban/Caribbean arrangement that they put on the song. It kinda distracted me from what he was doing, which is unfortunate because I can recall the odd musical arrangement better than I can recall his vocal performance. That’s not good.
Funmi Oduyemi – “Open My Heart”
It was just not okay. But it’s not her fault, exclusively. We pulled a Nigerian singer to the States, expecting her to sing in a way that would appeal to the U.S. gospel industry and the musical palettes within it. If it were an easy task, someone would have done it by now. I think it’s a tall order and she just didn’t measure up on this one. But she’s got a great spirit and demeanor– I really do want the best for her. I just don’t think it’s in the U.S. gospel marketplace.
Durward Davis – “Victory Chant”
This was a hard song to sing in terms of showcasing one’s talent– it’s really a call-and-response praise & worship song, which wouldn’t be an obvious choice for a vocal competition. That said, he did a VERY good job of delivering it… so much so that I wanted him to keep going! I liked Durward’s performance a lot. Definitely wanna see more.
Elder Goldwire McLendon – “The Battle Is The Lord’s”
Aaaaand I’m SOLD. I don’t think I need to see this through– he’s my pick. He’s who I want an album from. Someone else can give one, too, but I want Elder McLendon’s ministry in the mix right now. He’s got a Pop Winans kind of vibe to him that is endearing and familiar… I want him to be a part of the fabric of our industry. I want him to impart into the younger generation. I want him to… I enjoyed him. Thoroughly.
And that’s THAT. Okay, folks… lemme know what you thought of the show and lemme know what you think of my recap. You think it’s baloney, don’t you? No, wait… you wholeheartedly agree, don’t you? 
Talk to me!
Jonte: The arrangement was cool. I liked the band but not the vocals. It was really short…I know they edit it for TV but she sang shorter than everybody. Le’Andria: From the roota to the toota that girl flat foot (the country in me) sang that song. Thank God for DVR because I went back and listened. I can definitely see me listening to her. It’s very easy to listen to someone when they don’t try to force an anointing. Robert Hatcher: He has a good voice but didn’t connect. Great R&B and soul voice though. He had one of those Luther runs too. Tawanna Tarvin: Smooth voice. I can definitely see her in a gospel stage play. I say that because the song reminds me of something that an actress would sing when she is going through. I agree with Donnie, I believe she meant it from her heart; believe it or not I agree with Tina…I want to buy her record. Judging her hair, I like the fro. Its Tina that needs a change. Tina looks like Ike Turner when they performed Proud Mary...just blonde! Davon Fleming: Not really feeling him. Quiana Pettigrew: I don’t know what happened. She had the perfect song to do something big on and didn’t capitalize on it. Franklin Davis: I understand you can be fly and go to church…I do it every Sunday bruh! Not really feeling the voice though. Kind of reminds me of something off of…sometimes I can talk to much never mind! Funmi Oduyemi: I think next year we should stay in the United States. Durward Davis: This guy is bad. My friend said he reminded him of Zebulon, I can see that too. Somewhere in this song something clicked and this man sang for real. Ready to hear more this season, I’m with Donnie...do that again and I’m with you throughout the season. Elder Goldwire McLendon: PawpPaw got footwork! At first I was like ok another Harvey Watkins or Lee Williams but when you are anointed the anointing will take you places. When he preached at the end the saints in New Orleans and Conway got happy. I won’t say any names but someone in my house was crying and the other one was up about to cut a step. Donnie’s war cry set the stage and then they tuned him up…I like this dude…yall know I’m Baptist and love ole school when the Elder got ready to take Jesus to the cross I about lost it. I’m a fan. In the future shows I would like to see a lot more ministry and less performing. Yall thought I was done….Y’ANNA CRAWLEY closed the show…I love you Y’Anna. Everybody listen the single is out Tuesday and the album will be released on July 13…let’s go out and BUY!!
Honey, Elder is anointed! He is such an awesome example of how God will keep and preserve HIS people. I see this season is going to be something because when that Donnie McClurkin(i love him) get to speaking in tongues and preaching, IT'S A WRAP just like last night.LoL Oh and I LOVE Yolanda A. as a judge
EJ....Great minds do think alike eh?....I just commented on another blog that the elder reminds me of Pop Winans ,and now you are saying the same.(LOL)..Last night was wonderful to say the least.Elder did bring the house down and Donnie just could not resist. I am looking forward to the other episodes.
Not sure why they brought in Funmi. She is fighting an uphill battle trying to compete on the level of what we're used to in North America. She tried, though. Bet you BET ain't gonna do that again. Elder had it in the bag last night! He sounded like a hybrid between a mature Donnie and Daryl Coley. He just had the anointing and THAT'S what made the difference! Not sure if I like Yolanda as a judge. She was saying a whole bunch of nothing to me. They should have left the juding with Kim Burrell.
Johnte: her voice is unique, doesnt seem like she would have all that range. arrangement was blah.. Leandria: not much can be said but maam keep doing you and your gifts will make room for you cant wait to see where god takes her. Robert: he was kinda disconnected but he has a voice Tawanna: i LOVE her voice its diff. but i agree ej the song went from 1 to 18 in 5 seconds Davon: he sounds like Everyone in houston so im kinda over it lol..but he can sing but thats all im geeting from him is he can sing quianna: can you say ALTO..dont hear that much these days..arrangement was akward.i like her though Franklin: NOT FEELING HIM. i was like huh Funmi: she started off nice and i was like oh this could be good. then her accent took over and i was like oh no. great spirit though but competeting against these americans idk Durward: I LOVE THIS BROTHA!!! he is a praise and worship artist for sure i want his cd NOW. ELDER: CMON ELDER!!! his voice reminds me of WALTER HAWKINS i love him not much to say but God exudes from that man. Judges: Tina was kind (hand no reason to be other wise) Yolanda: PLEASE COME BACK AND RECORD LIVE WE MISS YOU donnie: glad you on this season... KIRK WAS CRYING! GREAT SHOW
EJ you are right about the Elder. I think this is a two person competition between the Elder and Le’Andria. Le’Andria story really is inspiring and I hope she wins.
Well, we got our "Betty White"--not all seniors are sitting in the bed moping around and reminiscing about the "good ole' days". I believe God is using Senior Citizens right now and if the Elder win this competition, it will be a victory for all the older adults and it will compel those Seniors that its not over and that God want to use them too in the body of Christ.
I loved this episode. I felt like all of them did good considering this the first non-audition episode and they had to sing before the judges doing their songs. I loved LeAndra, Elder, and Durward the best. I would really love to hear more from them. I think Fummi was nervous but has to remember what Kim and Donnie tried to tell her in Nigeria. She can't come in soft, she has to show her chops right then and there without having to be directly challenged. I think she is still in the competition because people saw something in her that they want to see come out again. Elder brought down the house. Had me in my house jumping. Hope there is more of last night's anointing in this entire season. God Bless
Well, I watched the "elder"...what can I say.....he can sings rings around those folks...
Didn't watch...but you guys have me EXCITED to hear the "Elder", lol. I'll be youtubin/trying to catch a rerun to hear him. Pop & Walter!? Y'all better not be exaggerating, LOL...
@v4c not exaggerating at all when he goes into his upper register i heard walter hawkins singing marvelous he just has it
@v4c the episode is on BET.com if you dont want to wait for a rerun.
I loved the show! I have never been this excited about Sunday Best (or any other TV show, cause I'm not a huge TV person), but I really enjoyed it...can't wait until next week!!! :)
Nice show,but I have a couple of issues. -I kinda have a problem with BET's idea of doing only 10 episodes in all We've seen in other talent competitions where a contestant who doesn't do well initial improve with time.But these time around,20 contestants sing and 10 are eliminated.There's no room to see improvement among contestants.It's like a one time chance.Imagine eliminating 10 from these 20 great singers.I think they should think about it in future times. -The contestants have only 1min or maybe 1min30secs to sing.Not all might do well within the time range they have -About the Funmi girl: Many Nigerians really felt she doesn't in anyway reflect up to 10% of talent that could have been offered from Nigeria;cos the competition was not really publicized and auditions were held on a Sunday-A sunday when all the 'sunday bests' would be in their churches. -I think the stand outs for me Leandria, Durward, Tawanna & Elder Goldwire. -I kinda of have a question for folks: If another younger contestant performed like Elder Goldwire,would we have been so captivated or it's His age that's giving us all a soft spot for Him? But can't deny is anointing and given His age, It's so touching. His words were not so clear in the beginning.
@Danny I agree with you about the 4 to look at right now: Leandria, Durand, Tuwana, and Elder G. They were awesome. Each made you want to eat carpet and send for the usher board #2 to throw a sheet on you.
EJ - well said about Elder McClendon. LAWD JESUS....I wanted to get my shout on in my living room. I want to see him and Leanna at the very end. But ultimately....my heart is set on Elder McClendon to win. His soul and spirit just sets it off. I don't see an elder...I see a man whom is determined to praise the Lord until his last bit of breathe. Preach on Elder McClendon!!!
SUNDAY BEST!!! OMG!!! It was so GOOD last night!!! My standouts were: LEANDRIA-homegurl can SANG!!!!-nuff said! Daevon-that lil boy got some chops on him-but I'm like Tina though-it tooks some convincing me that he believed what he was singing Quianna- I like that chic...her voice is good,it was something that stood out about her Duward-I enjoyed his performance-ALOT "Elder"- I was just too through!! He had me shoutin!! I love him, he's like somebody's grandad!! Them judges went IN!!! I think Tina said it best-yall young ones better take note!! (I wasn't feelin that hair though...hmmm, somethin was off-nevermind) All in all the show was:GREAT!! I can't wait til next week!!! P.S.: I missed Erica!!!
LEANDRIA! Duward! ELDER! Anointing ALWAYS makes THE difference!! Can't wait to hear the other 10 next week, and for the rest of the season to unfold. So glad Donnie is judging this year. Definitely miss Erica tho! (BTW, The elder reminds me of Bishop Paul Morton)
Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon Elder Goldwire McLendon And thats all i'm gonna say about that!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved the opening song…everyone sounded fantastic! I always laugh when the finalist are singing background. I don’t know why I laugh, but they sounded good though! Jonte Thomas - “Just A Prayer Away” I like her…a lot. I want to see more of her. She reminds me of Stephanie Mills. I liked the arrangement also. LeAndria Johnson - “In The Midst Of It All” Now yall (yes yall) already know!!! LeAndria just has it. I can see her going all the way and I hope she does! Good God Almighty! Robert Hatcher - “What About The Children?” I like his voice, I was waiting to hear more range….just more from him. Tawanna Tarvin - “I’ll Trust You” I wasn’t feeling the song….maybe another choice would do it b/c she has the voice. Davon Fleming - “We Fall Down” Yes, a young voice just waiting to mature. It’s definitely there! Quiana Pettigrew - “Great Is Your Mercy” I wasn’t feeling the song….maybe another choice would do it. I like her voice too. Franklin Davis - “I Believe I Can Fly” I was definitely not liking this dude in the auditions, b/c he has the voice, no doubt. BUT, he kept doing all of the voice and physical acrobatics and it just took away from his performance. Although I did like his performance, I still feel that he didn’t correct his performance with the judges criticism b/c they keep saying the same thing. Franklin please listen b/c I love your voice and your style!!! Funmi Oduyemi - “Open My Heart” She looked great! I wish she showed her voice better. Seemed like she was nervous…it’s not like we don’t know that she can sing! Durward Davis - “Victory Chant” He did a great job from beginning to end…no denying that! We will see more of him I think! Elder Goldwire McLendon - “The Battle Is The Lord’s” Ok at first I’m like I can’t hear him, OMG he forgot the words ( I was so nervous for him) then…..BOOM! – I forgot all about that and went in with him…Donnie took it to another level and the camera’s kept rolling…Lord have mercy on my soul!!!!! Get it Elder!!!! Yall know I love me some Y’Anna and I’m guessing she got cut short b/c of the Elder’s time, but I wish she wasn’t cut short. I’m glad they didn’t cut the Elder’s time either. All in all, I can’t wait to hear the other half. I wish the songs weren’t so short. The first show of the finalist should be 2 hours. I would have watched it!
@Danny "-I kinda of have a question for folks: If another younger contestant performed like Elder Goldwire,would we have been so captivated or it’s His age that’s giving us all a soft spot for Him?" 1. No we wouldn't have 2. Yes we are. Let's tell the truth, vocally, it was nothing remarkable. It's his anointing and age that's playing a huge factor in Elder McClendon's novelty on the show. It happens with all of these competitions. On American Idol, some people slide by on their troubled life stories or their charm and good looks. It's gimmicky but it often works.
Watching @ bet.com now.... Did they give the judges Prozac before this taping? Their collective feedback is quite understated. Not saying they are wrong, just a sharp contrast to the judging at the auditions. Again, this is my first season watching the show. The song snippets are SO short.... I wish they would clarify what they mean by "the anointing" that they keep saying these contestants have.
Keisha M. - For clarification, you aren't equating anointing with a troubled life story/charm are you? The anointing to minister to peoples hearts and sympathy/infatuation, IMO, are very different. One should make you a winner on a gospel program called Sunday Best and the other should not...
Tam Tam - I haven't had the chance to watch yet...what did you think of the Elder???
I missed most of the auditions because we usually have Sunday night service but I’m so glad I was able to catch the show on Sunday I really enjoyed it!! Jonte Thomas - “Just A Prayer Away” She had a very nice range, & I actually enjoyed the arragement looking forward to seeing more of her! LeAndria Johnson - “In The Midst Of It All” Truly at the head of the pack....I could really feel the words she was singing!!! Nice tone, & truly anointed Robert Hatcher - “What About The Children?” He was ok..... I think I need to hear more from him to make a decision Tawanna Tarvin - “I’ll Trust You” I agree she has an amazing voice, she just had the wrong song but she can blow kind of reminds me of Tarralyn Ramsey!! Davon Fleming - “We Fall Down” I actually enjoyed his voice, but I didn’t really feel anything from him not really sure how much he's really into this competition Quiana Pettigrew - “Great Is Your Mercy” she was ok....I’ll wait before I make my final thoughts about her! Franklin Davis - “I Believe I Can Fly” True enough he can sing but kinda just doing too much... all that moving & hands take away from the singing to me.... I’ll just leave it at that lol Funmi Oduyemi - “Open My Heart” She seemed nervous....she looked great I’m hoping she gets better as the show progress Durward Davis - “Victory Chant” Truly my favorite male vocalist of the night he tore that song up!! Elder Goldwire McLendon - “The Battle Is The Lord’s” The Elder, at first I wasn’t quite sure what he was saying plus he messed up some of the words but the elder took that show to another level you could tell he was singing from a pure place not just because it was a competition but because he has a relationship w/ God I loved it!! I wish they would have showed more of the response after the elder sung it really look like they had a time in that place!! Y’Anna Crawley I’m sorry but I’m not feeling that song I would have preferred her first single to be the one she sang on the SB finale show from her season!! overall great night of music!!
LeAndria Johnson tore it up, at first I did`nt see the hype but when I rewatched it, she wrecked it.
Hi, v4c: Yes, I did get a chance to see the Elder and my goodnesssssssss... that's what old school, untainted, uninhibited, real, deep, honest, pure, heartfelt singing is all about. Others tried to sing to bring the house down with runs and gimmicks, tricks and whatnot. Elder sang simply to minister to the Lord. THAT, in my bold yet humble opinion, is the kind of attitude and atmosphere in which the "Anointed One" can and will present Himself. Yolanda's comments were on point about him: the fact that Elder even showed up to audition is a testimony that old doesn't mean dead. There are some Calebs in the midst who ain't afraid. And Elder looked real clean in his suit, too! Elder and LeAndria aren't even the best singers in this competition...but they are the most...how can I say... authentic... gimmick-free. They just came and sang the same way they sing (I believe) in the shower, in the kitchen, in the pew, and on the street...when no one is listening or when thousands are watching.... That's refreshing!
So Keisha, you are saying that the Elder should not compete because of his age? come on now--I just hate it when the older people are disregarded. We should be celebrating the fact that he is on there and he is showing people a la a Betty White that it is never too late to do ministry, which he's showing. And if he does not win the competition, it will inspire those senior saints to get off their chair and be effective in ministry. Look at people like Chuck Smith, who is 83, and he's spirit filled as ever. This is not being a knock, and please forgive me, but I'm sick and tired of our elderly being forgotten in ministry and discouraged because they want to pursue a dream or want to be involved and the younger people diss them. Sorry for the rant.
@v4c - The original question asked whether Elder Goldwire's age was playing a factor in his likability. I answered it. @Gayle - No, that's NOT what I'm saying. I enjoyed Elder Goldwire but I'm not naive that his age IS apart of his appeal on the show thus far. I'm not saying it as a negative thing. But it is what it is.
I'm not even gonna go through all of the names but LeAndria and Elder Goldwire(that is a fresh name by the way) were beyoooond my favorites! I cried and cried, hit rewind on the DVR and cried again! Oh yeaha, I found myself squawlin and singin "Haaail, Haaaail, Haaail Lion of Judah" on the back beat real tough a couple of times today! Hahaaaa! Thanks Durward for the big ol' smile on my face! I felt like I was in the congregation for Praise and Worship! Yes Suh! "He reeeeeigns! Yes He reigns! (Pumping my hands in the air) I must say, for the rocky controversial start that the Season opened up with, featuring the blazing judge on the Detroit talent, God truly has smiled on this Season. The anointing and humilty is greater this year and I love the diversity of the arrangements. You tell Kim rocked those mentor/mentee sessions! I'm happy! Can't wait for next week! DVR already set! :-)
@Keisha M. I wasn't captivated by Elder Goldwires ages because we all have and Elder Goldwire in our church. What was displayed was annointing over talent and I choose the annointing over talent anyday of the week and twice on Sunday. what happened when he sang was the very definition of Sundays Best. Not about the runs and rifts "can't nobody sing like Eddie Cain Jr" I'm back---- eye contact, composier or none of that basicly he allowed God to use him. See I didn't even use the cliche (the annointing makes the difference)
Keisha M. - I'm clear on the original question. I was NOT clear about some of the statements that you made to answer that question. But whatever...I guess you don't want to clarify. LOL... Cool... Tam Tam! (waving) - I can tell from your posts that you aren't moved by folks in 'performance' mode, lol. So, I can trust your post, for sure...without hearing him. That's why I HAD to read your take on it, lol... I promise to make it a point to watch the video when I get home today. I've been so busy lately...
@v4c What is there NOT to be clear about? I mean... I've expressed myself TWICE on the matter. In these competitions, it helps when people have a novelty quality about them. For some, its their testimonies, personality, charm and in Elder Goldwire's case - his old age. Bottomline. Again, I'm not saying it's a negative thing or its the ONLY thing (because I did enjoy him) but that's what's being displayed here.
@ Keisha M. and v4c: If I could kindly chime in on you all's exchange: :-) I think everybody else is talking about Elder's age but Elder himself. He just got on the stage and did his thing. Age had NOTHING to do with it.... Like I said upthread: Elder and LeAndria probably sing the same way all the time, regardless of who is or is not watching. It's not about performance to them. It's about the singing, the music, and, dare I say, the ministry through music. It's like we (society) can't accept/appreciate a person/performer for who s/he is...these days everybody has to have a hook/gimmick/novelty/trick.... It's probably even more...how shall I say...annoying that this gimmicktry (is that a word? LOL!) to have infiltrated into the gospel music genre. Now if I were to drop some names of (established gospel music "performers") who I think have embraced their gospel music gimmicktry, some feelings might get hurt. And yet some of these up and coming gospel music artists (and these SB contestants) think that they also need a gimmick to get over...and that's unfortunate. I don't blame them per se, I blame the (profiteering) path that gospel music has taken in the 21st century....
"It’s his anointing and age that’s playing a huge factor in Elder McClendon’s novelty on the show." Keisha M. - I understand your comment based on age but I didn't understand how the "anointing" part related to the rest of your comment/explanation. I've never really watched the show consistently...so maybe that's the reason I'm not understanding how the "anointing" on a gospel competition is a novelty or a gimmick. If I'm not being clear, I'm sorry, lol. I am a bit sleepy...
@Tam Tam "I think everybody else is talking about Elder’s age but Elder himself." Elder made it a point to tell us how old he was in the video clip preceding his performance. @v4c For the 3rd time, I'm talking about his AGE - you are going way left field. Who knew a simple answer to a simple question would cause so much confusion. It's all really simple. It honestly is.
Keisha M. - LOL...okay. I guess it's just the way I read it. *shrugs* I think it was the way you worded the sentence I quoted that caused the confusion though. But that's just my opinion. You've cleared up what you meant so all is now well!
Well, I definitely enjoyed the show and yes! it was the BEST Sunday Best I have seen. Re: Elder Goldwire McLendon...I am from Philadelphia and know him and heard him sing on many occasions. All I will say is I hope they don't elminate him during the 1st cut because you haven't heard anything yet. Elder's performance on Sunday was not remarkable at all and I was initally disappointed because I know Elder can BRING it. But as we all know- the annointing makes a difference and for anyone questioning the feedback and response- the annointing did make the difference on Sunday night. You did not see his best or nearly close to it. I pray he will remain on long enough for you to see and hear him as those of us that know him have.
Keisha M. said: "Elder made it a point to tell us how old he was in the video clip preceding his performance." Tam Tam says: Oops! My bad! :-)
Elder Gowire is my TOP Pick! I've known him all my life or should I say he's known me before I was born. He is anointed, humble, nice and has been singing 4ever. He can and will sing. He just needs a full song to sing for u guys. It's hard when u have time constraints. U haven't seen nothing yet. My favorite song I loved to hear he and his wife sing is "I've just seen Jesus." OMG, It will bless your life. I have to find my dvd of it and post it on youtube for u guys. If you think he can sing, You should check out his entire family they all can sing. Keep watching, Keep praying for all contestant because I believe they all will do well after the show is over. If I had to choose the top 3 this week, I would chose Elder Goldwire, Durward and Leandria. Praying for you Elder that God will continue to strengthen, sustain and keep you thru this journey! You are a winner in my book. You are Everyday's best.
Can we just go ahead and crown Durward Davis the winner? His vocals are CRAZY!!!! I'm looking forward to hearing more from him on the show.
FINALLY watched it. My Favs were Durward, Leandria, and Elder Goldwire...I think in that order. I was a put thrown off when the Elder tripped up the words a bit. But all 3 were definitely singing with conviction. I think these 3 will be the ones to watch. Great episode! Shout out to Davon for repping Bmore well...with that Bmore sound...which is a blessing and a curse. Just cause you can sing like everyone else doesn't mean that you have to. Sound like YOU. But I digress... Loved Tina's comments and the moments when Pastor McClurkin emerged.
correction: "I was a put..." should be "I was a bit...". My bad...
Yes I will have to agree that the Elder was definately a highlight. I'm curious to see what other songs they will give him and how he well sing them. But I also enjoyed Leandria and Durward. To be honest, I believe Durward is the total package( and no I don't know him personally LOL). He gave the most well rounded performance last Sunday. His voice is raw, anointed and Gospel/Churchyish but it is also polished. Also he seems to have a likeable and fun personality, which is very important for the winner to have when they perform/minister at different places, because they will have to talk between songs. Also I think it's time for a man to WIN. I just believe that if another woman wins with the same powerhouse/churchy vocal style, the show could get boring to some viewers. Change it up a lil this year! C'mon Durward, Elder Goldwire, Dathan and David the Hebrew! C'mon Men...let's represent!!! @Singnsista: hey i don't know if u remember me but I remember when we both performed/ministered at Soul Saturday @ Kings Dominion. I was Cj, the one with the hat who sung "When I Praise". If this is not who I am thinking about, then forgive me!!! LOL