I’ve been traveling this weekend, so I enlisted the help of one of GospelPundit.com’s newest guest contributors for this week’s recap– Troy Lilly. You remember Troy’s great work from his recap of Jason Nelson’s live recording a few weeks ago. Well, he’s back with his perspective on last night’s episode of Sunday Best on BET. I think it’s both thoughtful and thorough– I feel like I watched it already! Check it out…
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This week ‘s episode of Sunday Best was extra special for two reasons – a wildcard contestant who was sent home last week got a second chance to shine. And the incomparable Kim Burrell dropped in as a guest judge alongside Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams!
So, I was expecting a pretty memorable show.
But when J Moss hit the stage to open the show singing “We Must Praise,” the first single from his 2004 debut album, it seemed Sunday Best had pulled another “throwback” performance out of the hat. Fret not, though, because he quickly snapped back to 2010 with a powerful performance of his latest hit, “Rebuild.” The lyrics in the song are already powerful, but he really sang them – dare I say he was squalling at the end.
The bar was clearly raised for the 10 remaining contestants and there was added pressure since each singer got to choose their song, too. By the end of the night the true artists would stand apart from the rest of the pack.
Brian Smith – “I Won’t Complain”
Dubbed by the Sunday Best judges as Mr. Bowtie, Brian kicked things off with a mid-tempo rendition of the song. The arrangement was refreshing and allowed him to find his sweet spot vocally and command the stage a bit more. Judges agreed and enjoyed his performance and his nice “spirit.”
Orlando Wright – “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus”
There were signs of trouble with Orlando’s voice in the rehearsal footage. In my opinion, not much changed in his actual performance. He struggled to plant his voice in the melody and sufficed to improvise with plenty of questionable phrasing choices. The judges’ critiques were mostly succinct and vague. ? Hmm…
AND NOW FOR THE WILDCARD contestant…
Martha Buries – “Change”
Martha deserves to be back and she proved it by giving Tramaine Hawkins a run for her money on this traditional rendition of “Change.” In fact, her jazzy chops reminded me a lot of contestant Jessica Reedy from last season. I want to see her move ahead and Yolanda noted, “I knew God wasn’t through with you!” Definitely not.
Franklin Davis IV – “Savior More Than Life to Me”
No one was more disappointed in Franklin’s performance than he was. For all the flair he brings to the stage he wasn’t very sure this time around. Maybe he got nervous singing Kirk’s song in front of him, but then again, he picked it. He’s got the range but didn’t believe what he was singing. Before the judges said a word he was hanging his head.
Dathan Thigpen – “Speak to My Heart”
For Dathan, his song choice – a Donnie McClurkin classic – was a perfect choice. He literally tore it up, especially when he jumped from the bridge to the vamp. That big jump was make or break and Donnie applauded him for pulling it off. Yolanda called him “phenomenal” and Kim said he “exceptionally sang.”
Tawanna Tarvin – “Now Behold The Lamb”
Was Kirk song #2 the charm? Well let’s say it started very strong…maybe a little too strong. Tawanna has quite a range, and she started the song in the rafters and never came down. Her upper register was hurting a bit by the end. But there’s still no doubt she can rip a song apart, she just has to take her time doing it.
Durward Davis – “That’s When You Blessed Me”
Durward took on a big L.A. Mass Choir song, and with amazing background vocalists, he pulled that thing off up in Sunday Best time – and he was so sincere. Tears were welled in his eyes the entire time. Kudos to him for “doing just what he said,” as Kim put it.
LeAndria Johnson – “He Was There All the Time”
Singing a “testimony” song, LeAndria was true to form, which is to say flawless. From beginning to end she delivered. At this point, she’s the one contestant I would say is ready to launch. Stage presence, vocal control and dynamism and anointing. She’s the full package.
David Wilford – “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
David is a very cool dude. And that’s exactly what came across in his performance. To be honest, he kind of had a duet with the saxophone and the arrangement was very mellow, almost soothing. David crooned without missing a note. Somehow I feel he failed to grab the attention of the audience or the judges. It was certainly a safe performance. Sadly, it may have been a forgettable one as well.
Tiffany Carlin-Laird – “I Need Thee”
The judges told her she needed to own the stage and Tiffany ran with their advice. She tackled the traditional hymn with fervor, showing she could be soft and still pack a nice growl, too. I hope she continues to mature and grow comfortable with her gift.
Elder Goldwire McLendon – “Yes, Jesus Loves Me”
When I watch Elder McLendon all I can think is “oil”. There is oil all over him. Even before he opened his mouth to sing, he ushered in the Presence of God. We already know he can sing in the purest sense of the word, so what’s more intriguing is the way his singing changes the atmosphere. The audience (and judges) couldn’t contain the power that followed Elder McLendon’s performance. He literally shouted off the stage.
But in the end, only 7 contestants remained.
The Top 7:
Brian Smith
LeAndria Johnson
Elder Goldwire McLendon
Martha Buries (Wildcard)
Tiffany Carlin-Laird
Dathan Thigpen
Durward Davis
For once I agree totally with the cuts from the lineup. The remaining contestants have a certain degree of artistry. They are no longer just singing songs, but they have a unique style and approach to singing that is distinguishable. A few can still benefit from the professional mentoring. For the most part, though, they’ve got “it.”
By the way, this episode got me thinking: I would love for Kim Burrell to open the show at least once before the season is over.
Now what did you really think?
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Well, shooooooooot… I guess I’ll start by saying I think that’s a dope recap! 
Then, I’ll add that I am quite pleased with the top 7– these would probably have been my choices, too, even from the week before. I would have loved to see David Wilford progress through the competition a bit more, but I’ll have to see the performance footage from last night.
So, like Troy asked, what did you really think?
Nice recap and it sounds like it was a good show to recap... the show reads/sounds better than last week's episode. The inclusion of Kim Burrell makes me once to check it out online.
Great recap! I'll have to check it out online as well. Sound like this is shaping up to be a great season!
Brian Smith – “I Won’t Complain” It was nice, but I was surprised that he is still in the competition. You can't help but like him though. Orlando Wright – “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” I do love his voice and stage presence, but since he already has a career, I feel that it wasn't fair for him to be in the competition. I think he will be fine though. Martha Buries – “Change” I love her voice, I can't wait to see more of her. Franklin Davis IV – “Savior More Than Life to Me” I like him and his voice. I understood the judges choice though. Dathan Thigpen – “Speak to My Heart” Oh he has that worhip leader quality definately. I like him. Tawanna Tarvin – “Now Behold The Lamb” Ok, I wasn't too fond of her at first, but this chic can sing!!! Like everyone is saying...she needs to sing a whole song...she can sang, but I agreed with the judges. Durward Davis – “That’s When You Blessed Me” Step one onto the stage...you had me from there. Pure talent, pure worship...love him....I think the competition will be between him and LeAndria and maybe Tiffany. LeAndria Johnson – “He Was There All the Time” OH THIS IS MY GIRL! Yep, I yelled! #1 Spot has her name on it, but Durward and Tiffany are battling for it too! David Wilford – “Great is Thy Faithfulness” I like him!!!!! I wish he wouldn't have played it so safe, but I did like the sound....bring him back please!!! I'm serious! Tiffany Carlin-Laird – “I Need Thee” Gurrrrlll!!! Well...I don't have really anything to say but she battling for that #1 spot - powerhouse! Elder Goldwire McLendon – “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” Ha, love me some Elder....I just wish he could come on each show and perform....very fitting don't you think! I would hate to be the judges. All in all this is going to be good....it will be very interesting to see what happens when they start giving them different songs to sing. I can't wait until Sunday. I hate that their voices are going out on them. Oh J Moss....dope....sounded like his voice was going too, but he did that!
Troy great recap! You were dead on it! :) All I can say about this season - HOTTT (in Jesus name lol)!! It's a tough line-up and I too would hate to be a judge. As far as overall quality and caliber of singers, this is the best season ever. They are all awesome but my top picks are LeAndria, Durward, Dathan, and Tiffany. My lady choices can sang and Durward and Dathan can lead P&W for me anytime. Already looking forward to next week!
I wanna slap LeAndria. Tis all.
Ok I watched. The show matched the recap (in a good way). I was not as impressed w/the wildcard. She did everything right but I did wonder who didn't get picked. And "Changed" is the type of song that, how can I say, that if you get close to belting it out like Tremaine does, you'll sound like you "killed" it (used that word for the new generation). And one can only get close to it. Nobody can match Tremaine singing it. BTW: I ABHOR, DETEST (and every other word that means "hate) the use of such terms as "I love ____ to death", ____"killed" it, or other terms that refer to death and dying. The people of God should be more mindful as we know the power of our words. ***gets off soapbox*** Oh yeah: I'm ready to call the final two.... ;-)
Great observation of the show! Details are on point. I'm especially grateful for the "CRITIQUES" from our judges. This year Sunday's Best Judges are giving contestants "professional directives and insight on how to perfect their craft". Kim Burrell's critique of LeAndria Johnson performance has set the bar for true mentorship in developing others who seek to do what we do. It is our job for those of us who've mastered our craft, to "speak life and leave a blueprint that will impact the lives of new artist for generations to come." Sunday's Best REPRESENTIN!
You said what I basically thought about this episode. I Did miss Tina and I thought David's performance was smooth and should have stayed. Overall a dope episode.
Your critique of the show was pretty spot on. Leandria was impressive as allways, Dathan really surprised me with his tone prescence and sincerity, and I amazed how Elder can shift the whole atmosphere in seconds. That is something that can't be rehearsed. I agree with the judges top 7 picks. However, I kinda miss last seasons judges. This season they are little too nice and congenial for MY taste, but I understand they are trying to uplifting . I was very disappointed with David, because I feel like innovative, contemporary, young gospel talent is not really represented on this show this year and I was hoping that he would bring a little freshness.
@Phil - I was impressed as well with Kim's critique. Great wisdom! @jonez - You're right. Elder is one anointed man! The atmosphere changes in an instant when he approaches the stage. I love him!
Great Recap.... I agree with the judges decisions on the the 4 that were cut. Durward Davis sang one of my favorite songs of ALL TIME – “That’s When You Blessed Me.” He really sang that song. He's the one to beat. LeAndria Johnson sang a song by one of my favorite singers of all time - the late great JAMES MOORE!!!!! LeAndria was awesome. Her voice kind of reminds me of Oleta Adams. Love Oleta Adams. Dathan Thigpen sang Speak to My Heart better than any one I've every heard sing that song in that little period of time. His voice is Powerful!!!! SANG BOY!!!! If Martha Buries could have sang "Change” just a bit longer there wouldn't have been a dry eye in the house and in my house (me). The girl is BAD.
Troy, I agree with your critique and the judges the top 7.
I just wish my David could have stayed around longer! other than that I think that they made some great choices! This is a very exciting season of Sunday's Best!
AWESOME recap Troy!!!! Yep...my eyes are watching for Leandra, Elder McClendon, Dathan and Martha. Troy you took the words right out of my mouth LITERALLY. Martha's voice seriously reminds me of Jessica Reedy a lot. I think that wildcard was played correctly. Praise the Lord for these annointed men and woman of God. I especially luv the annointing and Holy Spirit over Elder McClendon. "My God....my God" *shaking my head in awe*
Oops...and I forgot to add Durward Davis. I like his style as well. :)
Right now I'm really pulling for LeAndria and Dathan.I'm really feeling the way they present their songs in such excellence.Oh yeah Elder is on point to.I might be young but I would definetly buy his album because it's something about the way he sings,you just feel it ( The Anointing).
Nice recap! I really love Durward Davis, LeAndria Johnson & Elder Goldwire- it's refreshing to hear those three not only sing, but really minister & let God take over...awesome. I wish David Wilford could have stayed :(, but it is what it is :) I'm really enjoying this season of SB, it has a very different spirit from the others. Very good!
Leandria has been my favorite since the auditions....She is my # 1 pick!!!!I just need to know who sings the original version of ''He was there"... This is when you know someone is great, because you want to search for what they sung!!! If you know email it to me at ametria8301@hotmail.com. Thank you so much!
The Late James Moore sang '"He was there all time.
@Meech, the James Moore version is not anything like the version Leandria sang. Words are the same, but the beat and feel are completely different. The bonafide original version was written by Gary Paxton. I grew up hearing this song often in church.