This is Part Two of your weekly Sunday Best recap. If you haven’t seen Troy Lilly’s editorial on last night’s program, click here… great perspective! If you’re all set, let’s go…
This week’s episode brought us one step closer to knowing who would be crowned Sunday Best as the judges made a tough decision, dismissing who many thought could win this year– Durward Davis. I had planned to recap it all again, but Troy did such a great job– no need to reinvent the wheel.
What I would like to chat about it, instead, is the root of our “shock” over the results portion of the show.
Full disclosure– I was shocked last night. I thought LeAndria and Durward were going to the finals. I thought that Elder Goldwire McLendon had done above and beyond what most expected, but that the end of the road was nigh. And I was going to be fine with that. When Kirk announced that Durward Davis would be going home, I was surprised. And the social networks immediately went to buzzin’, too.
But I’ve given it a little thought since last night, and I guess I have gotten to the point where I’m NOT so shocked anymore. Hear me out…
Many have said that Elder Goldwire McLendon, while a true treasure and an incredible contestant on this show, may not experience widespread commercial success in the gospel music industry and, as such, should not/will not win. I, for one, think I would be more inclined to see him live than to purchase a full album of his.
But does that mean he shouldn’t win this year? Not necessarily…
The reality is that we, the viewing audience, don’t really know WHY Sunday Best exists. We love it, for sure, but it’s not easy to pinpoint the program’s end goal, at least not by way of their actions. And because we can’t pinpoint the end goal, it’s hard to have a reasonable expectation of the criteria it will use to get there.
With American Idol, for example, we know that the end goal is to create a superstar that will do well commercially. Everything points to it and they make no qualms about it. Everything that they decide speaks to it. Sunday Best, however, has never said that the commercial success of its winners is its paramount concern. And while skeptics and cynics will say “of COURSE that’s their chief concern… it’s a BUSINESS,” you have to admit that we’ve got a unique situation on our hands.
We’ve got a television program that will take 30 seconds of otherwise valuable air time to show people shouting and dancing, and where the judging criteria is based on an otherwise nebulous, but oh-so-common-for-us, term called the “anointing.” And time after time, this season and in season’s prior, the judges have sent several packing who have looked the part and had the vocal chops in exchange for something… different.
Even beyond that, we’re in an industry where most of the biggest names and highest-selling artists are closer to 40 years of age than 20 years of age, in complete contrast to the mainstream music industry. We’ve got an industry where– and I’m just being honest– you don’t have to be a certain look or size in order to participate. In fact, if you’ve got a lil’ meat on your bones, you’ll probably get a better response… again, diametrically opposed to mainstream music. So is it far-fetched to believe that, even in a talent competition that mimics a mainstream music contest in some respects, there would be some aspects of it that are diametrically opposed to the mainstream music biz?
The reality is that Elder McLendon, whether he floats your musical boat or not, is making a big impact on folks. The judges have been excited about his vocal delivery, but also about how God has preserved him and how he takes you back to old time holiness. He’s a throwback of sorts, the sheer intrigue of which we can’t quite pinpoint, but can all feel a little bit. Dunno if that’s what you’re looking for in your Sunday Best winner, but I’m curious to know what’s not ‘gospel’ about what he brings to the table?
Full disclosure #2– I’m not saying this to say that he should win. I’m still rootin’ for Tiffany Carlin-Laird, and she ain’t even ON the show anymore. I’ll have to pick a fave by the finale. 
I dunno. I just think it’s kinda hard to say that a contestant shouldn’t progress just because people might not really buy the album. People won’t really buy the albums of some of the biggest names in gospel music anymore. Perhaps the criteria, or ultimate question is, will this person be a vital addition to the gospel music industry?
In that light, it becomes incredibly difficult to say. Who, among our finalists, would be the greatest asset to the industry? How do we even measure that? Is that even the goal of Sunday Best? If not, then what is?
No answers are right or wrong… these are just my random thoughts.
Anyone?
"How do we even measure that? Is that even the goal of Sunday Best? If not, then what is?" Sounds like you need to interview the SB producers, EJ, lol. We can speculate all day but I think real answers would be GREAT...and end several debates. Great points! You didn't lose me till Full disclosure #2. Tiffany who? Did SB have a Tiffany? LMBO! And...cause context clues didn't work for me either: Nebulous - indistinct, vague *giving the side eye* You know you didn't know what it meant...
Elder Goldwire should win he is Sunday Best!!!!!! God looks on the heart and will use you when everyone else feels you are too old or undeserving. God's ways are higher than our ways and Elder has blessed anyone that can hear his voice. He has ministered in a mighty way and walked out on faith just to audition for the show. I love his heart and know that GOD is ordering his steps.
EJ, I first have to agree with you in the fact that we don't know the real goal of Sunday Best. That to me explains why the show is the way it is. They (executives, producers, writers, etc.) KNOW what the purpose is. But we, the viewers don't know anything. And I feel that our not knowing distorts exactly what we should be paying attention to, because we don't fully know what the "true criteria" of a SB contestant is, according to judges. You have some of us (viewers) who are just looking for "the anointing", a good voice & decent stage presence, which is mostly always viewed as a must in order to be "a real gospel" singer. And then you have those that are looking for "mainstream quality", marketability, the "whole package" or just focusing more on the "business" side of it. But even with all of that & all of our own opinions, I don't believe that anyone of us can say with full guarantee if ANY winner of Sunday Best will or will not sell albums, be a great asset to the gospel community or anything else UNTIL...a winner is chosen, albums are sold, a resume is built & money is made. Everyone has an opinion (doesn't make any of us wrong or right), but we still just have to wait and see what happens, like we've been having to do throughout every season of Sunday Best. If we want a certain person to win, then we have vote for them & CONTINUE to support that person. They don't make it on their own. Much love :)
they should just release both of their cds like they did crystal and shari and call it a day
Hey All. I personally will not say who I think should win, but I think the purpose of Sundays Best is to add something fresh to the musical stage ministry. While many artists can sing and have the anointing, that doesn't mean they should be stage artists. Gospel Music is synonymous to the kingdom each part plays a role in building the kingdom of God. That being said the winner of Sundays Best should be the person with the unique anointing that is currently missing from the performing (stage) body of Christ.
I think third full disclosure should be why was Elder giving 'falling in love with Jesus',even if it was released on a gospel jazz album...it was not on same platform with leandria and durward. If another younger singer with Elder's 'level' of anointing and skill forgot lyrics to a song,will they still be in the competition. Why does the judges and maybe producers of the show have the sole right to keep people in the competition.I guess they're the only ones who can feel the anointing.So they basically create a show and don't really inform folks on the overall goal of the show.As long as those goals, whatever they are are achieved, how the audience feels doesn't really matter.They allow the audience involvement at the final when they feel their goals have been achieved. Just my thoughts....
If for anything @EJ, your statement 'who would be the greatest asset to the industry?' is something great to think about. He'll definitely be a great testimony!!!
My perception of what Sunday Best seems to be looking for is a contestant that embodies skill, anointing, & fine presentation. At least, that's what I surmise from viewing the audition shows. Tina Campbell's #1 explanation for an elimination is: "I just don't see you outside the 4 walls of the church" inferring that crossover marketability IS a factor in this contest. We've seen some vocally capable people be denied to the next round for paltry reasons such as "gospel hands"! Hair color and clothing have cost others their advancement in the competition. I believe it was Erica Campbell who initially wrote off LeAndria because she did not look "winnable" [her words] as soon as she entered the room. So while vocal ability & anointing are crucial -- the feedback of the judges have made it clear that so is marketability to the world.
I think even at the first live show,Elder Goldwire's impact was already sealed. He doesn't have to get to the finals to make his mark (e.g. Jennifer Hudson in A.I) But they should have allowed Durward go through; the clear better contestant. Let's drop all these sentiments about anointing and being an asset to the industry. It's a TV show in a secular market place on a mainstream network.
@Keisha....maybe they have changed their motives for the show. @EJ,There's no need for these explanations.I think the judges showed what they wanted during the auditions; 'skill, marketability, anointing, presentation...d whole package'. Forgetting lyrics on a national show (like elder did last week) showed CHURCH to me, not SUNDAY BEST.It was just not acceptable. Maybe they should have done the show on TBN or Daystar or GMTV.
I guess the competition is living to it's name 'Sunday' best....the BEST on sunday in church, but probably not anyother day
@bimpe : "the BEST on Sunday in church, but probably not any other day" Love that statement! And I think for SOME of the contestants & viewing points of Sunday Best it stands very true :)
I get what you're saying EJ. My thing is if the prize for the winner is a recording contract, shouldn't the winner have a voice that people would want to listen to without the visual? There's no doubt that the elder is anointed. But if the viewing audience only had to listen to the audio of each show, would the mistakes that he has made still fly? As far as the looks are concerned, most of the artists that have some meat on their bones are already established artists in one form or another. I can't think of a popular newcomer to the gospel stage with some weight to them that hasn't already been introduced in some form, whether it be background singing or songwriting. We can try and dress Sunday best solely on the anointing, but we would be lying to ourselves. Just like American idol, Sunday best is looking for the "it" factor. They want it all, including the anointing. Because of that, I still believe the final two should have been leeandria and durward davis.
I will have to say that I believe Durward should have been in the top 2. IMO he would have been perfect for the first male to win Sunday Best. IMO he is very marketable as far as Gospel Music is concerned. He has a very strong,polished,contemporary yet still churchy enough voice. He is not too young and he has a strong presence about him which puts in mind of artists like Marvin Sapp, Marvin Winans, Fred Hammond, Marcus Cole,etc.But I do think that the Elder could have an audience once he starts recording. I can see him doing concerts around churches and I can see him not being a crossover Gospel artist, but a successful Gospel artist for the church(i.e. Norman Hutchins, Lee Williams, Daryl Coley, Beverly Crawford).And those artists are highly succesful in the Gospel industr, although they may not be 'crossover'. But lets not forget this is Gospel music and a lot of the standards for Gospel music is different than secular music. Look at the past winners and compare them to the past 3 american idol winners..see what im sayin?
Agism still exists. And even among Christians who feel that Elder should not be among the top two. Amazing..
@gayle why is it ageism if a person doesn't think the elder should have made it to the top two? Nobody has harped on the fact that he's 79. If anything, more people have said they love him because he's 79. Most people are a little disappointed because whether you want to admit it or not, the elder has been given a slide because of the "anointing." i'm not saying the elder isn't anointed, but this is a competition. Just speaking for me, the elder did not always give final two performances like leeandria and durward. No matter who wins, I still believe everybody in the top 10 has a career in gospel and I can't wait to hear all of them! I still want leeandria to win! Lol
@Erica, The answer is Yes. If any other artist forgot the words- would they still be in competition- YES! Leandria forgot the words of the 1st song last week and the week before. She ad libbed and shuffled them around and kept going- but she forgot the words. Tina spoke on her "mishaps" last week, and Yolanda mentioned about her not being 100%. They didn't call her out on it like they did Elder Goldwire but if you knew the songs- she forgot the words.
@mylum Your point is very subjective. Personally, I wouldn't want to listen to Leandria without the visual. The yelling, and vocal inconsistencies, and overall being all over the place after 2 songs wouldn't do it for me on a CD. But -this is my personal preference and to each its own.
I think of the goal of SB is anything, it is that it will NOT be American Idol. America continuously picks the wrong person on Idol. America votes off the talent completely in favor of what's hot now, and who's good looking. So kudos to SB for breaking that mold that America somehow knows who should or should not go on when inevitably they normally have no say in who gets a record contract. Why let them start now? America knows NOTHING!!! Although I will say that I picked Leandria from day 1 of her audition (I'm just saying). I think SB understands that if all of their contestants are the Leandria's, and Franklins (yeah, Mr. Mohawk) they will lose a valuable audience. They desperately need to appeal to the "mothers" and "elders" of the gospel community and show that it's not a popularity contest, and it is not just about age. It is about being true to the message of Jesus Christ, and anyone can spread that message. I have thoroughly enjoyed Elder McLendon ministering week after week. I like that him being in the final separates SB from other seemingly skewed reality shows--even if it is really for show.
Mylum, because what you posted about"giving him a free pass which many people are saying- And I don't think its true at all. It leads me to believe that he should have not been in this competition to begin with. This is what I"m still feeling with some are angry that Durwood should have made the top two. I still think that people are still against the elderly or people over 50 when they do something out of the box. My Opinion.
@YVI M all i'm saying is that there were more artists that gave overall better performances on a consistent basis than the elder. Call it subjective if you want. It's a dangerous decision to start judging based off the "anointing" alone. What's the litmus test for the anointing? Who makes Donnie "try to keep it in English?" We as the viewers have the luxury to be subjective. The judges are the ones who are supposed to be objective and advance who best meet their criteria on Sunday Best on all levels. I'm not blaming elder for making it to the top two. I'm not even judging him on forgetting the words. Singers do it all the time. But if this is a competition and the judges are going to nit-pick one, you need to nit-pick all, including leeandria and elder.
You know what, i'm not going to continue this because this is getting nowhere. I wish all of the contestants the best and everybody vote when they give the numbers next week!
I think everyone should accept the fact that the two finalist are LeAndrea & Elder ..and just move forward.The judges know what they are looking for and it is obvious that it's more than who can shout the loudest. Now let's pray that God's will be done . N/B ...I am so pleased The Elder made it. God bless.
My comments about judging....Kim Burrell was just that! She challenged and assessed all of the contestants with REAL feedback. I think she should be cast.
@ EJ The thing to do next year is to take the decision away from the Judges when it comes to the top 5 or top 3 and let the people decide. My pet peeve is if you are judgeing based soley on performance then the clear answer should be D. D and Leandra. DD brought it round one leandra round 2. Even if you go by the judges comments everyone and their momma thought Durward was in the finals even him and Kirk thought it. I won;t say the Elder doesnt desrve to win but if I judge it soley on lastnights performance against DD and Leandra he does not.
PS. Does BET have the money to open up 5 800 #
Is this a Christian show? Is thos not a Christian blog site? Are we forgetting the word? Some of these comments are unbeleivable to me. We're always repeating cliche's such as "favor aint fair" and it's not but when this dynamic happens for someone we dissagree with we forget that Gods ways and will is not ours.Yes Leandria and Duward are both gifted and anointed and no matter the outcome they both will have successful careers in Gospel. But as we beleivers should know better than anybody, gifting and anointing cannot compete with Gods timing and DESTINY! Lets open up our spiritual eyes, it's just the Elders time PERIOD!
NOW, I said for a while the Elder needed to go home with an award for winning in a category all his own. BUT for me Israel's performance made it clear why Elder should win. I don't like Isreal's music per say but he puts me in a spirit of worship (especially last night). Its not just about performance but ministry that comes with it. That is the point of gospel. Not how many run's you can do. Reflecting back on Isreal's performance allows me to see the logic in Elder being in finals. Yes LeAndria can amaze us and Deward blows. But Elder ushers in the spirit of the lord. He has touched the live audience and viewing audience in a way no other contest has in the past. And yes Sunday's Best has emphasize commercial success but perhaphs its taken a turn for the best by prioritizing the ministering aspect of gospel over the showmanship, even though Elder has both. That said he didn't impress me in the beginning of falling in love with Jesus. love this blog all the time!
Also, i have an issue with the judges prophesying for LeAndria. I dunno if that was God or their opinion. thats rubs me wrong.
Hmphf... I'm really really confused now because I don't know anymore what the judges are looking at - that's the bottom line for me. I think all the comments before this express my sentiments and more. I'm just really concerned and somewhat bothered. The judging criteria lacks consistency. Wish both contestants the best! Durand, I was truly sorry to see ya go, Dude, but it aint over. You gotta know that!
It is CRYSTAL CLEAR that Durward was robbed plain and simple.
Let me just say that I was not a contestant...I didn't lose anything. So, I have NOTHING to be angry about, lol. I was never in danger of winning a recording contract, lol. My disagreeing with the final two outcome doesn't make me angry or less spiritual...I simply just disagree based on what MY preferences! EVERYONE has different preferences. The anointing touches us all differently...because we're all different with different experiences and preferences. I feel the presence of God EVERY time I watch Michael W. Smith's Worship DVD! Do I own all his CD's? Nope...cause the style isn't my preference. But I do acknowledge the power of God working through him. And I put Elder in the same boat. I'd LOVE to see him live...probably wouldn't buy the CD. I'm not gonna vote for him to win a contract to record a CD that I wouldn't buy...call it what you want...but I'm not gonna do it. If the goal was to win a tour across the country, I'd vote like crazy for Elder. I may not fully understand why Sunday Best exists. But, to me, it's exists to give a worthy person a shot at recording contract. To me, a worthy person is someone who's CD I'd want to buy. Elder can SANG but he won't be SANGIN my flavor of music. LeAndria can SANG but not as well as Durward (speaking technically here...if you're a singer, you know that's undeniable). Since they are both anointed but one is more skilled, I rooted for the one who was anointed AND more skilled...Durward. Nothing to do with age. Nothing to do with being spiritually blind, lol. Nothing to do with wanting to rob someone of their destiny...which I don't have the power to do anyway.
Well, I haven't gotten a chance to read all the comments on here and my brain hurts to much to try to figure out what they want and look for. There are a lot of valid points on here.....just can' t wait to see the Elder on the Dr. Bobby Jones show ROFL...now you know it's coming!!! I'm pushing for LeAndria b/c the Elder will be straight, trust!
Leandria is going to take it home,she can sing.
This Durward elimination reminds me of the Dontavious Boatright elimination last season...they are similar to me......I fell in love with Dontavious' voice last season and I think that's why although I love Durward's voice, I was not pulling for him b/c I felt he would get elimated similar to Dontavious....there are fans for every contestant...***still bitter****LOL!
Sunday Best has pretty much structured their show like American Idol so of course people would think the end result would be finding a marketable artist. The interesting thing to me is... Is the demographic that watches the show the SAME demographic that actually BUYS gospel music? There may be a disconnect there. I dont know. I'd love to see the viewers vote for the final 10 contestants but i guess that's not in the Sunday Best budget. Lastly, I've never heard the word ANOINTING so much in my LIFE!
"The anointing touches us all differently…because we’re all different with different experiences and preferences." ^Exactly! It's like the earlier comment that questioned "What's the litmus test for the anointing?" Some people have taken it upon themselves to boldly declare who has been the MOST anointed on the show. How? Everybody may not have received it (which we all haven't) in the same way that you did. So it's not fair to judge based off the anointing.
I have been listening to this episode over and over and to be honest I really like how Elder Goldwire sings...he has that melow tone .The world needs to hear him. He is not as powerful like the others,but he is a breath of fresh air.There are a lot of powerful voices out there..we need Elder's voice to mix it up.
“The anointing touches us all differently…because we’re all different with different experiences and preferences.” I don't know where this ^^^originated but I must respectfully chime in before this gets into dangerous territory. What I have strongly advocated is the necessity to distinguish the TRUE anointing/presence of the Lord from an emotional stirring. So the "touches us all differently" phrase can get us into some ambiguous territory. The anointing can bring about emotion. But is an emotional response a clear/direct sign of the anointing? Not so sure about that. Or someone else might say "it depends on my preference"... That's where it gets dangerous.... Maybe the "measure" of the anointing shouldn't be in (just) what/how we feel but what we are compelled to do upon experiencing the anointing. The anointing compels us to direct our focus, our energies, our thoughts, our actions, upon the Lord. That should be a COMMON EXPERIENCE when the ANOINTING is present. I'll conclude with this: I said in a previous thread: I am not expecting the anointing in a (gospel) singing COMPETITION. Should the anointing show up, that's a glorious bonus. Because The anointing cannot be judged or measured by anyone, it cannot be part of the criteria for a competition. And EJ, you've made some very profound and thought-provoking points in this blog entry. Kudos!
Tam Tam, I'm the originator! Lol... Maybe I wasn't clear...and maybe I was and you disagree (which is cool, lol). Yes, the anointing causes us to direct our (everything you said) on the Lord, lol. That's so true. I wasn't talking emotions at all! There are a lot of people with gifts and talents that God has empowered with His anointing to (everything you said, lol). But, all gifts and talents don't appeal to me. That's why God has blessed us to have so many different gifted and talented people that carry His anointing...so that all of us can be ushered into His presence. I don't care how anointed a blue-grass gospel song may be...today, it ain't my thing! LOL! I will NOT be playing it when I'm taking time out to worship the Lord. But it'll send some blue-grass loving Christian right to the throne room...into a serious worship. I hope that's more clear...
Sundays Best is put together all wrong. I definitely enjoyed this season, but at the same time you can just tell that the order of the show is so outa wack. What their looking for has been done again and again. Its boring. Then how can you go on to the next season of a show when the last winner's album hasn't even been released yet. I don't get their process.... It just seems that its thrown together without any direction.
I believe Elder Goldwire is Sundays Best in terms of ability, stage presence, anointing, and being marketable . He's had the ability to hone his skill and with the ready made audience of predominately female support in the Kingdom who actually BUY music and attend concerts, Elder Goldwire has it all! I am excited to see a man of God who realizes "God ain't through with me yet" kudos to the judges for seeing the value of longevity. Moses was 80 when he answered the call.
I too am a big fan of Elder Goldwire. Now, It's been said before and I'm going to agree with it. Nobody wants to hear the same old yelling and hollering, rare back notes. Sing the song so that I can live in the moment of what the words are trying to say to me. Leandria has not been able to do that. If you ask me, I think that she is getting special attention from the judges because of what she has gone through as far as hardship reasons. Lets compare here. For the past 2 seasons,the winners has been women with loud voices. Although anointed, I feel that it is time for a new change of scenery. If you heard one loud voice you've heard them all. I'll take the anointing and with that being said, I'll take Elder Goldwire. The real anointed Winner!
Let's not forget that Shari Addison who was the runner up started in her 50's too. Age should not have anything to do with it neither. I don't think that screaming and hollaring does not equal anonting neither.
Keisha M. has 6 post yall!!!!! Lol breaking the ice~!
Mother Mary come to me whispering words of wisdom, let it be, let it be two winners, Sir Elder and Queen Leandra
I myself have been rooting for Goldwire from the jump. I call him Paul Morton dad, lol. The man just has it. He's been my favorite. With that being said, I thought Davis would have been picked over Goldwire.....but then I thought about it. Although no one can deny that Davis is a AWESOME singer, out of the three, he's the least sellable to me. Goldwire & Leandria just have more appeal and its a better "storyline" so to speak for them to be in the finals. Both Goldwire & Leandria have more personality then Davis.
EJ! EJ! EJ! I am such a fan of your editorials! Ok, your statement posed for consideration, "Perhaps the criteria, or ultimate question is will this person be a vital addition to the gospel music industry?" really summed it up for me! My mind immediately clicked to Karen Clark-Sheard. My God, how long has she been singing?..and smashed "Prayed Up" like she just stepped on the scene yesterday...talk about FIYAH!! Then I thought about Shirley Ceasar and Mahalia Jackson. Now add to the list..Elder Goldwire McClendon(I keep tellin everyone..Goldwire is a slick first name!) When you think of the 3 aforementioned vocalists, there is something timeless and iconic about their represenation. They have proven that they are not popcorn, here today gone tomorrow artists. Each one displayed vocal excellence, dexterity and (dare we say, 'our favorite word class') anointing! Each has left a significant imprint on the gospel music industry which is still historically relevant, today! Maybe in the grand scheme of "new artists being on their grind," there is something effortless and timeless about Elder that just demands recognition. For the record, he's not just like one of the men in the male chorus. No, he's not like one of the deacons in the Baptist church. Although, what he carries is familiar to those experiences, he would definitely be considered most notably as the local singing legend that would tear the house down in every Sunday Night Musical held in one city. He is definitely one of those legends that you would often speak of on the ride home, wondering whyhe never got his "Big Break" after all these years! Well guess what, here it is! God has truly shown favor to expose each finalist to the world. Expect great things out of both of them, pray for them, and believe that they will be a vital part of the gospel music industry regardless of the title. The call is surely greater in depth than the sting of some of our opinions!
@everyone(lol)....I have been going for the Elder every since his audition in Philly when he almost made Kim Burrell fall out of her seat..lol...But my looks are these.... Most of all of the now-a-days gospel artist have the same style...(I said most..not all) They all try to hit the best runs.. And the past 2 seasons of Sunday Best have been the same..Not taking anything away from either of the 2 winners..they both are great singers...but all of the gospel artist coming up now all have the same style...to me... Now Elder Goldwire can and will add something different to the gospel industry..His voice is signature there's no one out there who sounds like him...Durward Davis sounded like Marvin Winans....Durward was cold though.. But I think its about time that an older male gospel singer comes out into the industry not singing Traditional Quartet Music..( I love the Canton Spirituals..not taking anything from quartet music) And I think the Elder would be able to cross over..He can sing Traditional gospel and Contemporary Gospel..Put him on a song with Kirk Franklin or John P. Kee..bet he kill it....y'all saw how he sung Yolanda Adam's song... Now no he wouldn't sing stuff like Mary Mary's, God In Me and rap and stuff..But he would be great for the Gospel Industry..and would be able to out on a great concert.. And no one knows the reason for Sunday Best... They didn't say commercialize or straight good ol gospel singing. Because both recent winners..I haven't seen them really being commercialized..I didn't even hear about Y'Anna Crawley putting out an album... I'm just tired of hearing these gospel artist all sounding the same..seeing who can hit the most illest runs or riffs(same thing for drummers...can't tell the difference..I play drums..lol) I think the Elder would leave a great mark in gospel music and he has signature sound...Haven't heard anyone like him.. I JUST REALLY THINK ITS TIME THAT AN OLDER MALE GOSPEL SINGER WILL COME INTO THE INDUSTRY AND NOT SING STRAIGHT QUARTET MUSIC BCUS MOST MALE OLDER SINGERS ARE NOWADAYS..ELDER WILL BRING SOMETHING FRESH TO THE TABLE!!! Peace&Love..LilEJamie
Personally I think the judges have gotten distracted with some things in this competition. I believe they're emotionally attached to Elder Goldwire because of his age. I feel like there were better singers (Durward, Tiffany) who were just as anointed and more powerful and versatile vocally. To me it wasn't fair that they had to compete with the judges amazement of Goldwire's age. I believe they should have moved passed that and judged the competition correctly. I love Goldwire, I love his spirit, I love his anointing, and he indeed can sing but there were others who were better and who was not as limited to just one arena like Goldwire. LeAndria has held my attention from in the midst of it all til now. She has my vote!!!!
It's over and I have held my piece. All that was said was good, but bottom line the audience/viewers should have been able to decide between Elder Goldwire, Leadria Johnson, and most definately Durward. Durward earned a chance to return and key the people vote. He did not earn that early ticket home. The world was taken away that priveledge. Sending him home was like forcing someone to an early retirement. And no one wanted to see him go. I am the BIGGEST fan of Pastor Donnie McClurkin, but Donnie, y'all made a huge mistake sending Durward home.
Thing happens for a reason. Elder McClendon & Leandria Johnson are both annointed vessels of the almighty. God is using them to convey to the world that all powers lie in his hands & not in the hands of man. He know exactly what he's doing. For whatever reason God is too just to make a mistake & he makes no errors. I THANK GOD FOR JESUS!!!!!!!!