Who rocks the recaps? Troy Lilly rocks the recaps.
And he’s back with more this week. Without delay… here’s our buddy, Troy Lilly, with his take on last night’s episode of BET’s Sunday Best…
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After weeks of watching the judges voice their opinions and make – at times – controversial cuts from the lineup, it’s time for YOU to decide who will become Sunday Best this year. No more blaming the judges, people.
So, the show last night began by reminding us what the winner walks away with besides a whole bunch of votes: a national recording contract – and a 2010 Ford Taurus SHO! Exciting, right?
The episode also introduced music directors, Stanley Brown and PJ Morton, and featured an instrumental by trumpeter Shemar Allen as a tribute to New Orleans, Louisiana, the host city for this season’s show.
Ledisi, another phenomenal R&B singer, opened the show with “Higher Than This,” a song from her latest album. I was sure the “high” she refers to was, well you know, that of a man. Ledisi (almost) convinced me the song was written about God. There are only two words for her singing style last night: church bred. I’ve been following her on Twitter, too, and she’s got a little word in her.
And then later in the show, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, who is nothing less than a gospel music legend, sang “Good News,” a song EJ premiered on GospelPundit.com last year before anyone else. But on to the contestants…
Elder Goldwire McLendon – “I Know It Was the Blood” and “Jesus Be a Fence Around Me”
I wanna be like Elder McLendon when I grow up. He’s got Holy Ghost swagger! And he strutted it all over the stage yet again. Although I feel he was shortchanged a bit by the communion song (he could’ve really handled something far more challenging), he still managed to make “I Know It Was The Blood” his own. I would have loved another song like “Jesus Be a Fence,” which Elder sang next.
On this song he showed more of the energy and vitality we saw last week during his performance of “He’s All Over Me.” Particularly during the vamp, he added some nice adlibs and, of course, hop scotched like a pro. Last night Elder said something that stood out to me: “I am not singing to people, I sing to God.” It’s clear that knowing who you’re singing to makes a world of difference.
LeAndria Johnson – “Running Back to You” and “Set Me Free”
Judge Donnie McClurkin asked last night if there’s anything LeAndria can’t sing. I’d have to ask the same question because, if there is, I haven’t heard it yet. LeAndria tackled a classic Commissioned song first with stunning results. It may have been difficult for another singer to deliver a signature song without sticking to the original artist’s style. Not LeAndria. One of her greatest attributes as a singer, in my opinion, is her ability to interpret songs in a unique way. As I said a few weeks ago, song interpretation is what makes a singer an artist.
She was clearly up for the challenge on her second song as well. Not only did she interpret Myron Butler & Levi’s “Set Me Free,” she shared a personal testimony at the same time. “I may have lost my house,” she sang, “but God’s got a mansion for me.” I believe he has so much more.
The Faceoff
The true faceoff of the evening, however, came in the form of a duet between Elder McLendon and LeAndria. They teamed up and sing “I’ll Take You There” to close the show. Hand in hand for the majority of the song, the pair played off of the large age gap between them and marched around the stage cheerfully in a performance that was rather harmonious for them to be going against ach other for the Sunday Best title. It was definitely a highlight of the show.
Their fate is now in your hands. You’ve been watching every week. You’ve seen the good and the not so good. You’ve seen each of them leap across the stage and bring the judges to tears. Now you must decide who is Sunday Best.
Remember, you can vote until Saturday June 19, 2010 at noon EST. To vote online at the Sunday Best page on BET.com, click here.
What’s the verdict?
I enjoyed last night's show very much! Vanessa Bell Armstrong did that (as I thought she would)! The Elder tickles me when he does the "hopscotch" LOL. The stage loves him. Man o man...LeAndria! That girl is cold! I hope she wins the competition! I loved the piece that they did on the band and the set that was performed LOL!
Yes! Ledisi and Vanessa Bell Armstrong tore it up!! But as far as contestants goes, I think Leandria was way better last night. She definitely deserves to win. She sung 'Running Back To You' like no other! I mean the way she interpreted that song was awesome! But although I felt the Elder did a pretty good job, Leandria was the one who left the most memorable mark and impression IMO.
Leandria did an excellent job on the first song- Running Back to You, she showed me the softer side of her voice and I had a chance to see truly grasp her tone which is really pretty. It did show a few weaknesses in her as well but the positives definitely overshadowed the negatives. The second song was just okay to me but overall she did a great job. I know know why they haven't allowed her to speak alot on the show...she is not nearly as articulate as the Elder. As some state that Elder's age is being played up- they are really playing up her homelessness just as much.
I was really disappointed that they did not give Elder a slow song to really highlight his vocals and style as Leandria had in Running Back to you. The congregational song "I Know it was the Blood did not help him and coming back to Jesus Be A Fence compared to Leandria's Running Back to You was no comparison. Although after watching a second time, Elder did an excellent job and made the best out what he was given to work with. However, knowing Elder Goldwire and having heard his singing before Sunday Best- I do know that he could have easily matched Leandria on last night and it would have been a good showdown. But the songs that have been given to Elder as well as the time constraints have not allowed the world to see his true potential. I thought for sure at this point of the contest both contestants would have 2-3 full songs to sing. And yes, Elder Goldwire does drive! lol!
"And yes, Elder Goldwire does drive! lol!" Guilty! LMBO!
I am voting base on the overall performances of Elder and LeAndria,from the start of the season.Last night LeAndria did a pretty good job....the best to date,but my vote goes to Elder.He has been more consistent. I think in all fairness there should be a contest for each sex...Male &Female like in the award shows.The female will always scream and shout more than the male.
No anti Elder comments? I'm surprised..
Well hasnt the winner already been deteremined? I mean come on we are lookiing at previously taped episodes everyone know who the winner is but its on the hush hush. Its like American Idol. The winner was chosed before we even knew it. I like the new layout on here also its way better.
I don't know if it is personal or not, but all I can say is when LeAndria began singing the son Running Back to You, I felt her delivery. We all know that in the industry today it is all about reaching the young and the old and for that reason I believe LeAndria is going to be the favorable winner. As for Elder, what I love about his presentation is the fact that those of us is when its your time, its your time, and that remaining faithful to God will give you life and vitality that even in your seventies God still has more for you to enjoy In defense of my sister and collegue Ledisi, if you know Ledisi as a person and an artist or have ever seen her perform she make it clear that Higher than This is a song that reflects the love of God is a love higher than any man, which is the same vein of her song "Think of You" on her lost and found record. So Ledisi truly loves God, is clear that Jesus is her Savior, and check her out live when singing Higher Than This its clear, its not about a "man" but the "MAN"
I like the show. The performances were good & Vanessa Bell Armstrong is the truth! :)
Sigh @ Ledisi: what makes a person choose to go secular (or other politically correct term) when they got the chops (the ability, the personality, the showmanship, and yes, the anointing can be present) to sing gospel? She's a perfect example of one who's using their gift (given without repentance) for something other than good.... Ok... here's the thing: LeAndria deserves to win. She's earned the title and the reward. Period. The Elder has shown himself so strong in this competition. He's very charming and a show favorite. I don't think he should have been in the top 2 but I'm ok that he's there. He's been a delight to watch. So a suggestion: if the show wants a male winner next season, then they need to make it an only-male competition.
@deon..The cilp for next Sunday's show is posted to Face Book.. and it does appear as if the winner is LeAndria.So whats all this gimmick about voting,when as you said it's already on tape. However Elder can hold his head up high,he did a brilliant job,and we all enjoyed him.
Tam Tam, please cut my girl, Ledisi, a little slack, LOL. I'd LOVE if she sang gospel! But at least she isn't running around with no clothes on singing raunchy numbers I wouldn't listen to if my life depended on it! I think the good she's doing is that she's a prime example to other female R&B artists that you don't have to look or sound raunchy in order to be successful. Come ooon...toss her a bone, lol...
What's up, v4c! I gotta get on Ledisi because I didn't discover her for myself until her Christmas album and the first track ALONE "I'll Go" with the Richard Smallwood piano strokes just put me under the floor in tears.... That's why I gotta get on her.... I mean when I heard that song, I was like "Ok, Jesus!" I'll go where you want me to go...for real." I'm just saying... it's in her.... it's in her deep.... Maybe she feels the gospel music as an industry is too restrictive for her to really work her craft.... Sigh.... LOL @ raunchy dressin' singers.... when you got real talent, you don't need to sing naked! ;-)
Hey TAM TAM! Let me TELL YOU...my girls and I dag near went IN when she sang Think of You at a concert this Spring. She got to ministering something SERIOUS in that place! It took her forever to move to the next song. She literally said she was trying to move on and simply could not...mercy! And she did it all while still in tune and time with the song! CRAZY!
*ROLLS MY EYES AT TAM TAM* I get so annoyed w/ ppl like you. Like all secular music is the devil. oh why is she secular.. blah blah blah. 1) Jesus didn't hang around the saved. and 2) she and none of the sunday best r &b guest sing about raunchy love making or the shady aspects of fornicating .They sing about real LOVE and all that comes with it. They are actually good role models in the secular music world. They exemplify what it is to be a lady, to have values, and they emphasize their god given talent over their bodies. They are artist. They are actually a light in the music industry because she does not in anyway conform to the mainstream norm physically or content wise. So Isn't it better to walk the walk in an industry that demands you to sacrifice your values then to just sing about it amongst the already "saved"? What's wrong with that? and 3) How many non-secular moments do YOU have in a day? Do you make love to gospel songs in background? Really? I doubt it. So please, spare me the holy roller talk. And lets uplift women who are strong enough to live as christians in an industry that demands the opposite in order to be successful. If you like Ledsi is the truth. Listen to her sing the jazz classic " In a sentimental mood" or earth wind and fire's "Devotion". She is fly. Whew. *sorry* moving on: Yeah Elder drove the song he didn't get a chance to *SANG*. Vanessa Bell Armstrong is the truth. LeAndria- Well this was her show. But Elder sounded good in the last song. Peace.
*ROLLS MY EYES AT TAM TAM* I get so annoyed w/ ppl like you. Like all secular music is the devil. oh why is she secular.. blah blah blah. 1) Jesus didn't hang around the saved. and 2) she and none of the sunday best r &b guest sing about raunchy love making or the shady aspects of fornicating .They sing about real LOVE and all that comes with it. They are actually good role models in the secular music world. They exemplify what it is to be a lady, to have values, and they emphasize their god given talent over their bodies. They are artist. They are actually a light in the music industry because she does not in anyway conform to the mainstream norm physically or content wise. So Isn't it better to walk the walk in an industry that demands you to sacrifice your values then to just sing about it amongst the already "saved"? What's wrong with that? and 3) How many non-secular moments do YOU have in a day? Do you make love to gospel songs in background? Really? I doubt it. So please, spare me the holy roller talk. And lets uplift women who are strong enough to live as christians in an industry that demands the opposite in order to be successful. If you like Ledsi . Listen to her sing the jazz classic " In a sentimental mood" or earth wind and fire's "Devotion". She is fly.
*sorry for the dual post. didn't know it posted the first time
the show is previously taped BUT they tape two endings. Each one with a different winner reaction. So your vote actually DOES count...
Since you TOTALLY missed the point: ***crickets*** in DEEEEEP intercession for your cognitive skills.
@ Tam Tam "if the show wants a male winner next season, then they need to make it an only-male competition." I was thinking the same thing! I do like the show, but it would be verrrrryyy nice to finally have a MALE win it (even if Elder Goldwire wins this season *blank stare*). Or they could at least accept more male contestants (more than the average number) so there could be a high chance for it. Just saying.
i did get ur point but u wouldn't say it if u didn't think it. and u say dumb ish like that all time. return to intercession
agreed. I don't see how she missed the point. That comment also rubbed me wrong. And the intercession comment hmmm.
"ish"? Is that how we're rolling here? Wowwwww.... The point DID NOT have to do with the secular versus gospel paradox. And I never said that secular music was the devil. I sincerely made a LEGITIMATE inquiry into the decision-making process of a music artist, particularly one who (appears to) have gospel roots and seeks to remain connected to them in some form or fashion. I also noted my DELIGHT in discovering Ledisi through her Christmas CD. So my question in THIS discussion had NOTHING to with who listens to what during their nocturnal activities. Here's a lesson: the only DUMB question is the UNASKED question. But you made 10 assumptions about what you THOUGHT I meant instead of asking. I would have respectfully and kindly responded because I appreciate making and learning from teachable moments. (And this paragraph is directed to brownlove as well so that nothing else gets rubbed on you improperly). Jesus be a fence for me in the name of peace.... SMBlessedH....
well all i gotta say if everythings based on trends the Elder wins! So far he's gotten by when the majority didn't think he was the best performer/singer of the night. So why bet against him? I got 50 on the elder... Sike
I enjoyed them both but my vote is on Leandria, her voice is just amazing. I love the Elder but I think after all what Leandria been though, she deserves it. I love her testimony and her stage presence is mind blowing! I would be okay if anyone one of them wins, but my vote is on Leandria.
@v4c - too funny! I know somebody was thinking it when they showed Elder in the car! Truthfully, if I didn't know him personally, I would've have wondered the same thing!
Wow! I just found this video of Goldwire Mclendon on youtube-he was good on the show but I didn't know he could sing like this! I don't know now- I may have to change my vote lol! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=971adzXsNgs
@kim...Wow...That was an awesome singing by the Elder...He has a lot more to come for him. Thanks for posting.
I really enjoyed the show sunday night I too wish Elder would have been given a slow song to sing as well but they both were amazing!! Im certain the winner will be Leandria because her voice is ridiculous but the Elder sure did put up a great fight!!! This was a good season of SB!!!
Okay... let me just say Ledisi's song "Higher Than This" is not about man it's about God and loving yourself. I thought she tore it up! And what can really be said about the legendary Vanessa Bell Armstrong other than amazing? She sounded greatly and looked like Gospel Royalty. As for LaAndria - she gets my vote. I'm done.
I feel you about the vote change :) Elder McLendon is superb in this video! His entire family can sing!! (I watched their videos too) :) What a beautiful gift for them to share!
Elder Goldwire and Leandria are both winners!! Leandria will be crowned Sunday Best in my opinion and well deserved. I hope all the singers pursue either a major or indie record deal. The only person stopping them would be them. Go for it!!!! With God all things are possibel!!!