Word has it that Marvin Sapp took home a BET Award last night– he won in the category for Best Gospel Artist. I think we all called this one and could’ve seen it comin’ a mile away. But I’m THRILLED for him!
Also nominated in the category were Vickie Winans, Kirk Franklin presents Artists United (for Haiti Relief song), Tamela Mann and The Anointed Pace Sisters.
By the way, did anyone catch the show???
An obvious highlight for the gospel industry was Kirk Franklin’s performance of “Are You Listening?” with Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Kim Burrell, Yolanda Adams and Karen Clark Sheard. Everyone was in great voice and looked great and all that. I could’ve used a BIT more Karen Clark Sheard on the ad libs– but couldn’t we all? 
But before all that happened, we had another dope-for-gospel type of moment. I was thrilled to hear Alicia Keys, in the middle of her medley of hits, introduce Kim Burrell, who joined Keys in singing “If I Ain’t Got You” (Burrell changed the lyrics to say ”if it ain’t you, Jesus… if I ain’t got you, Jesus…”). It was an incredible moment– the audience went BANANAS as if they, too, were die-hard Kim fans since the days of her indie release of Try Me Again (y’know, with the short haircut on it). I’m glad for where God’s taking her.
(An aside: El DeBarge wasn’t doing gospel, but that medley ministered to my VERY SOUL, so… yeah. Just needed to say that cuz I grew up on DeBarge.)
OKAY, tell me what you thought of the show, if you caught it, and blah blah blah…
Go!
The DeBarge family got a little PAW up in them being related to Bishop William Abney. Don't sleep! LOL
Okay so I didnt catch the show but after reading all the twitter comments I youtubed the gospel segment and hmmm (please dont bite my head off) but I was a bit dissappointed... um I thought the runs and the riffs were a bit too much and Karen Clark screamed waaaay too much... in a nutshell IMHO a beautiful song was torn to shreds... I much rather preferred the original much mellow version. And um I know Kirk wrote the song etc but his vocals are below par ...so dunno why he chose to sing .. I missed Marvin Winans, Jeremy Camp, Shirley Caeser and Natalie Grant on the song......I think it was an ok performance.....
Karen had me reaching for my inhaler after she sung for those 10 seconds. I thought she should've gotten some more time because Kim had already had that snippet with Alicia Keys. But, why didn't Kierra get to sing her part again? Btw, I thought (in concise terms) everyone except Kirk sounded great. Kim did too much at the end of the song for me. But they all showed out (especially Karen)!
It's amazing how these young artists can't sing live. The parts that I did see, the gospel artists were the only singers that could sing live. Did you catch Prince's reaction to Karen's ending?.....Priceless!!!
Ok, I enjoyed the gospel moment, but I couldve stood to hear JMoss sing his part rather than Kim Burrell... Not that she didn't do well, but J wouldve tore that up... And she had already sung with Alicia. KCS was ridiculous as always, we already know she's not human with those vocs lol... Love her forever! Other than that, I agree w/ you Torrence!
Yeah, I was definately feeling El Debarge since I grew up hearing him too! BET got brownie points for that one! I wanted more of the gospel performance, I think they did good though. I thought Kierra was going to be there?
Chris Brown...that is all
Prince's face while Karen was singing was indeed PRICELESS! But the crowds reaction to Kim shows that they do in fact know who she is. I also thought Janelle Monae & Monica both sang well live. El & Patti were the BOMB...and Chris Breezy's MJ tribute was PHENOMINAL...felt his pain. I hope he got a much needed hug after that. Did anyone know that CJ (first random side singer that got cut off) was the guy on Raphael Saadiq's Never Give You Up?
I thought Chris truly gave an amazing performance - just awesome. Kim Burrell looked great and she sang her face off. Now, was it me or did Alicia seem a little surprised to see as Kim said Jesus name? Could it have thrown her off (lol)? As for the gospel performance, I thought everyone did well. Nowww.. I have to say this and I mean no malice, but why did Karen's hair look like she stuck her finger in a electrical socket? Gawd knows I love me some Karen - Gawd know I do!
Gospel is respected in the industry......to see the best of the best on the BET Awards show says alot to what they feel or think about the people we enjoy more than on an awards show. It would have been a moment to die for if the original lead vocalist were on the show.....Kirk's my boy! To all that sang....great performances...Didn't get enough of Yolanda!
Sigh.... This show gets a B- for effort but a C- for execution. The Prince tribute was a disappointment, most likely because I expected too much from BET. The ONLY way the tribute could have been redeemed is if Prince had performed. The gospel segment was a thumbs down as well, not because of the performers, but BET's cheap way to "feature" gospel music. I didn't give it much attention, but I gotta say that sometimes Karen's singing is not always a joyful noise. There's a BIG difference when she's singing and showcasing her range versus when she's REALLY ministering in song. I mean, it was just BET. She didn't have to do much. Just sing. She didn't have to cast her pearls before "swine". (Disclaimer: I have not heard the Haiti song so I don't know what she was supposed to sound like AND I grew up COGIC in Detroit so I grew up on the Clark Sisters so I do know what I'm talking about.). Also, gospel fans ought to NOT be satisfied with how the BET Awards treats the gospel music genre. Those who watch BET regularly should demand more. My house is cable-free and I don't watch BET enough to really care. But those who do should raise their standards and expectations. My chosen highlights: Chris Brown's MJ Tribute. He danced himself into MJ heaven and I say that because 1) he can really dance; 2) he really wanted an opportunity to convey how much he loved MJ; 3) he is really sorry about his "troubles". Now y'all know I will call out a FAKER in a minute but when he got so emotional when he tried to sing, I believed him. I felt like he was sincere. El DeBarge. Real singing, real musicianship, maintained his voice even through drugs and jail. Denise Williams should take notes. What happened to her voice? ***Goes to Itunes to play "God Is Amazing" to remember the best of Denise's voice*** If the BET Awards reflect today's (Black) music, it's in the toilet.
@Tam Tam....Never thought we could be on the same page,but on this we are(.LOL) I agree with all you said.Chris Brown did an awesome job.
Hmmm... welcome to the higher level of existence ;-) :-)
CHRIS BROWN is back thank GOD...i love how trey songz thanked his LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST he let it be known everyone else was just thanking GOD idk who they reffering to make it plain..the gospel section was kewl i mean i wasnt ministered too prolly because i was yelling at the tv the whole time lol so i cudnt really hear but that ole YOLANDA ugh plz comeback and do a live album didnt get to hear kim with alicia either cause i was yelling in shock lol.m.. prince is funny with his facial expressions that is all
I agree that Chris Brown's tribute was beautiful...that boy sure could dance...lol! Just a thought.....it would have been something to see if one of those great singers would have came out on stage, put their arms around Chris and help him sing that song!!. You know , like they do it in church service.....:-)
I heard Trey Songz actually say the Lord's Name (Lord Jesus Christ) during his acceptance speech. He sounded sincere. (I really don't know who he is). But he needed to consult the Lord before BUTCHERING Purple Rain in his set. (Giggle!)
I agree!
@ Tam Tam....you continually crack me up!!EJ has to showcase you as a guest writer...you're hilarious. You need to youtube the original clip of Kirks Haiti song - it was beautifully done..But I get your point re the diff btn when Karen Clark is actually ministering and then just showcasing her vocal ability - which if I'm brutally honest is what I feel most gospel artists on secualr platforms do- with the exception of Kirk of course cos eeerm dude aint got no mega vocal abilities to showcase......love Kirks writing/production but man his vocals need help....
And based on the look on the Purple One's face, I'm curious as to whether or not it was Prince approved. I'm thinking...NO! LMBO
I didn't really care for Kim Burrell's appearance in Alicia Keys' set. What was the point? What was the purpose? I don't know what her deal is. I guess that was her official transition into the secular world because it was useless otherwise. Kirk Franklin is an excellent producer/songwriter and he should stick to that. He had 5 of gospel's best on the mic, he could've shared that opening lyric with any one of those people. In any event, it was nice to see all 6 of the gospel artists trending on twitter.com amidst other secular performers/winners of the night.
I thought the gospel segment lacked.Seemed like everyone else was on stage forever but the gospel section went by too quick. I think this was a total waste of the use of our gospel greats. I like the tribute to hati song, but I think they really could have wailed on another song.__Now for the rest of it....__Chris Brown Killed it. That was so good. He danced his little self crazy. His emotion was awesome.Glad he made his comeback last night.__Now for my next pet peeve. I was totally upset when Trey songs tried to sing purple rain at the end of his set. He messed it all the way up. Did anybody else catch prince rolling his eyes at trey? That was a hot mess. Glad mama Patti came and showed young Trey how its done. Now patti-Thats how you sang (yes I said sang) purple rain. She sounded like a mix between Fergie and Jesus. LOL. (Step brothers) Loved it. And prince looked really good. I am so sad he didnt perform. __I love how Kim burell is slimming down. she was really looking good.__Was anybody else worried when Alicia climed up on that piano?__El Debarge was really doing it. Took me back. Glad to see him looking good and clean from drugs. Light skinned dudes still represent!
Re- the gospel artists not being given enough time on awards shows etc... I really think that the gospel industry is to blame in a way. Its as tho um they crave the opportunity to be featured on 'secular platforms'' so in a sense lose their bargaining power. Ok I get the fact that gospel artists dont get that much exposure so the least opportunity they grab like gold dust but still.. I recall about 3 or so years ago during the Grammys they did a bunched up country segment and Vince Gill was meant to perform for under 2 minutes in that bunched up set and he politely declined giving the reason that other genres were given adequate time to perform so its disrespectful to not do likewise for the country acts. You know country music is an institution ...it became such a big a deal that after the awards Neil Portnow had to take a trip to Nashville and have a meeting with some of the older country acts and their labels to resolve the matter.....thats how you gain respect for your genre of music by politely standing up for what you believe in .......
BTW Neil Portnow is the President of the Grammy Foundation
Kirk franklin singing...*blank stare*
It's been like this for years & I don't see anything changing. (re: gospel segments) These mainstream shows will not be hurting if they don't include gospel in their line-up. They are likely to axe it altogether instead of entertaining any kind of protest. I.E. there were complaints last night about why a gospel section was included in the show. Country artists have more leverage because their artists sell millions...gospel does not have the same wide appeal. I rather have the opportunity of 10 seconds to reach millions of people than to NOT have it at all. You gotta take what you can get.
I think that was the worst Gospel performance ever. If they wanted to sing that song then they should have just asked the original singers to come and sing it. They have proved while the Gospel industry is the lowest selling industry in music, they don't know how to give a good performance. I was truly disappointed
Well I really watched the show to see the gospel greats. I thought they were cool. I thought that Yoyo was a bit pitchy on her adlibs before and after Karens 2nd line. Maybe to high for her. I thought KCS 2 lines were well executed and she should have done the adlib b4 and after. I Love Yo, but it seem like it was a reach for her during her adlibs. They looked beautiful. KCS pretty much sang the part just like Kirk had her sing it on the original. I do appreciate that she did her 2 lines and no more. It would have been too congested...it was almost that way with Kim, Yo, Marvin & Freds adlibs. Anyway just glad to see gospel with a small platform on this show. 1 more thing...I love YoYo's support shown toward KCS!!!
I got chance to watch the show. It was pretty good, well except for Trey..nottttt! The gospel tribute was pretty good, but I could have stood to hear more than the 10 seconds they gave Karen Clark Sheard...but hey I won't knit-pick.
Not a KIm Burell fan...Just can't appreciate her kind of singing.It truly annoys me ...Sorry.
I've avoided BET and their so-called award shows for a few years now. We are hearing it in others comments so I know that we all agree that their coverage of Gospel (BTW...gospel and Christian programming MADE BET in it's early years) has become the equivalent of a white man in black face doing the ministrel show. Now I'm sure some people will defend BET for nostalgia purposes, but if you are honest; BET Programming is not properly representing gospel music or it's influence on the world. We've become a show for the unsaved to have an emotional moment....then move on to some more booty shaking. What is more unnerving is the quickness in which strong Christian convictions are judged. If listening to an El Debarge song reminds me of the sin and mess i was in at the time I first listened to it...why would I go back and remind myself of it??? Why entertain those same old feelings for the sake of a SONG? If you enjoyed the awards show, then BET accomplished what they intended. But I'm sorry if I can't rejoice over gospel that does not have Jesus and his saving power as the sole reason for it's performance. All I can think of is the conviction of my boy Maximus on Gladiator when he yelled: "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED???" I say....haven't we been entertained enough???
I wonder if Brown was repented truly or was is an act to gain sympthahy? I just hope it was sincere and not a theatrical performanmce.As for the gospel segment and sorry to say that the gospel/Christian industry is the only industry that is separate but equal,this is why BET did not invite the orginal singers for the Haiti tribute.
Kiesha M. and Kwartema's posts precisely address both sides of the same coin concerning the gospel music presence on award shows. If only the gospel music industry could unite like the country music industry and begin to make some demands/ultimatums or at least have their own shows without the pimping sponsorships. Kiesha M makes a good point as well to ask if the gospel music industry has enough power to make those demands, noting that country music has the fan base, which is true. And this prompted me to do some quick research because this question had been bugging me for a minute: WHAT ARE THE TOP SELLING MUSIC GENRES? I finally have an answer from what I believe is a reliable source: the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). According to their (most recent available) 2008 Consumer Profile (link here: http://76.74.24.142/8EF388DA-8FD3-7A4E-C208-CDF1A... Religious (inclusive of Christian, Gospel, Inspirational, Religious, and Spiritual) ranked as the SIXTH top selling genre at 6.5 PERCENT (although the data is from 2004. Slow). Here's the rankings: Rock 31.8 percent Rap/Hip-hop (combined) 10.7 percent R&B/Urban (R&B, Blues, Dance, Disco, Funk, Fusion, Motown, Reggae, Soul) 10.2 percent Country 11.9 percent Pop 9.1 percent Religious 6.5 percent Classical 1.9 percent Jazz 1.1 percent Soundtracks 0.8 percent Oldies 0.7 percent New Age 0.6 percent Children’s 3.0 percent Other 9.1 percent (Big Band, Broadway Shows, Comedy, Contemporary, Electronic, EMO, Ethnic, Exercise, Folk, Gothic, Grunge, Holiday Music, House Music, Humor, Instrumental, Language, Latin, Love Songs, Mix, Mellow, Modern, Ska, Spoken word, Standards, Swing, Top-40, Trip-hop) I think it makes
Yes Novella, that would have been even better!!!
LOL....I saw Fred Hammond stepping in kinda early too! I luv me some Kirk...but not singing...no harm no harm!
You know they could have really opened up the show with the gospel performance instead of Kanye West...I was not feeling him....not a Kanye West fan....anymore.
The recorded version of this song features about 20 different singers. There is a budget for planning these award shows. BET is not going to extend money to fly out 20 people for one song. That's airfare, hotel, car service, etc for all 20 artists to come sing 2 seconds. I understand why only a handful were selected. Your favorite artist may not have been in the line-up but that's how business rolls.
I thought the gospel set was cool. KCS delivered her two lines with great accuracy and left me wanting more from her. Trey songz not so much...
I'm back; Kirk is one of the smartest producers in industry; he knows what to do, how to do, and when to do.....he can do what he wants to; he is the artist that brought gospel music to the level it has become when he broke out with STOMP! Then came Mary Mary, and the list goes on and on....As much as I love Karen Clark; she was not at her best performance wise....she doesn't need to always show the world she know how to do runs....a time and place. I personally thought the song was too high for she and Yolanda; is why their performances were not totally flawless. Again....the original casts should have been on the show to sing that song...it never reached the top 5 on the gospel charts for whatever reason but I think its our WE ARE THE WORLD. Let's support this great piece of work.
Or Kirk brought the gospel music industry DOWN a notch by introducing sampling cough<stealing/recycling>cough into the gospel music genre with that Parliament Funkadelic baseline in "Stomp". I mean, the only reason Kirk doesn't deserve the label "the Puffy/Diddy/Sean Combs of Gospel" is because he's a very talented songwriter/musician.
Trey songs was struggling alot. Now the Kim and Alicia it was nice to seem Kim it was a surprise but who did she really sing for? With her next ablum being mainstream people are gonna be expecting Jesus in it. Now is it secular or not? Karen's growl at the end was crazy and Prince's face was priceless. I do think they should have had more time to sing. Perhaps Kim's song that she did for Hait would have been a better song choice. Does anyone know why that guy that Kim Burrell is always with never singinig on any shows or anything? You know Krishnar Lewis? I just wonder. That was my first BET awards that i ever watched. I was waiting for Karen to burst out in ehoes lol the crowd would have been stunned. Even with Karen's range she didnt showcase all her vocal capabilities. I just wish they had more time. And Kirk should have talked his words out instead of singing.
For me, the gospel segment of the BET Awards was anything but good. Those artists were not at their best (save for Fred Hammond:), you can blame it on anything you want (time, number of them up there, etc.)<-those are sheer excuses. And at the end of the day you've gotta be honest & say that it just wasn't good. Overall I thought this years award show was put together well.
C'mon, Kirk is a talented songwriter & producer but a singer? He is not. As one of the "smartest" artists, he did not exemplify it in that performance with his decision to sing on the song. As for Karen & Yolanda, I agree that the song was too high for Yolanda, there was some pitch issues there. I didn't think the song was too high for Karen at all...she has more range than any one of them. As for running, Kim Burrell did much more of that than anyone.
Hey, To those who say gospel shouldn't cross with secular i just wanted to share a moment i witnessed today. My favorite vlogger saw Kim Burell perform for the first time last night. On his vlog today (which 20,000 watched so far ) he spoke about Kim Burell's voice, how it touched him, and how hes been listening to gospel all day and it put him in this reflective state. His video has 20,00 hits so far so who knows who he has touched today with those words or influenced to take a moment to turn off the radio and focus on praise and worship today. Just wanted to share that.
I watched bits and pieces of the show. Disliked more than I liked. Wondered why BET could make Kanye stand on a mountian, and Usher descend from the sky, but we could get a live Sunday's Best finale! Okay I'm finished.
point being that even if you didn't think it was great, even if your mad that they only had a second at least they were giving a platform and it only take a second to touch someone with the holy spirit.
boi you cant plz church folk for nuthin you can tell people in the audience were feeling the song if you follow jmoss and them on twitter who were in attendance live they said the song went over real well hands were lifted to jesus so be happy ministry went forth it may not have ministered to you or me but if one soul was touched then GOD was pleased
Wow.... that's all it takes to "prove" that "ministry went forth?" The audience was waving their hands in the air THE SAME WAY during the other performances, esp. the rap performances. We really need the Lord to give us discerning hearts to know the difference between emotionalism and ministry. But since it was on Twitter it must be the truth.... Sigh.
I think J. Moss obviously disregarded the fact that the audience only did as Kirk commanded & then "waved their hands". Like Tam Tam pointed out: "the audience was waving their hands in the air THE SAME WAY during the other performances." But I guess maybe we all must have been watching a different award show or something not to see that also...blank stare. I also say this, in a tribute song that is directed toward Haiti's devastation or any other natural disaster anywhere, of course people will appear emotional & everything in-between. Does that automatically mean that it's the Holy Spirit (or anything such as) because the song is sang by Gospel artists? No, it does not. If it did touch someone...great, wonderful, good. At least it reached someone. If not, that's cool too.
I think that's the problem: we think we gotta take what we can get. We only "get" what "they" are willing to give us, and, we are so grateful for the platform, we forget what to do with those 10 seconds.
no shade to whoever said tam should be a blogger on this site but i vote NO. -that is all.
Wow! LOL! Well you know what? They hated on Jesus, too so I'm in good company! Just another FOOTSTOOL!! Hallelujah!
***Tam Tam blushing***
Karen has an awesome voice but does need a stylist. June Ambrose, where ae you?
I would have loved for Yolanda to bring out Leandria !! It was good to see Fred Hammond there. Kim was great and loved by hip hop and r&b artists!! She is the truth.
"But I guess maybe we all must have been watching a different award show or something not to see that also...blank stare." Well, maybe not as obvious if one's only informational source(s) were Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Ning, AM transistor radio, stolen cable TV, or what Pookie and 'em said 3 days later...Kanye shrug.
I enjoyed Karen tearing it up, but I wish she had more time. I think she was being humble because she could have easily shut the stage down!
I dont think its church people per say. It's people in general I think people are getting confused by the stances that some of these artists are taking. Some or wishy washy and its going to take those in high positions to put their foot down and not allow such artists to hold important positions in church. Until they can get themselves right. Waving your hands doesn't mean anything especially when someone told you to do so.
"stolen cable TV, or what Pookie and 'em said"-> hilarious...point taken :)
Sorry but the song was not good at all and Kirk sounded a hot mess trying to sing. And on another note one of the reasons why gospel artist get such a small spot on these shows is because most of them always want to "take you to church" and an award show is not the time or the place for that. I can watch TBN and see artist that are their just to sing and after the song is over with they want to start preaching when it's not their time to preach taking time away from the person who is there to preach. So when they go to award shows they give them just enough time to sing a short song that way they don't have enough time start getting carried away.
Hello, the entire thingfacts