In the penultimate episode of gospel music’s most popular TV competition, finalists Andrea Helms and Amber Bullock squared off for the title of Sunday Best.
Before they did, though, the show opened with James Fortune & FIYA singing their hit single “I Believe,” with Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez. It was a rousing performance showcasing ranges, agility and skill, and the audience went straight to the cross on this one.
Kirk Franklin said the show would feature the finalists singing classic tunes from the incomparable Walter Hawkins. And so they began…
Andrea Helms – “Changed”
This is the best I’ve heard her all season– it was tasteful and controlled, backed by her signature passion. I agree with Donnie on this one– glad Andrea didn’t try to recreate a Tramaine Hawkins moment. I wanted a bit more vocal styling at the end (it got a bit wordy with ad libs that, while passionate, were a lot to follow at times), but it was a solid performance.
Amber Bullock – “Thank You”
At first, I heard the acoustic vibe and I thought “nooooo,” but when I heard the beat come in, I thought “yeaaaaah!” I do agree with the judges that she added a bit too much riffing and movement, and didn’t stay true to the simple complexity of the song, BUT the woman just flat out sang it.
It appears that the Walter Hawkins theme was just for a time, because they moved on to Richard Smallwood and Kurt Carr for round two… I’ll allow it. 
Andrea Helms – “I Love The Lord”
I really wanted a fast song from her, but her voice seems to do better on ballads. I echo my season-long issue– passion and purity does not overshadow the need for precision on pitch, a controlled tone and the execution of the runs an artist attempts. Now, I DID enjoy her impromptu worship flow at the end– I think that’s what has sustained her in this competition– but from a technical standpoint, this wasn’t her best.
Amber Bullock – “For Every Mountain”
Kirk was right when he introduced her– “she’s gonna have to sing from the heart” if she wants to win. It began as pensive and trained as she’s been all season, but mid-way through it, the game was OVER. Amber lost herself in every note and word, and we saw a part of her that we haven’t seen all season– passion, conviction, connection with God, then us. I’ve never seen a finalist send the judges IN to wrap up your song.
Richard Smallwood followed with his latest single “Trust Me.” He consistently writes classic tunes– they just come out “classic.” It’s always great to see and hear from him.
Coulda sworn Kierra Sheard was gonna be on the show– they even did a teaser about it– but I guess not. *shrugs*
And that was it, folks!
Check my earlier post for all the details on how to vote for Amber or Andrea. You have until this Saturday at noon Eastern Time, and can vote up to 10 times per voting method.
I pick Amber. What about you???
Well EJ, I agree with you...It was a great show and Andrea gave Amber a run for her money. I don't know why I thought last night was the finale. Anyhow, I voted for Amber, but Andrea did her thing! I'm glad I didn't gear myself up to see Kierra Sheard, that would have been a big let down!
Yeah, the teasers showed Kierra -- even tv listings showed that she was supposed to be on the show. Maybe they decided to use her to help drive site traffic for online voting. They have a video of her singing "Mighty" on the Sunday Best site.
This season of Sunday Best is the season of the OPPOSITE. One of the burning questions at the beginning was about having a male win this season and then they stack the odds AGAINST that by having fewer male finalists and then picking them off one by one putting out into extinction. Michael would have been a worthy first Sunday Best male winner. I didn't like him at first because his approach was less singing and more exhorting until he sang whatever song he sang the third or fourth week and I was like, "Finally some versatility from this dude!"
Part 2: The judging has been equally inconsistent for several reasons. This show can't decide if it wants to be a gospel MUSIC competition or a gospel ENTERTAINMENT competition because, for the record, both elements cannot co-exist. Amber would win the gospel ENTERTAINMENT competition and Andrea would win the gospel MUSIC competition. The difference? Andrea is first and foremost a WORSHIPPER and that's evident from her song choices to her approach to the music. And I'm the FIRST to call something out about racial exploitation, but to say that about Andrea's run on this show is an insult to her talent. Maybe (read: probably) the show has an agenda, so no surprise there (eyeroll to BET). Amber is a neo-soul(ish) singing sistah.... She gave a great effort on "For Every Mountain" and I would enjoy her styling if I were at an event to be entertained but for church? For Sunday/Sabbath best? For worship? Nah....
Part 3: No shade on either of these finalists. They have been a pleasure to watch but for the most part, the complaints about the judging and the "non-gospel" theme shows are pointless. Sunday Best seeks gospel ENTERTAINERS... so with that said, Amber will win. Andrea will get major bookings at major national and international ministry conferences and do much better (popularity, income, etc.) than the current and previous winners. Why? Because for the most part, the winners are pretty much the same.
Personally, I vote for Andrea. Amber is an awesome vocalist, but I pick Andrea. :)
Kierra's performance of "Mighty": http://www.bet.com/video/sundaybest/season4exclus...
I feel the anointing more with Andrea...I voted for her.
Andrea Helms all the way!!!! Amber is a Jill Scott wanna be that is trying to get there by the way of Gospel Music. I would hate to see her win and be like Shei Atkins leave Gospel Music and blame the Church because she wants to sing secular music. Andrea Helms you can tell has a committment to GOD and you know it through her song and surrender when she sings. Andrea has my vote hands down!
Richard Smallwood's "Trust Me" was a blessing to my spirit. The guy that sings in his choir is the same guy that duoed with Sherri Jones-Moffett ("Encourage Yourself"). His name is Terri and he is an anointed singer. All of Richard Smallwood's songs are very beautiful, and the voices of Vision are so heavenly and the anointing is so great when I hear them sing. I would have to say that this song took me to another level...... it caught my attention right away, and made me think about all God has done for me... He's never left me, He's stayed with me, and He's fought my battle's... He desires that we Trust Him....it touched my heart....it touched my heart...Thank God for allowing me to see hte show, and catch the beautiful perfomance... I was blessed, and I thank God for moving through Richard Smallwood and anointing Vision to sing with conviction, and represent Him and such a phenomenal way!!
His name is Ted Winn
I have to agree with the comment about the inconsistency of the judges. They need to define what they want and judge the contestants accordingly. If they want someone to take us to church, cool; of they want someone to vocally wwow us, fine; if they want someone who will bring in the presence of the Lord, great; if they want all of this from the contestant, even better. hen you say to one, you can sing but I don't feel the anointing and then to another, I feel the anointing but the vocal is not good, that is okay too. The problem is when you let things slide form one contestant that you would never allow from another. The vocal problems that Andrea had would never have been tolerated from another contestant. Even the "lack of connection" from Amber would not be tolerated from another.
Laughing so hard. Where in the world did lizzieforjesus get "TERRI" from. Know your artists please. His name is TED WINN. TEAM AMBER!!!!!
I voted for Andrea and I believe she should win. She's been consistent in her anointing and artistry that's huge to me. I joked on a previous post that the only way I woud vote for Amber if she took a 5hr energy supplement and lost her righteous mind on stage - well she apparently did that just before she sang "For Every Mountain." That was her best performance to date and I loved it to pieces, but it wasn't enough to win this competition. Be clear - I think Amber is vocal dynamo, but I need more. And despite the fact the judges don't seem to have a clear vision as to what they are looking for, I believe they too feel Amber didn't step to the plate either. I think that's why they responded the way they did to her performance partly because she was truly anointed (for the first time), but it confirmed what they saw in her from the beginning but she never revealed until moment. Donnie told her "you need to learn how to stay in that space when you minister and the world will open up for you" (I'm parahprasing). Amber is great. However, I think Andrea should win.
I voted for Amber, but I totally understand why people would vote for Andrea. I've not been a fan of Andrea's voice, but I love her MINISTRY which has TOTALLY been missing from almost EVERYONE this season. I love Amber's vocal ability and prowess. If she can keep the spirit flowing like she did with 'For Every Mountain' then ok. Otherwise she might be best served to go to the R&B side as neo-soul.
I didnt see the show on Sunday because of the hurricane.Im not sure I would have watch the show anyway. This year show was the worst Sunday Best yet. I feel that there was some better singers that got voted off the show.For example Michael, was a class act an please dont forget Mama Sue. I have talk to alot of people and they see it like i see it . What is this show about because it looks like they have lost their focus.
I think most people who like Andrea would not care for her if she was black. *selah* Most times "we" go "ga ga goo goo" over someone who is of another persuasion who can at least somewhat hang with "us" in singing etc. I think if she was of the african american persuasion, not only would people not be torn between her and Amber, but she would have been eliminated weeks ago. That's my take.
Another thing: One of the most popular renditions of Walter Hawkins' "Thank You" on youtube is of Kim Burrell singing it...and you KNOW that it was nowhere near a "simple melody". I think that comment was made to find something to complain about Amber's performance, mainly because they want Andrea to win. I think their goal is diversity/inclusion of other races on this "black" dominated show and station, which is nice but not fair if Amber is singing circles (almost literally) around Andrea. By the way, I have no argument against Andrea's pure worship and her sincerity. I think that synopsis is totally true. But she's not Sunday's Best in my opinion. Another thing to look at is their singing. Would you pay to hear Andrea's voice on a cd without seeing her and the passion? Probably not. Amber's voice is one that would make you buy a cd based on the person's singing. Just my (additional) two cents...
@ Honestly...I beg to differ with your views....I would rather not vote for either of these two ..but since these are the two we are presented with I have voted for Andrea because I connect to her more...I do not like Amber's singing ..period.
Amber Fan all the way!
To each his or her own, however I do agree with you on one point: these were not my two top picks...
Andrea Helms stayed around because of the color of her skin. If any of the other contestants would have sang that horribly they would have been gone. Amber Bullock is Sunday Best.
I'm really surprised by some of the comments that are up here because during the airing of the show there was alot of Andrea hate on twitter...which really surprised me and it was coming from alot of industry people & artists.....which threw me off in a sense...I'll be the first to admit that vocally Andrea is not the best....but are we looking for someone to entertain or minister....Originally when the season first started there was no one who really "WOWED" me which is why I think this season its been hard for people to pin point a winner because no one had the total package there was always something missing....but as the season progressed and Andrea sung "Heaven Are Telling" she really got my attention the sincerity and passion that came from her you can tell she was there for one reason and that was to glorify God! Amber on the other has an AMAZING talent no doubt...but she lacks that spiritual connection...it took her all season to finally get there! I would be disappointed if she won because its sooooooooooo typical her and previous winners are so much alike....its like most people who are gospel fans are stuck to this one style and its time for a change....Needless to say ANDREA GOT MY VOTE!!!!
AMBER.!. Amber was impressive throughout the competition. She did just enough each set to keep our attention, to not grand stand, and to WIN! She opened up a little more each week to have us want to hear what was coming the next week. As any smart contestant would do, she saved the best for last! If you watch her YouTube videos, you will see that her anointing in church is not as open as others, but that does not mean she does not have an anointing. I don't run up and down the aisles to shout, but I am anointed. It does not come out the same in all people or singers. Andrea does have a beautiful anointing, yet she and Michael basically gave us the same thing each week. That is what happened with the runner-up last year. I loved Jessica's gift, but she sang the same type of slow jazzy songs each show. Y'Anna gave us variety every week. When I watch and listen to the contestants, I think about their upcoming CD or them singing a few songs at my church. I do not want to hear the same type of song for the whole time because there is no diversity in your voice. Amber will give us more to enjoy. By the way, Crystal Aiken should be huge in the Gospel community by now...I'll just say Alabaster Box. Where is she? We miss you, Crystal! I hope Amber has a good producer for her CD because she is favored in 2011. God bless!
Yes both voices were very nice. Two opposite styles. One very annointed and the other a great singer. I question why they would keep opposites if we are all alike in Christ? When you are an anointed singer it ( the anointing) comes when you sing to the one we are trying to reach with our worship. We saw it weekly on one and once on the other. How many weeks would you come to my church with no anointing there. Entertainment sells but if we are promoting God then bring forth the anointing. I also think a disservice was done to some singers with less style ability. Meaning the first few weeks the songs were cut up so much due to time restraints, if you were not a talent above singing you would not know how to put your song together. Producer let the pure singing talent with the anointing come forth and stop mixing the goats with the sheep.
I agree with you SO MUCH.
lol!!! I was thinking the same thing!
I have followed this season of Sunday Best from the beginning. And, I have given each contestant ample opportunities to persuade me to vote for them. Each week, the judges got it right when they dismissed a contestant. I did not like everyone referring to the contestant as Momma Sue. She was not my Momma; and she was really good. Michael Pugh, the final male contestant, was thinking too much and did not offer anything new when he sang his final songs. Andrea was selected because of her great recovery of her last song. I cannot remember what songs she sang. Now, comes to the two finalists, Andrea and Amber. Of all the winners of the Sunday Best past competitions, Ms. Amber Bullock is the only winner that I can sincerely say that I would pay my money to see. Her vocals and arrangement of songs are by far, the best that I have ever heard from any winner on the show. Her musical performance of "A City Called Heaven" was off the charts. I have been singing this song for the past three weeks. And, this is why I started enjoying Amber's performance. Then, when she sang the last stanza (without any music) for Kirk, I thought this woman can truly sing. Kim Burrell brought out the best in her. She really listened and learned from what Kim told her to do. She sealed my vote with this particular performance. The judges have it right, Amber is a rising superstar; and they see it written all over her. She can perform and sing anything. I agree with them completely. The other three winners, I cannot remember their names; but, I will always remember Amber's name. I cannot wait to see her in concert. She is a true artist, not an entertainer, as other posters have stated. She is a true artist.. Andrea's singing was passionate, but okay. Regardless of her race, she did not do anything for me. I listened with my eyes closed; I walked away, and I still thought she just did not move me. I was objective and gave every contestant ample opportunities to move me. Amber was the only contestant who did so. I am still singing her songs today; while, I cannot remember what songs Andrea sang. Bottom line, Sunday Best viewers will select Andrea because of diversity; and they need to. However, my family voted for Amber. She is by far, the best that Sunday Best has ever had in the competition.
You are on point about Amber. Sunday Best would do the finalists a great service by showing the viewers their weekly performances. Amber persuaded me to vote for her when she sang (and I mean really SANG), "A City Called Heaven." She is an anointed, versatile, singer who I would pay my money to see. On the other hand, I would not pay my money to see Andrea or the past three winners of Sunday Best because I cannot remember what songs that they sang. Amber was by far, the best contestant that Sunday Best has had in its competition. If she does not win, then, there is no need to worry. All of the great singers will be seeking her out to sing with her. She is a rising superstar. And, I recognized this week after week.
Viewer, wrong! Each week, I can listen to BeBe and CeCe Winans, the entire Winans family, Detrick Haddon, and other great musicians entertain and sing different music for me. They are anointed, true worshippers, who know how to entertain and sing gospel music that reach the masses. Viewer, please do not confuse what Sunday Best is all about. It is a competition; Sunday Best is not church; I reiterate it is a competition. Viewers should stopping treating it like it is church. It is not. Amber is by far, a true artist, the best that Sunday Best has ever heard. She is a passionate, anointed true artist who can reach many people. She is a rising superstar.
Amen!
Amen to the show's goal of diversity/inclusion of other races on this "black" dominated show. Rating would be off the charts, just like American Idol. The reason people tune in is because of its diversity. By the way, does anyone know why did BeBe Winans left the show?
Amen to that. One way Sunday Best can determine if a contestant is a true artist is to allow the two finalists' last performance be a song that is original, a song no other musician has ever sang before. Only then, will we truly know if a contestant can sing original, new material or are just able to sing samples of other musicians' songs. I enjoyed the contestants singing different genres of music which showed their versatility. This allowed the judges to dismiss the right contestant each week.
His name id Ted Winn...
Amber Bullock aptly typified true praise and worship in her final performance of "For Every Mountain"... Oh Glory to God!...for the World to see. She opened herself to be a vessel to be used by God and He filled her with His Holy Spirit. The anointing flowed through her and fell upon her audience like a great waterfall. Wow!Can you imagine..as Rev.Donnie McClurkin stated..how many yokes were destroyed just by her singing unto the Lord. I think Mahalia Jackson would have smiled on her. After all the purpose of our God-given talents is to use them to the glory of God....it's ALL about being that purified vessel that the Holy Spirit can flow through to accomplish that which God has sent it to do. It is my prayer that Amber continue to give God all the glory and impact the world. I am so looking forward to her album. I think Fred Hammond might be listening (I don't know where that came from.... he is an anointed Psalmist
Amber Bullock did an awesome job. She let God have his way in her. I enjoyed how she let go and let God use her. Amber is a power house. Keep your head up Amber and continue to give God all the glory and praise. Congats to Amber Bullock the 2011 Sunday best. LOL. And I also enjoyed the side bar that came along with her singing. The extra praise and worship. All of America enjoyed it. We need more Sunday best, maybe twice a year.
I voted for Andrea. I was a vocal coach for many years, and her vocal ability is actually quite impressive. The fact that she isn't what black people are used to hearing, doesn't mean she isn't deserving. I feel like amber belongs in secular music- amazing vocals, but I feel nothing- even when the audience is reacting, I am not (and neither is Kim Burrell, which cracks me up every time!). I don't feel like she has the maturity( which is not about age, IMO) or even the desire to present God to the masses. I listen to gospel music for encouragement, counsel and to fortify my faith during tough times, not to" ooh" and "ah" at vocal stylings.
i like amber bullock i was clowning when she finally won but god bless andrea too but amber,you go girl!