This week on BET’s Sunday Best, we were able to listen to the remaining 7 finalists, with 2 heading home.
Before that, though, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin opened the show with their hit duo, “The Prayer,” from Donnie’s 2003 album, Again. I don’t fully get the performance decision– they’ve each had two albums since then. It seemed like a shot at a TV moment, though, which I can’t be mad at. They still have incredible voices and they pulled off a solid performance.
I’m so glad that we finally got to see Kim Burrell actually BE the vocal mentor this episode. And it was a good show for it– the theme revolved around LOVE SONGS, and Kim really helped these artists operate outside their comfort zone, which I think was the point of the whole exercise.
Here’s how the finalists’ performances played out for me:
Michael Pugh – “You and I”
This is the type of song I’ve been waiting to hear from him– a perfect way to showcase his ability to do more than a churchy squall that slays. He has a nice tone for crooning. Though he definitely didn’t seem as comfortable with this style of music, I was glad to hear him in this vein!
Timesha Sampson – “I Believe In You And Me”
Aww, man. This kind of got away from Timesha, which I think might have been avoided if she stuck to the melody a bit more. Sucks to say it, and it may be unfair, but this was clearly too “gospel” for this week’s gospel show.
Monica Smith – “At Last”
She REALLY impressed me! Despite everyone comparing her to Shirley Caesar for the past several weeks, Monica seemed completely comfortable doing this jazzy, lounge-like song. She gave a tasteful and authentic performance. This was spot on!
Andrea Helms – “Wind Beneath My Wings”
Again, I’m always left wondering if the judges’ and crowd’s reactions have more to do with her race than her gift. There wasn’t anything particular astounding about this vocal performance. It was a bit amateur this time around for me.
Amber Bullock- “Ribbon In The Sky”
Great tone, lady! Plus, pretty good choices on the “doo doo doo” scat-like ad libs. It was way too gospel for me by the time the vamp came along, though– I agree with Tina’s wish that Amber had taken a more “tender approach.” Still, she’s a frontrunner for a reason– she’s polished and professional.
Isaiah Freeman IV – “So Amazing”
This performance hurt my heart. I don’t even CONDONE many people remaking Luther Vandross, but from Isaiah’s first note, I was put at ease. His tone and approach was INCREDIBLE to me. Then, in a moment, he lost the words, his total confidence was shaken, and the rest of the performance fell apart. Isaiah is much better than that performance displayed and he knew it. Hurt me! Lol
Sue Roseberry – “Jesus Is Love”
UMM… kinda unfair, on the whole secular “love songs” show, that Mama Sue gets to do “Jesus Is Love,” but she sang it like she wrote it. Lol! I MEAN! Flawless finessing of a good ol’ groove. I loved it.
Before any finalist got sent packing, the one and only Jill Scott performed “Hear My Call.” She crafted her song– she didn’t just sing it. It was an absolutely captivating performance of a beautiful song.
In the end, Timesha Sampson and Isaiah Freeman IV were sent home. I was particularly disappointed about Isaiah– definitely my fave from this season so far. That’s alright my dude! I’m buying your album!
Anyway, just my two cents. What did YOU think of the show?
This episode was by far the best to date...I enjoyed the performances. My oh my...Donnie &Yolanda were flawless in their singing of "The prayer" Great job. It does appear as if Mama Sue might just be "Sunday Best"...We'll see...
What I find frustrating is that I still can't call it... I can't figure who the next Sunday Best artist might be because NO ONE has knocked my sox off yet. I thought Monica and Michael were GREAT and Momma Sue shocked me into a coma, but are they Sunday Best? Hmmm.. As for Isaiah, I just wished dude would have called me before he tackled a Luther cut. I would have encouraged him to go a different direction. That said, I thought he started out really strong as well, EJ, but then it wend down hill.
EJ, since the theme was Wedding Songs, The Prayer is a very popular song that many couples use during the wedding ceremonies particularly during the wedding ritual service, the song is usually sung, played, or danced to during maybe the communion portion, candle lighting, sand sharing,or some ritual or just performed. Isaiah waited to the last minute to study the song and was slacking this week on his preparation and the reason why he was so content was because while he was socializing he should have been rehearsing locking in the words. This is Mama Sue's season and the way she stayed true to the theme as if singing at your child's wedding training them up for this moment just overall was a great choice for her. Monica went back to the Jukejoint because in Greensboro there are only those hole in the wall venues where her Uncle Buddy and Aunt Nessa own and her cousin Meeka wanted her to sing that song at her wedding so she was very comfortable.
Tamesha is so cute and precious but after they told her in other words Baby we put you through but tonight you are through, she should have youtube Kim's BET Honors performance, to be honest I did just so I can hear how she ripped it, Clearly she did not take advantage of her resources trying again to be creative. But I must say, Jill Scott, showed the world why she set the bar because her performance was stellar I rewinded it about nine times because it was pure emotion, where spirituality is made evident in life's reality. Clearly proved that today's gospel singer has to be able to touch the church and the unchurched. To be honest it made me think of my own prayer life about certain situations because women can hurt the heart of man too, get ready because Smokie and Fred Hammond is about to show the induesty how its going to be done
I thought the episode was a disappointment, unfortunately. I may be in the minority, but I wasn't feeling the theme, or the song selections, or the judges comments for the most part this time around. But, I believe it will come down to Mama Sue and Michael Pugh, with Mama Sue winning. We'll see...
I liked this episode! I don't think they have done this theme before and I liked it. Mama Sue did that and I like Michael Pugh's performance as well. I'm waiting for Amber to tear it up and the guy that song the Luther song...yes he started out strong, but didn't keep that going. I wish he did though.
Solid review EJ. Finally someone who agrees with me about Andrea, I just didn't feel anything about the Wind Beneath My Wings. There were way too many runs done and I was just tired after the first verse. Not many people can touch this song outside of Bette Midler, in my opinion. Isaiah started so great but it didn't work after the first part. I was so hoping to hear more of him. I was wishing Mama Sue would do a Gladys Knight song, not sure which one but Neither One of Us would be great to sing (even though its not a wedding song). Michael Pugh, Monica and Mama Sue impressed me this week. Loved their selections. What's next?
I thought this was the best episode of the season. I enjoyed it and Monica surprised the heck out of me! I loved her performance. I will miss my Isaiah though, but once he gets that song right he can come and sing it for me. lol!
hi i strongly agree with you...sunday best should represent christ at all times and love songs and singing seductive is a bit much...glad 2 see im not the only one who thinks this way....sunday best not american idol.......
It was better this week, but it's sad to see Mama Sue go. This week wasn't her best, but I wish her the best.
About Andrea, there is a reason the judges are keeping her. She has a professional voice. Her runs are actually clear notes and scales, not hollering or playing on emotions by yelling or getting hyped up. It's interesting that the race card would be questioned given the caliber of her voice. Have you actually listened to her? Wind beneath my wings is an awful song anyway, she finally made it sound decent. If you listened to her tone and forgot about the color of her skin, your opinion would change.
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