EJ recaps last night’s episode of Sunday Best on BET…
Last night, Sunday Best viewers were treated to a bevy of vocal tricks and acrobatics that had the makings of an incredible talent competition. Problem was, the mounting anxiety and nerves of several contestants made for some poorly-executed riffs and rather vacant stage presences.
If you recall from last week, 9 finalists were selected, with the 10th slot to be filled by the winner of a 3-contestant a cappella sing-off. Before the sing-off, however, William McDowell opened the show with his radio hit, “I Give Myself Away.”
His performance can be better classified as a worship experience, as was evident by the studio’s atmosphere– even the judges sang along with uplifted hands and tear-filled eyes. Throughout the beginning of the song, William struggled to even sing the lyrics, stepping away several times as he was overcome with emotion. For the at-home viewer, though, it was a bit difficult to join in. I just kind of decided it was a “had-to-be-there” moment, which is not really what you aim for on a national TV performance. Still, I’m glad he got the spot and on-air time– William McDowell’s been working that song for years now and he’s reaping the harvest. [Click here to check out William McDowell's album, As We Worship: Live, on Light Records.]
Sing-off time arrived and Kirk Franklin introduced the 3 contestants vying for the 10th spot. Each had to perform “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” a cappella. The problem with a sing-off among new artists or amateurs is that they realize they have to bring their ‘A’ game and they often translate that to “gotta riff and run.” That’s not ‘A’ game unless you’re a riffin’ and runnin’ wonder, and even then, less is always more.
Shanandolan Reynolds, who I was really rooting for, is better than what we saw and heard. I think her nerves got the best of her and the song was all over the place. Latrice Smith came with some jazzy riffs across practically every part of the chromatic scale, but things fell apart when they runs didn’t seem to just… end. For me, Timesha Sampson had it in the bag from her first note– not because of her tone or notes, but because of the lyric… she is the only one who didn’t start at the chorus. Her approach was most tasteful and she immediately distinguished her performance from the other two ladies.
And she got the 10th finalist slot. Immediately, Timesha was on the spot to perform her tune for the week. Here’s how each contestant fared…
Timesha Sampson – “This Is The Day”
I think this was a cool arrangement, but I agreed with Erica Campbell– the performance would have benefited from a slowed-down and controlled presentation, as some of Timesha’s riffs get away from her. She’s definitely got great potential, though, and I love that she’s unassuming with a bit of a powerhouse voice inside.
Amber Bullock – “How Great Is Our God”
If I never hear another gospel version of this CCM classic, it will be too soon. I don’t like this song in any format aside from the original Chris Tomlin version. That said, Amber has got an undeniable and consistent gift, with great control and tone. This performance was not her best, but she’s clearly a frontrunner in the competition.
Michael Pugh – “You Are God Alone”
I like him. I loved the song choice, as I haven’t heard anyone do it on Sunday Best before. Michael is definitely “a good gospel singer,” like Tina Campbell said in her critique– just solid church. I’ll be interested in seeing a more reserved performance in the coming weeks, though. I know he can drive a song with a good growl and exhortation, but I’d also love to see him perform something without the goal of slaying people in the Spirit.
Andrea Helms – “Yesterday”
It’s always risky to sing a Mary Mary song– despite their urban style and contemporary approach, Tina and Erica have some very churchy, powerhouse vocal ability. And this song ain’t an easy one to sing. This week felt a little “Showtime at the Apollo” to me– a person you wouldn’t expect to even be on the show gives a decent vocal, and the sheer diversity of the moment makes everyone do backflips. I’m not saying Andrea isn’t gifted– I’m just saying that it wasn’t “perfect,” as Pastor Donnie commented.
Isaiah Freeman IV – “All I Need”
I personally don’t want to hear anyone but Brian Courtney Wilson sing this song– it’s HIS! Lol My bias aside, though, I didn’t think the vocal was strong enough. Whereas the original demonstrates great crooning and tone, especially on the vamp, this cover didn’t really shine in those areas. I just think it wasn’t a great song choice this time. Still, he’s one of my favorite contestants.
Sue Roseberry – “Jesus Can Work It Out”
Mama Sue brought it once again. She does EXACTLY what we want. I love that she changed up the ad libs to this classic tune. The judges’ response to her reminds me of last season’s Elder Goldwire McClendon– everyone loved his traditional, old-rugged-cross, ol’ landmark nature, but people didn’t select him as their winner. It makes me wonder if the masses would want a Mama Sue album.
Monica Smith – “Pass Me Not”
While I definitely love the raw talent she exhibits, I’m always fearful that she’s going to blow out her voice! Be caaareful! Lol Kirk Franklin is right to liken her to Shirley Caesar– it’s that guttural, growling, traditional style and approach. Her zero-to-sixty approach is vaguely reminiscent of LeAndria Johnson, but she doesn’t have the same confidence level. I’d love to see her grow in that regard.
Michael Washington – “Falling In Love With Jesus”
This dude is smooth, with clear tone and precise agility. On this Jonathan Butler cover, I heard a bit of Jonathan, mixed with a few Howard Hewitt scats. I agree with the judges that the song kinda got away from him, but I think it was definitely his nerves. He’s a great singer, but it’s hard to figure out what his lane would be.
Felicia Russell – “Precious Jesus”
I don’t know when this song became such a sermonic solo, but I still love it as an ensemble tune like Thomas Whitfield wrote it. That said, I don’t think Felicia is really comfortable just letting it all go, and I want her to. Too poised, too reserved, even in the climax of the song. I agree with the judges– better than last week, but her audition ROCKED. I wanted to see it like that, again.
Carlington Roberts – “Oh How I Love Jesus”
Carlington is a nice guy, but this performance was a bit pitchy and behind the tempo the whole way through. I’m sure I’m not alone– after the modulation, things just got tense. His range, tone and confidence were shaky and it just didn’t quite land safely. I don’t know that he could compete with some of the other vocalists this season.
At the end of the show, the judges cut Felicia Russell, Carlington Roberts and Michael Washington from among the finalists… and we’re down to 7. I agree with the judges on this decision.
I can’t deny that I’m longing for a bit of the skill and delivery of past seasons. If I recall, in those seasons, several contestants really stood out as virtually “ready-to-sign” artists. This season, not so much…
So far, Sunday Best isn’t a tough competition because there are so many great voices from which to choose; it’s tough because there aren’t enough.
I thought Carlington Roberts should not go....
I'm not feeling this season as I usually do.....I hope it gets better.
Ugh! I haven't seen it yet but I just KNEW the contestants would bring their 'A' game this week since the Top 10 pressure would be gone for the most part. I'm disappointed already...
I agree. There are no standouts. Although Amber and Michael have great voices, there are no contestants like Leandria, Jessica or Y'anna that have ppl saying "Yeah they are something special". I also feel that the lack of comments show that there really are no standout winners! As much as I like Amber I am waiting for her to do a song that will showcase ALL of her ability because her YouTube videos is what made me like her. Im also waiting for her to break out and minister as well since I believe she will probably be the winner. But ALL in ALL, I think most people feel this season isn't as strong. I do want a guy to win this year but I don't know if that will happen.
I totally agree. I wasn't impressed with Angela at all and when Donnie said her performance was perfect I thought I was in the Twilight Zone. What were they listening to? Guess it was one of those you had to be there moments. I liked Felicia the judges should have given her another chance. Truthfully as much as I love Mama Sue I won't buy her album, not really into the traditional style.
I will continue to support Sunday Best, but I agree it needs a little more spice. Moma Sue, Andrea, and Michael make it a little exciting but I really do hope to see some stand out performances. Come on Kim and make these people sing!!!!
YALL are all forgetting the fact that there is no difference from this year than last year. Momma Sue is the New Elder.. i 100% disagree w/ the judges on alot. some of the stuff they pick out dont make any since. " i didnt feel your presence" " you kinda scared me with your jumping" And Donnie doesnt?.....And the contestants be lying knowing full well they don't agree with the judges esp when they say you were nervous b/c the faces tell the truth like (No I wasn't) Thats was some bull that carlington was sent packing, guess we can;t have a jamaican donnie huh?
PT2 The judges the judges the judges! Please bring Bee Bee back Please! He was the only one who kep it real & made sense with his comments he didnt have to sing after their performance. Let the contestant have their moment. When he pointed somthing out you were like yeah ok i see that now. Nothing about this stuff the cambell twins are making up. Maybe it is the bad year b/c T & E campbell both say the same thing. "i didnt feel the story" Yes I agree I didnt feel the story either" what? Kirk is funny, the band is good and theres Issac & the crew sound good. Maybe it will get better but i def hope that in the finals they give it over to the public to vote 4 the winner versus the judges. T
I agree with most of the comments here and from my friends. I thought that this past week was funny because LAST week the judges hated everyone and this week they loved everyone but NOTHING had changed in the vocals. Good grief :o(
I'm enjoying the BVGs, they are so tight! Congratulations Meloine Daniels and crew. Welcome back to gospel, from your touring with Patti Labelle and the likes. In my opinion you & the BGVs are primarily why I have my DVR set this season.
i couldn't have said it better!!
This year is not the best...... take for instance the little girl Tamesha Sampson.....she is cute, and adorable, and has SOME talent, but no where is she Sundays Best. They are just letting people through. Even her audition when she started screaming at the end....if ANYONE else did that, they would have been kicked off the show a looooooong time ago. The judges keep saying "you were off, but there is something there...." How many times will they say that? Hmmmmmmm.......not sure what to think about this season. Having BeBe back would be awesome. I guess when you have an artist like Leandria take the stage, the bar is raised so high its hard for anyone to compete as far as a competition is concerned.
I'm not totally turned off this season as everyone is saying. Sure, LeAndria was exciting to watch every week because every week got better and better. However, I disagree with a lot of people (and several of the judges') comment that they want to see "versatility" from the singers. LeAndria nor Jessica nor Y'anna gave us any real versatility. They just worked the heck out of their lane! Think about it...the formula for each of these singers was pretty much the same each week, and the judges loved them, and the viewers loved them. With that being said, I hope that Michael Pugh, and Monica Smith will hold true to who they are. I just want to see them further develop their styles and singing, but nothing different than what they've done. Why is it that we want to see versatility from them, but not from Mama Sue, or Elder McClendon? Just a question...
Well if this is Sunday's best I'm going to be Seven Day Adventist. Maybe I'll have better luck on Saturday. Lololol.... I crack myself up but really there are singer's but that's it, nothing compares to the last 3 singers.
I do want to see versatility, I do and I can't wait. I forgot, but do they get to pick their songs at this point or ever in the competition? Yes, the comment about the dude jumping around???? I didn't get that at all...if I remember correctly, I think I liked that performance.....oh well. As I said before, I hope it gets better and yes BGV are on point!
Also, it's not the same as last year to me, Mama Sue might be the new Elder, but who is the new LeAndria because she was on fire every week, I don't recall a performance I wasn't wowed by....just saying and I did love Elder also.....I will pray before it comes on again...maybe I need to prepare myself.
We're now watching this episode for the first time and my husband, who previously read this review, is laughing his head off because he's viewing it through the eyes of this review. During the commercial breaks he would mute the tv and read to me what you had to say about the previous singer. :)
I was so very appalled to see Timesha Sampson voted off. Have the judges 'bumped their heads'? She and Andrea Helms even put Mary-Mary to shame!