Sunday Best winner (and recent Grammy winner) Le’Andria Johnson has confirmed that she is indeed expecting another baby, and is due in September. Her public statement puts an end to weeks of speculation that the singer is pregnant, most recently peaking after her recent televised appearance on BET’s Celebration of Gospel.

In an exclusive statement to Elev8.com, Le’Andria states:

“In recent weeks, there have been numerous published reports stating that I am pregnant. I would like to take this time to confirm that I am pregnant and due in September. I have been feeling well and maintaining a healthy appetite. I have been busy traveling around the country with my music ministry. One can only imagine that as a mother and mother-to-be, my plate is quite full—taking the kids to school, doing homework, cooking—regular mother duties. I have been blessed to have the love and support of my church, family, friends, label, management, and fans. I have received so many beautiful and thoughtful notes and prayers from people all over the country. I ask that you continue to pray for me and my family. I cannot do this alone. I will continue to pray for God’s guidance and protection over my life. I love you all very much and I will be in touch soon.”

Let’s pray for Le’Andria. Keep her lifted up and pray for a safe, healthy pregnancy and delivery!

Don’t get caught slipping… BET’s Celebration of Gospel airs THIS SUNDAY at 8pm ET/PT.

The 12th annual performance showcase, hosted by Steve Harvey, will feature performances from Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Le’Andria Johnson, Jessica Reedy, Isaac Carree, Mali Music, Faith Evans and MANY MANY more.

Don’t miss it. And check out this video of BET’s Torrence Glenn chatting it up with the artists as they arrive on the Celebration of Gospel BLUE carpet!

Hey folks, tune-in to 106 & Park on BET today– Jessica Reedy will be on-air to discuss her upcoming performance on Celebration of Gospel, her current album, From the Heart, and more. You don’t wanna miss it– promise.

106 & Park airs at 6pm ET… as if you didn’t know.

Music World Gospel is prepping for the release of the debut EP of Elder Goldwire McClendon, from Season Three of BET’s Sunday Best. The project, titled The Best of Elder Goldwire McClendon, hits stores on April 24, 2012 and will feature new recordings of the same songs he performed on the show.

The 81-year old vocalist delivered heartfelt and power-packed tunes each week before yielding the title to Le’Andria Johnson.

Pre-order the project by clicking right here!

Christian hip-hop just WINS at Billboard. The latest winner is rap vet Flame, whose newest project, The 6th debuts at #1 on the sales chart this week. Click here to listen to it and grab it!

Sunday Best runner-up Andrea Helms debuts at #2 with her first EP, Moving Forward.

Here’s the rest of the Top 10 in Gospel:

1 | Flame – The 6th
2 | Andrea Helms – Moving Forward
3 | WOW Gospel 2012
4 | Fred Hammond – God, Love & Romance
5 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson
6 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
7 | William McDowell – Arise
8 | Lecrae – Rehab
9 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
10 | Israel Houghton & New Breed – Decade

The next high-charting release should be from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, whose newest project, After This, hits stores on March 27th. Look to see impressive sales from Take 6, too, whose One album comes out the same day.

Mark your calendars!

The 12th annual Celebration of Gospel, hosted by Steve Harvey, will air on BET on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8pm ET/PT.

Folks already slated to perform/appear include:

Kirk Franklin
Yolanda Adams
Marvin Sapp
Shirley Caesar
Fred Hammond
Le’Andria Johnson
The Rance Allen Group
Earnest Pugh
Zacardi Cortez
Jessica Reedy
Ricky Dillard & New G 
Isaac Carree
Mali Music
Ledisi
Faith Evans
Kelly Price
Johnny Gill
Jennifer Holliday
James Fortune & FIYA
Moses Tyson, Jr.
Maurette Brown Clark
Dr. Bobby Jones
Wendy Raquel Robinson

The event will also feature tributes to Mahalia Jackson and Whitney Houston.

The two-hour special will be taped next Friday, March 16th, at 8 p.m. PT at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.

FREE TICKETS are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email betrsvp@bet.net to get ‘em!

With season five of BET’s Sunday Best starting auditions this month, more info continues to become available about the show.

BET has announced the judges for this season– longtime judge Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams (who served as a judge a couple of seasons ago) and the incomparable CeCe Winans!

This will be CeCe Winans’ first time as a judge on the hit talent competition. I’m looking forward to what she (and only she) can bring to the table.

I’m admittedly bummed that Mary Mary won’t be on the show this season, though.

You undoubtedly remember Andrea Helms from Season 4 of BET’s Sunday Best– she’s the passionate finalist that often changed the episode’s tone from “competition” to “corporate worship” with a single note.

Her debut album, Moving Forward, hits stores today (March 6, 2012). Click here to read a review from EJ Gaines. Then, check out our quick Q&A with Andrea Helms…

*     *     *

Q: What is your favorite song on your new project, Moving Forward?

A: “Changed” is my favorite song because it’s my testimony.

Q: Was it always a dream of yours to be a national recording artist, or did this “just happen”?

A: I always dreamed of this. Though, I’ve learned that answers rarely come in the package you expected!

Q: In terms of pursuing your career, what has been the biggest obstacle you have faced since appearing on Sunday Best?

A: I think balancing a new career with our calling to pastor. I’m learning to do both without the other suffering. If God opens the door I trust He’ll equip me!

Q: Every contestant on Sunday Best has to have a tough skin to withstand the sometimes harsh criticisms they face, not only from the judges, but from the viewing audience. Did you experience that? If so, how did you remain encouraged as the shows aired?

A: We all faced that. Fortunately, I developed thick skin a long time ago! (laughs)

I knew that the judges were telling me what I NEEDED to hear to better me. As far as the veiwing audience, some will love me and some won’t– that’s a part of life. Don’t get me wrong though. I’m glad there were a lot more that loved me than not! (laughs)

Q: What is the one thing you want gospel consumers to know about Andrea Helms?

A: I’m real. I’m no different that anyone else. If God will use me, I know He’ll use you too!

*     *     *

Music World Gospel continues to crank out the album releases! Next up is Andrea Helms, runner-up of the most recent season of BET’s Sunday Best.

The worshipful vocalist’s debut album, titled Moving Forward, will be available on March 6th. The 7-track EP will feature songs she performed on the nationwide talent competition, including “Yesterday,” “Changed,” and “The Heaven’s Are Telling.” The ever-popular title track features a duet with Sunday Best winner Amber Bullock.

Learn more about the project, and pre-order it, at Amazon.com.

After being postponed from its usual December-taping, BET’s popular Celebration of Gospel returns to Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theater for a taping on March 16, 2012 at 8pm PT.

The long-running program will again be hosted by Steve Harvey. No word yet on who performers will be.

Visit http://www.bet.com/celebrationofgospel for updates and info. There’s nothing there just yet, but there will be. And I guess I’ll clue you in as I get details, too.