When the second season of BET’s Sunday Best was on, I made it abundantly clear that my favorite contestant was Jessica Reedy.  Never get it twisted, though– I also looooove the voices and ministries of several of the other contestants, like (of course) winner Y’Anna Crawley, Latice Crawford, Dontavies Boatwright, John John, Camille Betton… but from jump, Jess just… shocked me.

And I wasn’t alone cuz I know a bunch of y’all adore her, too… which is why I reached out and said “let’s talk again and tell the people what you’ve been up to!”  So, here we are!

Friends, here’s our buddy, Jessica Reedy:

*     *     *

EJ:  How have you been, sister?!

JR:  I’ve been wonderful!  I really have.

EJ:  You sound happy.

JR:  Thank you.  I am!

EJ:  I’m so glad to be chattin’ with you.  Last time we talked for the website, you were in total shock over the fact that so many people enjoyed you so much. You still amazed?

JR:  I’m still shocked.  I’m shocked that people still remember me.

EJ:  Still remember you?!  It was only four months ago.

JR:  Yeah, but there’s so much new stuff going on.  And I don’t have anything out to keep your mind refreshed, so it still amazes me.

EJ:  I hear that.  I wanna re-visit Sunday Best for just a quick second.  The night of the finale, you’re at home with your family in Saginaw, watching the whole thing.  Did you know the results before Kirk Franklin announced them?

JR:  No, I didn’t.  They taped two endings, so me and Yannie both were waiting to see which ending they played.

EJ:  Yep.  I dunno if you saw the blogs and heard the commentary on radio, but fans of the show lashed out at BET.  They thought the competition was rigged, they said the finale wasn’t good, they said the results were known before that night, but you’re saying that the first time you heard anything was with the rest of the nation?

JR:  The first time I heard anything.  And the crazy thing is that the local news decided to be at my house, to catch my first reaction.  I had no clue.  What we did know was who would be the last two, but once we got home, that was it.  We didn’t know anything else.

EJ:  Okay.  So, you didn’t know what would happen… Kirk announces Y’Anna as the winner.  What was your immediate reaction?

JR:  I told Yannie this– I knew God had blessed me, but I sort of expected my flesh to be a sore loser.  I had no bad feelings… I was so happy for her, to the point that it shocked me AND my family.

EJ:  *laughs*

JR:  But I had no kind of bad feelings because I knew how good God had been to me already.  And to feel something stupid like that would be such an insult to God, in my opinion.  And it shocked the heck outta me– all I could do was smile.

And my cousin was like “it’s alright,” and I was like “it IS alright.” *laughing*

EJ:  You’re a good-hearted person.  I dunno if everyone would be as kind about that.

JR:  I couldn’t find another person who is more deserving.  She’s a kind-hearted person.  You know, she has two kids.  She has a boy, in a minute, he’ll be in college.  And here I am, I just turned 21.  At the time, I was 20 years old.  God has so much more for me than I can even imagine.  Yannie’s what…32?  Lord, bless HER.  I’ll take the backseat– I can’t believe I’m in the top 2 anyway, so I’ll take that.  I don’t mind.

EJ:  And the beauty of televised competitions like Sunday Best is that, once you’re in the top two, each finalist is pretty much set to get SOMETHING.

People haven’t heard too much about you on a NATIONAL scale since Sunday Best ended, but I know that you’ve been quite busy– tell us what you’ve been up to.

JR:  Awww, man.  God’s been good.  He’s been telling people to call me! *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing* Yep!

JR:   He’s been giving people a desire to wanna hear me some more, so churches have been calling me, pastors… just people who want me to come to anything they might be having.

They fly me out, which is amazing!  It’s like… God will bless me like THAT?!  I’m grateful.  I’m so grateful.  I can’t believe it because singing is something I do all the time.  And you wanna pay me to come and do it?!

EJ:  That’s awesome.

JR:  And I’m grateful.  They do more than they have to… they’ll say “do you want to go to the movies,” or “do you want to go shopping?”  I’m like “wow,” and my manager reminds me “they don’t do this for everybody.”  So, it’s another confirmation from God, like “Jessica, you’re on the right track.”

EJ:  Ok, so the big question that’s on everyone’s mind– when can we expect some music from you?

JR:  Okay.  Now, I’m working extremely hard to get some leniency on my contracts.  Right now, I cannot record.

EJ:  You can’t record because of your contract with BET?

JR:  Nothing.  Right now, they’re allowing me to travel, but that’s all I can do. So, I’m praying!

EJ:  Well, I’ll make sure we get to prayin’ too!  Because people want something.  Badly.

JR:  Really?  See, that’s amazing to me!

EJ:  Oh, absolutely.  Folks are going crazy over the few YouTube videos of you that are up.

JR:  Oh my goodness.  Honestly, I look at all of this as a blessing in disguise.  God won’t leave me.  He reminds me “Jessica, I brought you from the bottom and raised you to runner-up, among thousands.”

And this down time has gotten me to a point where my relationship with the Lord has grown even more.  It’s making me find more within myself, even creative ideas, so that when I do get out of the contract, I’ll know what I want to do.

EJ:  True.  And this is good down time.  I often think of “down time” as an awesome time for God to prepare us and work on our character, work on those things we didn’t even know were issues.

JR:  Right.

EJ:  Do me a favor, and I think I speak for all of your supporters.  TRY YOUR BEST to re-make Kirk’s “Brighter Day” for your debut album, with the same arrangement that you had on Sunday Best.

JR:  Okay!

EJ:  I’m serious.  Cuz we NEED to be able to listen to that whenever we want it.  Deal?

JR:  That’s a deal.  I promise.

But you know what?  There’s a compilation album that we all did– the top 10.  And that’s the song that they chose for me to do on the album.  It’s not the exact arrangement, but it’s sweet… it’s nice.  I honestly like the original arrangement that I did on the show, though.

EJ:  That’s what you HAVE to do.  And if you have to go back to watch the YouTube clips so you can remember what you did, do that.

JR:  *laughing*

EJ:  *laughing*  Okay, let’s see… you’re on Twitter now, so people can connect with you socially there (http://www.twitter.com/jessicareedy).  But how can people book you if they want to get you for an event?

JR:  Contact my manager, Phil Thorton, at 323-937-3700.  And email jessicareedybookings@yahoo.com.  You’ll get a response in NO time, I promise.  I won’t make people wait.  I’ve got no time to waste. *laughing*

EJ:  Well, you already know that I think the world of you and your voice.  I continue to wish you all the best.  I appreciate you, sis.  Thanks for touching base.

JR:  Thank you.  I really appreciate this, EJ.

EJ:  No doubt.  And we’ll talk soon.

JR:  Okay then.  You take care.

EJ:  You too.  Bye-bye.

*     *     *

Ain’t that crazy that she’s locked into her contract and can’t record for us the glory of God?!  Geeeeez.  But it’s great to know that she’s doing well and making the most of her time, giggin’ and what not.  Good job!

Oh, and just for kicks, here’s that awesome performance of “Brighter Day” that we all loved so much:

I got a chance to chat with Camille Betton from BET’s Sunday Best yesterday.  She was one of the Top 20 Finalists and, though she didn’t make it to the Top 10 this past week, she’s got lots to say and I think the industry will be seeing more of her!

In this interview, we get a behind-the-scenes perspective of Sunday Best , as well as chat about her music ministry and where you can find out more about her.

Folks, here’s Camille Betton.

 *     *     *

EJ:  Hi Camille!  How’s it goin’?

CB:  It’s going okay, how about for you?

EJ:  I’m good!  I wanna start by talking about BET’s Sunday Best.  You were one of the Top 20 finalists, which is an incredible accomplishment.  So, congrats on that first!

CB:  Thank you!

EJ:  You’re welcome.  We saw, this past Sunday, that you unfortunately didn’t move forward in the competition to a Top 10 slot.  Still, the folks who watched now know your name and you’ve gained a bunch of followers in a very short time.

CB:  Absolutely.

EJ:  What was your Sunday Best experience like?

CB:  EJ, it was awesome.  To connect with, number one, Donald Lawrence, who’s just a phenomenal writer and producer, to have face-to-face, hands-on mentoring from him, that was invaluable.

The people that I met– the other contestants– just the relationships that I’m sure I’ll have from here on out.  And just to be a part of the show, to have that level of exposure, to get the opportunity to promote myself AND JESUS. *laughs*

EJ:  *laughs*  Absolutely.  You mentioned the relationships with the other contestants and, you know, we always see folks on talent competitions, like American Idol, becoming super close friends with the other contestants — what are the relationships like among the contestants of Sunday Best?

CB:  Honestly, when you hear people saying that it didn’t feel like a competition, I’ll say that, early on, it really didn’t.  It did not feel like that.  Now, practically, it is a competition, so you had to still be aware of that.  But even now, talking to people and texting them… it’s just been cool.  Jessica Reedy just hit me up a few minutes ago, so it’s just been cool.  It’s like an extension of your family.

EJ:  Yeah.  And that makes sense cuz, at the end of the day, it’s a Christian competition, so it SHOULD NOT be as cut-throat as some of the other competitions.

CB:  Absolutely.

EJ:  What’s a typical week like for the contestants?

CB:  It was rehearsing and getting wardrobe done, and making sure that your outfits fit what you were singing, and I just enjoy that aspect of it.  There’s nothing wrong with gettin’ pampered, to have someone serve you to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

EJ:  *laughing*

CB:  Oh, I love that.  Somebody saying “oh, lemme just brush your hair” or “oh, here are these blot sheets for you.”  I love that whole aspect.  That was the bomb.

But, also, being flexible was a big thing, EJ.  If there was something that was scheduled and, for whatever reason, things had to be changed around, you had to be flexible for that, and that was a big part of the week.  Or, rehearsing with Ray Chew and the group, and the background singers… Or having a roundtable at the end of the day to recap what happened… that was a typical week there.

EJ:  Nice!  What was the hardest part of being on the show for you?

CB:  The hardest part was coming down those STAIRS!

EJ: *laughing*

CB: *laughs*

EJ:  Y’know, that’s funny cuz when Kierra Sheard sang with Mary Mary on the first show, she kinda paused at the stairs and looked really focused… like “lemme make sure I can get down these stairs, THEN I’ma give it to ya.”

CB:  Right.  I think that was a smart approach for her to take because you’re trying to hear your intro, you’re trying to come down with some decorum and calmness, but you have to maneuver those stairs, so I think that was one of the toughest things.

EJ: *laughing*  Fair enough.  Ummm… who was your favorite of the three judges?

CB:  You know, Erica [Campbell] is so well-rounded and I think she seeks to be the “Paula Abdul” of the group, if you will.  So, I think I could respect what she had to say.  She said what she needed to say.  If it was hard sometimes, she would say it, but I think she– not that the others didn’t– but I think she exhibited more compassion out of the group.

EJ:  Yeah, and I think that comes across on TV, too.  Fill in the blank for me: “The viewing audience would be surprised to learn that, behind the scenes, _____________.”

CB:  That we really were REALLY COOL.  Behind-the-scenes, we really… just got along, we were helping each other with songs and giving each other advice, helping with arrangements.  They would be surprised to learn that.

EJ:  Do you think it’s hard to be on a CHRISTIAN talent competition?  I mean, are there sticky points in terms of being edifying while still being honest?  You mentioned Erica Campbell and her being compassionate and still say what’s tough– is that harder in a Christian competition?

CB:  From the judges’ perspective, I think it is tough because they still have a job to do– that’s the practical application.  But because they know that it is a gospel competition– I don’t think they’re sugarcoating it– but I think that they do have to walk a tightrope, trying to do that job and still have to maintain their calling as a Christian artist as well.

From a contestant’s perspective, I think competitions (the nature of them) are tough.  So, you are going out to compete, but it’s tough when you hear “here’s five other people that are, so to speak, BETTER than you.”

EJ:  Yeah.

CB:  So, in that regard, it is tough.  Regardlesss of whether it’s Christian or secular, any competition, as far as singing is concerned, is tough.  This is not my first one, but… I’m hoping it will be my last one. *laughs*

EJ: *laughing*  I hear that!  I do.  Lemme ask you one more question about the show– of the 10 finalists that did NOT move forward, who do you feel like the viewing audience didn’t really get a chance to experience, but REALLY needs to?

CB:  And I can include myself in that? *laughing*

EJ:  You’d BETTER include yourself in that list!  *laughs*

CB: *laughs* And you’d better KNOW it!

EJ: *laughing*

CB:  Honestly, I think any person would say that about themselves, but I honestly feel like I didn’t have that opportunity to give that full view– the well-roundedness of me, so I would have to say myself.

I love the hymns, EJ– I grew up singing them– but I did not select that particular one [on the show].  So, it was just hard to have that song and still try to give it… and then put a little spin on it.  My fault was that I didn’t want to do TOO much to it because I didn’t want BeBe to eat me up.

EJ: *laughs* Right!

CB: *laughing*  Like he did with the guy on the auditions, with “Amazing Grace.”  And I thought “I don’t want to lose the authenticity of the song,” but yet I thought “I’ll put a little twist on it at the end.”  So, I think that if I had another opportunity, I’d hopefully have another song that would give a different view of my vocal ability.

EJ:  Yeah, it’s unfortunate that, with a lot of these shows– and, I said this to Jonathan Johnson too when he emailed me– the reality is that the editing makes it so that we focus more on some people’s stories and testimonies more than others, so the audience got the chance to connect with some, but there are others that we don’t know that much about.

And I think you’re probably a good illustration of that because I don’t feel like the audience got to see enough of you, based on what I’ve heard SINCE you’ve been on the show.

CB:  Oh, I appreciate that.

EJ:  No doubt.  And that’s actually a good segue into us talkin’ about YOUR music.  I’ve heard some of your stuff and it’s REALLY GOOD!  You’re both a singer and a songwriter, right?

CB:  Yessir.

EJ:  Talk to me about your music ministry.  What have you been called to do through music?

CB:  I’ve been called to just impact people and make them want to be closer to God, whether that be an initial relationship or just broadening of the current one.  But, that’s what I’ve been called to do– just impact people for a greater relationship with God.

EJ:  That’s great.  How did you start, what have you been doing before Sunday Best?  I mean, people need to realize that MOST of these finalists have been working at it and grinding on “music ministry” for years and years and years– they didn’t just stumble into the auditions.

CB:  Absolutely!  Absolutely.  I was probably about 14 when I started singing with my sister’s group, Melodies of Praise, and we were doing a lot of touring with our local church organization in Ohio.  So, I got my feet wet with seeing what it was like to be called, requested and to work and receive payment for that.

Then, that group ended and I started doing things on my own.  I released my own single in ’96 and, from then, have just really been writing and grinding.  I’ve sung backup for Jonathan Dunn, who’s done some writing for Marvin Sapp.  So, I learned a lot with him, then released my own CD in ’07 and, from that, have had the opportunity to just hit different spots and just really start to build a following and a fan base.  And then came Sunday Best to kinda expand that and help blow it up a bit more.

EJ:  That’s a lot of work.  Great stuff.  You know, I was listening to one of your tracks, “Prayze Is Awaiting You” and the passion and tone of your voice reminds me sooo much of Maurette Brown-Clark.  Have you ever heard that comparison?

CB:  A few people have mentioned that.

EJ:  Such an authentic and passionate sound, I figured maybe she was one of your influences.  But who are some of your musical influences?

CB:  Don’t tell nobody, but DONNIE HATHAWAY!  *laughs*  In the home I was raised in, we were not permitted to listen to it, we snuck and did it.  But Donnie Hathaway, to me, is the quintessential essence of music in an artist… I love Oleta Adams because of the control that she exhibits, I love Brandy, I love India.Arie and, of course, at the top of that list has to be Marvin L. Winans.

EJ:  Oh, you’re SAYIN’ something now!

CB:  Yeah, these are the people who are doing so much, but they do so little to get it done.

EJ:  Mmm-hmmm.  It’s a “less is more” approach.

CB:  Yeah.  And there’s nothing wrong with running, I’ve done it on occasion, but I love a person who stands flat-footed and just delivers, just stands up on a lyric, bends a note, and just hits the point home.  That, to me, makes the greatest impact.

EJ:  I agree.  So, how can people find out more about you and your music?

CB:  Aww, man.  I prolly got about 11 websites. *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing*

CB:  You can find me on CDBaby.com (click here), but I’ve also got my own website, which is www.camillebetton.com.

EJ:  That’s Camille with ONE ‘m’, people! *laughs*

CB:  *laughing* It’s just ONE ‘M’!

EJ: *laughing* [Editor's Note: BET has perpetually spelled her name wrong  (as "Cammille") and, in turn, so has everyone else.  Camille KINDLY informed me via email a while ago that her name is spelled with just one 'm'.]

CB:  I also have a MySpace page, which is www.myspace.com/camillewillsing.  And if they Google “Camille Betton,” aside from some French entries, stuff will just… I thank God that He’s enlarged my territory.  So, PLEASE order the CD.  Please!  Like you were saying, I think it reflects my true artistry.

EJ:  Absolutely.  Well, that’s great!  What’s next for you?  Anything come out of the show in a… tangible way or are we still in a holding period?

CB: *laughing* “In a TANGIBLE way.”

EJ:  *laughing* I’m just sayin’.

CB:  This has been my prayer, EJ.  And it’s not a deep prayer.  It was tough when people didn’t know the outcome and I already knew, but it hadn’t aired yet.  People were saying such great things, like “oh, Camille, I know you’re gonna go all the way.”

And so, like I would tell people, I’m praying that, as a result of this opportunity, unusual doors are gonna open– not only to advance God’s Kingdom, but ultimately my destiny.  I’ve had the opportunity to network with Donald Lawrence and I look for other opportunities to work with him.

EJ:  That’s awesome.

CB:  And then, just some of the singers– maybe doing some writing for them and getting my own material out the door.  I know I just have to stay on the grind and I KNOW God’s going to open up unusual opportunities, whether it be through major distribution or, once I’ve completed another CD, a label will be willing to pick me up.

It’s not gonna come like it’s gonna come for others, but I know God’s going to open up doors for me.

EJ:  Well, I’ll be praying that as well.  And I know you have a bunch of folks who really enjoyed you.  Part of the bloggin’ thing is that I’m constantly having to keep my ear to the ground.  So, going to other sites and seeing what people are saying, you are one that people kept saying “you all did not hear Camille like you needed to hear her.”  But now, I hear what we didn’t hear.  I really do wish the best for you.

CB:  Wonderful.  Thank you so much!

EJ:  Well, thanks for taking a minute to chat with me.  And definitely keep in touch.

CB:  Absolutely.  And I will stay in touch cuz I’ll be on that blog!

EJ: *laughing* Very good!  Take care.

CB:  Alright.  Bye.

*     *     *

So, that’s THAT!  Make sure you check out her links above and listen to hear music.  I think y’all are really gonna like what she’s offering.

Thoughts???  Holla at me.

Who watched it?  I LOVED it… like, practically every single moment of it.

Mary Mary opened the show performing their lastest single, “God In Me.”  They looked great and the audience was bouncin’ like they had come STRAIGHT from the club.  Then, Kierra Sheard came out and blaaaazed on the bridge.  She, also, looked amazing.  Good job, ladies!  I did NOT care for the “contestant remix” of the song, but it’s whateva.  They’re the reason for the show, so I don’t mind the inclusion.

10 of the 20 contestants performed last night and here’s my review of each, in order, along with the songs they sang.

1.  Tammy Turner – “Look At Me”:  I think Erica Campbell said it best– it’s a classic and you’ve gotta be careful to stick close to the melody on classics.  First of all, the original was done perfectly by Tramaine Hawkins.  Then, Coko brought her own flair and demolished it on her debut album a coupla years ago.  Both are soooooaaaaaaring sopranos and Tammy Turner appears to be an alto, so the key was… way different.  But she went first (which is hard), and she still sounded great, so good job!

2.  Clifton Ross III – “Now Behold The Lamb”: What?! YES!!!  An instant favorite.  He chose a great song, TORE IT TO PIECES like a pro, was gracious and humble throughout.  We like you, Clifton.  You’re among my faves, no question.

3.  Camille Betton – “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”:  She looked like a GAZILLION bucks, but I was not a fan of the song or the arrangement.  It didn’t go where I wanted it to, so she never really broke out and GAVE it to us.  But, she’s a good singer and I like her.

4.  Jeff Spain - ”Seasons”:  The judges loved him, but I keep thinking that he borders on forgettable.  It’s not that he doesn’t have a nice voice, he certainly DOES… it’s just that he’s kinda reserved and laidback, so the “artist” element isn’t really there for me.  I think he mentioned that he recently came to Christ, which implies that he may not know what a typical “gospel audience” expects… perhaps he’ll learn as the show goes, though.  Or perhaps we should change our expectations…

5.  Jessica Reedy – “Just A Prayer Away”:  Another ABSOLUTE fave of mine– I have LOVED her voice and her passion since the auditions.  Tina Campbell said it well: “Powerful but light.”  She reminds me A LOT of Jazmine Sullivan (maybe it’s the look, maybe it’s the voice)… I want her album NOW.

6.  Jonathan Johnson – “God Will Make A Way”:  It was a bit disconcerting for me, and I dunno why.  I just didn’t know what to look at, listen to, or think.  He’s a nice guy and I think he wants this.  He’s got a nice voice, albeit very mature considering his age, and he’s kinda got the look… I just dunno.

7.  Latice Crawford – “Peace Be Still”:  When she came out, I said “you’re not gonna try THAT…”  But she did more than try.  She DID the doggone thing!  The song was a great choice cuz her timbre is reminiscent of Vanessa Bell Armstrong.  She doesn’t execute her riffs as well as Vanessa, but FEW do, so that can’t be a dealbreaker for her… I think she was great.

8.  Kalind Haynes – “Center Of My Joy”:  He’s got a smooth and passionate voice and a lovable personality to boot.  He’s an all-around “nice” contestant to me– nice voice, nice guy, nice look… I kinda want someone more edgy, but he’s undeniably a great vocalist and someone who brings his heart for Christ to the forefront when he performs.  Sidenote: Kirk Franklin is stooooopid for bringing out a box to stand on because Kalind is so much taller than him.

9.  Audrey Lewis – “He Looked Beyond My Faults”: I just think the world of this woman!  Another fave of mine.  She’s ministers on stage like a seasoned pro and I feel like she’s already a part of the fabric of the industry.  We’re gon’ put her right next to Dottie and ‘em.  Go’n and take your place, mother!  (And how much do we love the nickname, Mama Lew?!)

10.  Zebulon Ellis - “God Is Standing By”:  He’s a nice guy, with a nice voice and tons of energy, but I wasn’t as excited as the judges were.  I thought the song choice was kinda weird, and I just kinda couldn’t get with it.  I wanna hear him sing somethin’ else, though, cuz I think he’s got a good voice.

My predictions for the 5 that would proceed to the next round were: Clifton, Jessica, Latice, Kalind and Audrey.  HOW-SO-EVUH… the show pulled a fast one on us and decided that NO ONE was going home, EVERYONE was stickin’ around.

How sweet. 

Note to BET:  We’re not so fond of talent competitions that don’t really have… the COMPETITION part in there.  I felt like I watched one big concert, which you KNOW I don’t mind anyhow, but don’t prolong the inevitable… And the whole “everyone was just toooooo good for the judges to make a decision” thing…

I don’t wanna crush anyone’s dreams and, at the end of the day, it’s not a big deal at all– it just means more episodes for us.  But I’ll tell you WHAT… I’ma need 5 folks on a plane come next Sunday.

Having said all of that, MAJOR KUDOS to BET and the Sunday Best producers– y’all are doing a DYNAMITE job.  I’m really loving it!