Paul “PDA” Allen, part of the powerhouse production camp PAJAM, was recently named the Youth Pastor of Straight Gate International Church, where Bishop Andrew Merritt is pastor.

Last month, PDA and his wife, Keisha, hosted a huge youth conference in Detroit, in connection with the church’s youth ministry, G1 (God First). The event, intended to encourage and motivate youth for the upcoming school year, featured an array of artists (i.e., Lecrae, Kierra Sheard, James Fortune) and sponsors like McDonald’s and Radio One.

The Henry Ford Health System was on-hand to provide medical screenings and every student in attendance received school supplies and opportunities to speak with college recruiters.

I hear that “Minister P,” as PDA is affectionately referred to, has got more tricks up his sleeve to impact the youth. Let’s pray for him as he walks in this role, cool?

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???

As you probably know, Kierra Sheard returns to the marketplace with a new album, Free, on October 18th.

With production by her bro, JDS, and backed by the BRL Choir she formed several years back, the project promises to showcase her incredible vocals, along with great songs and high-energy delivery.

Her final album cover was recently made available, as well as the final track listing.  Check it out!

1. Intro
2. War (Free Album Version)
3. Mighty
4. You Are
5. Interlude
6. Desire
7. Free
8. Indescribable
9. People (feat. S.O.M.)
10. Victory (feat. James Fortune)
11. Back 2 Earth
12. Believers Evolved
13. Lane (feat. JDS)
14. Since I Found Christ (feat. Mali Music & JDS)

I’m looking forward to it!  How about you???

Kierra Sheard is back with her newest single– “You Are”– from her upcoming album, Free (in stores October 18)!

“You Are” is a high-energy praise & worship track with progressive instrumentation and production. In short: it’s reminiscent of your average Sunday morning praise ditty, but it goes much MUCH harder!

I’ve personally always been perfectly content with Kierra’s urban gospel style, but I can’t deny that she’s so gifted that she doesn’t– not even for a minute– seem out of place backed by her vibrant BRL Choir on this churchy tune.  Her vocal performance is strong and confident.

For your listening pleasure (and to entice you to call your local radio stations to request it NOW), I’ve added it to the Pundit Player on the toolbar below.

Take a listen and ENJOY!

Make sure you grab Kierra Sheard’s new single, “Mighty,” from her forthcoming album, Free.  The single is at iTunes NOW!

The full album will be available for pre-order at iTunes beginning June 28th.

McDonald’s will kick off its 5th annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel recording artist Hezekiah Walker. The tour is part of McDonald’s everyday commitment to celebrating the culture of the African-American community.

The tour will make stops at churches in 6 U.S. cities (Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta) and will play at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi, as well as, summer festivals in Newark, NJ, and Washington, DC.

Tour dates and locations include:
June 11 – Atlanta, GA (Ray of Hope Christian Church)
June 14 – Jackson, MS (Jackson Convention Complex)
June 16 – Philadelphia, PA (Deliverance Evangelistic Church)
June 18 – Newark, NJ (McDonald’s Gospelfest – Prudential Center) *not a free concert
June 21 – Detroit, MI (Greater Grace Temple)
June 23 – Chicago, IL (Christ Universal Temple)
June 25 – Dallas, TX (Friendship West Baptist Church)
July 22 – Los Angeles, CA (West Angeles COGIC)
September 10 – Washington, DC (Black Family Reunion Celebration – National Mall)

The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour concerts are FREE (except for the McDonald’s Gospelfest event in Newark, NJ), and tickets are available, while supplies last, at the host church and select local retailers.

“Gospel music gives inspiration to people and McDonald’s is known for giving to communities around the world,” said Hezekiah Walker. “I am honored to headline a tour of this nature and be able to share my music with audiences across the country to uplift and inspire them.”

Bishop Walker will be joined by all-star gospel artists 21:03 in Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago; Canton Jones in Atlanta and Jackson, MS; Myron Butler and Anthony Evans in Dallas; and Nikki Potts in Los Angeles.

“McDonald’s is really excited to share in culture and community in a way that really connects with our consumers in a meaningful way,” expressed Rob Jackson, McDonald’s Director U.S. Marketing.  “During the community events, attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities® and the incredible work they do to help families right in the local community.”

In previous years, the tour featured top gospel artists such as CeCe Winans, Regina Belle, Smokie Norful, J. Moss, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Kierra “KiKi” Sheard.

For more info about the tour, visit www.365Black.com, McDonald’s portal for its 365Black® programs, celebrating the African American community throughout the year.

Who’s attending???

If you’re half the Kierra Sheard fan that I am, you’ve probably already got these songs… but in case you don’t, this is a must-have compilation from EMI Gospel– My Kierra Sheard Playlist.

Here’s the track listing for you–

01. Teach Me
02. Snap
03. No, Never
04. This Is Me
05. You Don’t Know (Godson Rock Joint)
06. Church Nite
07. Hear This
08. Nearer My God To Thee
09. One
10. If It Had Not Been
11. Love Like Crazy
12. You Don’t Know

Kierra just finished her live recording in Chicago this past Monday, but before that project hits stores, you’re probably gonna wanna check this one out!  Pre-order by clicking right here.

Word has it that Kierra Sheard will be having a live recording at the end of this month, featuring her BRL Choir, on Monday, February 28, 2011 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago, IL.  The recording is for her upcoming project, titled Free, which is set to be released on Karew Records, the recently formed label of parents Karen Clark Sheard and Bishop J Drew Sheard.

BRL, which stands for Bold Right Life, is the youth initiative she began years ago, through which she’s hosted conferences, concerts and skating parties.  Tapped to produce the project is none other than Kierra’s brother, rising producer J Drew Sheard II (“JDS“) who’s already earned a more than impressive list of production credits.

Admission to the recording is free, but for $35, you can grab the VIP Experience Package, which guarantees preferred seating, a meet & greet with Kierra, and a pre-order of the recorded album.  To purchase the VIP package, contact Juan Kirkman at (312) 545-4775 or info@juanandonlyevents.com.

Make sure you guys tune-in to gmc tomorrow evening (Saturday) for the television premiere of Blessed & Cursed at 7pm ET, then again at 9pm and 11pm ET.

The film stars Deitrick Haddon and features Sheryl Lee Ralph, Karen Clark Sheard, Jor’ el Quinn, Rance Allen, Kierra Sheard and many more.

Who’s tuning in???

So, by now, most of you have gotten the opportunity to grab Better Days, the latest project from Jonathan Nelson.

I know I can’t get enough of the band hits on “Cry Holy,” the incomparable vocals of Jason Nelson on “Another Way,” or the GRAMMY-worthy vocal performance from Kierra Sheard on “Performance” (it’s MAJOR to me).

But what about you?  You lovin’ it?  Just likin’ it a little?  Do you prefer this project to his Integrity debut, Right Now Praise?

What’s the word on Jonathan Nelson’s project???