You know it’s the place to be… it just is. Lol

Urban Soul Cafe returns to Stellar Awards weekend with its annual “Access Granted” event, featuring some of the greatest gospel artists in the game. It’s got three events over the course of the weekend!

During that time, Dorinda Clark Cole and the Rance Allen Group will be honored with Lifetime Achievement awards, while Kim Burrell is receiving an Artist of the Year award. Plus, you’ll get live appearances from just about every artist that comes to Nashville, including Marvin Sapp, Myron Butler, Canton Jones, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Shirley Murdock and more.

For a complete list of events, visit http://urbansoulcafe.com.

The nominees for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards were announced tonight during a live telecast on CBS.

In the gospel categories, the nominees are–

Best Gospel/CCM Performance
“Do Everything”
Steven Curtis Chapman
Track from: re:Creation
[Sparrow Records]

“Alive (Mary Magdalene)”
Natalie Grant
Track from: Music Inspired By The Story
[WOW Joint Venture/EMI CMG]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records]

“Jesus”
Le’Andria Johnson
Track from: The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson
[Music World Gospel]

“I Lift My Hands”
Chris Tomlin
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Best Gospel Song
“Hello Fear”
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: Hello Fear
[Verity Gospel Music Group/Fo Yo Soul Ent.; Publisher: Aunt Gertrude Music]

“Sitting With Me”
Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon, songwriters (Mary Mary)
Track from: Something Big
[Columbia Records; Publishers: Precious Baby Music/T Bella Music/EMI April Music, It's Tea Tyme, That's Plum Song]

“Spiritual”
Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Donald Lawrence & Co. Featuring Blanche McAllister-Dykes)
Track from: YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publisher: Quiet Water Entertainment]

“Trust Me”
Richard Smallwood, songwriter (Richard Smallwood & Vision)
Track from: Promises
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publishers: Universal-Z Tunes/T.Autumn Music]

“Window”
Canton Jones, songwriter (Canton Jones)
Track from: Dominionaire
[Cajo Records; Publisher: CAJO Music]

Best Gospel Album
The Love Album
Kim Burrell
[Shanachie Entertainment]

The Journey
Andraé Crouch
[Riverphlo Entertainment]

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin
[Verity Gospel Music Group/ Fo Yo Soul Ent.]

Something Big
Mary Mary
[Columbia Records]

Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
[Music World Gospel]

Best CCM Song
“Blessings”
Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story)
Track from: Blessings
[Fair Trade Services; Publishers: New Spring/Gleaning Publishing]

“Hold Me”
Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Jamie Grace Featuring Tobymac)
[Gotee Records; Publishers: Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Tunes, Songs of Third Base/Chriscendo Music, Meaux Mercy/Achtober Songs]

“I Lift My Hands”
Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords; Publishers: sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Vamos Publishing/Thankyou Music/spiritandsong.com Publishing]

“Strong Enough”
Matthew West, songwriter (Matthew West)
Track from: The Story Of Your Life
[Sparrow Records; Publishers: External Combustion Music/Songs For Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent Music]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing/Big Skwawka Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing/Windsor Hill Music]

Best CCM Album
Ghosts Upon The Earth
Gungor
[Brash Music]

Leaving Eden
Brandon Heath
[Reunion Records]

The Great Awakening
Leeland
[Essential Records]

What If We Were Real
Mandisa
[Sparrow Records]

Black & White
Royal Tailor
[Essential Records]

And If Our God Is For Us…
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

If you recall, NARAS significantly revamped the awards categories this year, chopping down 7 categories to 5, and crunching all of it into either “gospel” or “Christian contemporary music (CCM)”… it’s cleaner, though it may unfairly treat some very significant sub-genres (like Christian hip-hop).

*shrug*

A full list of nominees in all categories can be viewed here.

What do you think of the nominees???

And the nominees for the 27th Annual Stellar Awards are…

Artist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Kirk Franklin
Mary Mary
VaShawn Mitchell

Song of the Year
“Nobody Greater” | Darius Paulk
“Well Done” | Deitrick Haddon
“I Smile” | Kirk Franklin
“I Choose To Worship” | Wess Morgan
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Male Vocalist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
Smokie Norful
VaShawn Mitchell
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Female Vocalist of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Kim Burrell
Martha Munizzi
Yolanda Adams
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Rance Allen Group
Trin-i-tee 5:7

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

New Artist of the Year
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Preashea Hilliard
Todd Dulaney
Y’Anna

CD of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA – I Believe
Kirk Franklin – I Smile
Mary Mary – Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard
Shekinah Glory Ministry
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims & Israel Houghton for Love God. Love People.
Kirk Franklin for Hello Fear
VaShawn Mitchell, Daniel Weatherspoon & Rick Robinson for Triumphant
Warryn Campbell/Mary Mary for Something Big

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Trin-i-tee 5:7
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers

Contemporary Male of the Year
Deitrick Haddon
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
VaShawn Mitchell

Traditional Male of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson
John P Kee
Rance Allen
Smokie Norful

Contemporary Female of the Year
Kim Burrell
Preashea Hilliard
Y’Anna
Yolanda Adams
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Traditional Female of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Evelyn Turrentine-Agee
LaShun Pace
Twinkie Clark

Contemporary CD of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Kirk Franklin | Hello Fear
Mary Mary | Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Traditional CD of the Year
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living
Smokie Norful | How I Got Over…
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Urban Inspirational Performance of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | “Well Done”
Kirk Franklin | “I Smile”
Mary Mary | “Walking”
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater”

Music Video of the Year – Short Form
Martha Munizzi | “Excellent” (Martha Munizzi)
Christian Heuer | “Walking” (Mary Mary)
Canton Jones | “God” (Canton Jones)
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater” (VaShawn Mitchell)

Music Video of the Year – Long Form
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Jerry Parries | Bishop Morton Celebrates…
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living

Traditional Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard

Contemporary Choir of the Year
Lonnie Hunter & Structure
Shekinah Glory Ministry

[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year
Harold Rayford | I Am the Instrument
Moses Tyson Jr | Music Remastered & Sacred Organ
Todd Ledbetter | Meditations: Hymsn in the Key of Jazz
Winston Stewart | Season
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Special Event CD of the Year
Bishop Paul Morton | Still
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | My Songbook

Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Flame | Captured
Lecrae | Rehab
Lecrae | Rehab: The Overdose
Viktory | Birth of a Legacy
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Children’s Project of the Year
Teen Pure N Heart | Pure N Heart Live
Santiago & Claude Deuce | My Destiny Place – My Imagination
The Velasquez Singers | Ten
T-Rep The Young Prayzr | Let’s Go

Quartet of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Christina Jones for Dominionaire (Canton Jones)
Denise Trotman & Greg Gilligan for Hello Fear (Kirk Franklin)
Martha Munizzi for Make It Loud (Martha Munizzi)
Tanner Gary for Triumphant (VaShawn Mitchell)

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Earnest Pugh | Earnestly Yours
Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People.
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Spoken Word CD of the Year
Marco the Poet | Marco the Poet EP
Michael Diallo McLendon | The Diallo Experience
Selah | Look At You Loving Me
Trupoetry | Trupoetry

The following are the recipients of this year’s special awards:
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

John P. Kee will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award
Vy Higgensen will receive the Thomas Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award
Dorothy Norwood will receive the Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award

Radio Station of the Year Finalists:

Major Market (3M+)
WPZE 102.5 FM (Atlanta, GA)
WPRS 104.1 FM (Washington, DC)
KJLH 102.3 FM (Los Angeles, CA)
WGRB 1390 AM (Chicago, IL)
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]

Large Market (1-3M)
WHAL 95.7 FM/1460 AM (Memphis, TN)
WFMI 100.9 FM (VA-Norfolk-Newport, VA)
KCAO 600 AM (Baltimore, MD)
WMBM 1490 AM (Miami, FL)

Medium Market (500,000-1M)
WLOU 1350 AM (Louisville, KY)
WPRF 94.9 FM (New Orleans, LA)
WENO 760 AM (Nashville, TN)
[list courtesy of GospelPundit.com]
WPZK 102.5 (Little Rock, AR)

Small Market (under 500,000)
WDJL 1000 AM (Huntsville, AL)
WJNI 106.3 FM (Charleston, SC)
KOKA 980 AM (Shreveport, LA)
WIMG 1300 AM (Trenton, NJ)

The awards show takes place on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Nashville, TN. It will be hosted by Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole.

Pastor Kim Burrell is gearing up for her annual Ephesians 4 conference, which seeks to re-focus ministers toward a perfected life while empowering them for an effective ministry.

This year’s conference will take place from December 1-3, 2011 at Hope Christian Ministries in Richmond, VA.  The conference will also include a LIVE recording on Saturday, December 3rd (attendees must be registered).

Registration is $120 and can be secured at http://www.kimburrellministries.com.

No announcements have been made about guests or speakers just yet– stay tuned!

The Journey is the newest project from the legend himself, Andraé Crouch, and it hits stores on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. The 15-track album is produced and co-written by Luther “Mano” Hanes, who also worked on Crouch’s last album, Mighty Wind (2006).

The songwriting, familiar but fresh, is second to none. Listeners will enjoy the fact that, though Crouch explores and experiments with new sounds and instrumentation, he never veers too far from his wheelhouse– captivating melodies and refrains so beautiful that one is compelled to sing along.

This is clearly seen in the album opener, “Somebody Told Me About Jesus,” a classic Crouch-styled upbeat gospel tune, full of movement and led by the powerhouse vocals of none other than Táta Vega. It’s also apparent on “When I Think About You,” which is a personal favorite. Led by Markita Knight (you may have heard of her from West Angeles COGIC or through her work in the COGIC Music Department), this tune has a funk element laced over a very classic sound. But no matter how “current” these songs sound, they are as classic as ever because of the pen that wrote them.

The Journey also shines because of the perfectly paired guest vocalists throughout it. Whether Linda McCrary-Fisher on “Where Jesus Is,” or Kim Burrell and Take 6 on the dramatic and melodically winding “Faith,” Andraé Crouch has selected some of the music industry’s finest and featured them on musical masterpieces.

And he is, indeed, a master of musical styles. With The Journey, Crouch experiments with the ragtime-inspired “He Has A Plan For Me,” and the almost club-danceable “All Around the World,” featuring a soulful and in-her-lane Chaka Khan on lead vocals and Sheila E. dominating the percussion.

Other notable tracks include the smooth and jazzy ”Jesus Came Into My Life,” with Daniel Johnson (perhaps best known as a part of Israel Houghton’s New Breed) on lead vocals, the hymn-like ballad ”I Can,” with Andraé Crouch passionately delivering his lead, and the project’s current single, “Let the Church Say Amen,” featuring Marvin Winans.

I’m also a huge fan of ”There’s Nobody Like Jesus,” a jazzy groove looping a standard refrain, featuring LeAnne Palmore on lead vocals. It’s actually a segment of a larger live moment, but I’m thrilled to get the snippet that we get– it’s absolutely one of my favorite three minutes on the album.

The album ends with two versions of the captivating “The Promise,” an assurance that God will never leave us. Crouch leads one version and, as a special treat for listeners, he repeats the track again, swapping out his lead vocal for that of Marvin Winans.

I cannot quite express how much consumers will enjoy this album. I can admit that, as I sat and listened for the first time, tears welled up in my eyes. I thought to myself, “this is the man who God has used to shape the sound of gospel music as we know it today… and every tune he writes, even to this day, is laced with that same power and anointing.”

I’m happy to have The Journey in my collection because it takes me back to being the young kid who simply fell in love with great music, even before I could understand the beauty of its Gospel message. But I’m happier– perhaps even ecstatic– that Andraé Crouch can deliver for me, as an adult, music that will truly encourage and bless me on this journey with Christ. It’s really “the soundtrack of life” type of music. It is Andraé Crouch at his best.

Click here to listen to snippets and pre-order it now.

The annual New Jersey-based True Worship Retreat, hosted by Lance Williams, will take place this year from September 8-10, 2011 in East Orange, NJ (at New Vision Full Gospel Baptist Church).

The conference features teaching and singing from some of the industry’s finest, including Edwin Hawkins, Kim Burrell, Jason Nelson, Beverly Crawford, Bishop Noel Jones and more.

Registration for the weekend is $55. For more info, visit http://www.trueworship.org.

This week’s episode of Sunday Best on BET was titled “Give Our Regards to Broadway,” and the finalists were expected to sing show tunes to prove, as host Kirk Franklin said, that “Broadway can be done God’s way.” A bit of a stretch, but I’m up for a creative show concept!

Up first, though, Mary Mary opened with “Sitting With Me” from their latest album, Something Big. The song was an instant favorite among gospel fans, so I think it was a good choice. Plus, they’ve performed “Walking,” “Something Big,” and “Never Wave My Flag” on various nationally televised spots up to this point, but we hadn’t seen them do this one. Vocally, there were a few issues– just hoarse, I think– but Mary Mary delivers a performance full of energy and passion, every time. Loved seein’ them.

Then, we were on to the contestants…

Amber Bullock – “Summertime”
This performance was straightforward and tasteful. It wasn’t overdone or out of control– she owned it and demonstrated skill and precision. I enjoy watching her, but I don’t know whether I feel engaged every time. She’s a really great vocalist, but I hope we get to see her just lose herself a bit before it’s all said and done.

Michael Pugh – “Climb Every Mountain”
THIS rocked. Michael completely stepped into the role and showed that he is a real balladeer. Like one of the judges noted, I really thought he was going to get too churchy and go left, but he was cool and poised on this one. He also really brought me into the moment. Great job.

Andrea Helms – “Memories”
This was Andrea’s week, huh? Her quick vibrato and sing-songy tone, for which some have criticized her, found the perfect home in this show tune series. I still didn’t really hear what the judges were hearing– they felt like she fumbled through it and recovered at the end. I didn’t so much hear the recovery, but it definitely got more passionate, which is Andrea’s strong suit.

Aaaaand, because there were only three finalists, we got to hear another round of songs– this time, finalists’ choice…

Amber Bullock - ”If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side”
It was okay for me, but it definitely made me miss Mama Sue a little. I agreed with Erica– I wanted to see a bit more “let loose” from her. Not vocally, spiritually. She was polished in a way that is all Amber, but again– I wonder how she ministers when she’s overcome with the emotion behind her words.

Michael Pugh - ”Endow Me”
Again, just so-so on this one. Not because of the vocals, but because it didn’t really go where I wanted it to. It may just have been a not-so-great song choice. He sounded great, though. I love the song, generally, but it wasn’t particularly memorable this time around.

Andrea Helms - ”Encourage Yourself”
Good song choice because of how well it progresses and builds– it gives any singer the chance to showcase the breadth of their ability. I also like that she switched up her ad libs from attempting to recreate what Sheri Jones-Moffett did on this tune, and she definitely brought the show back to “church.” Vocally, I’m still not “there”– I feel like earlier contestants were sent home for better performances– but again, her passion does stand out.

After the finalists had their say, it was time for another guest artist to take the stage.  How glad was I to see vocal mentor Kim Burrell perform “Open Up The Door” from her new project, The Love Album?! I enjoy the track on the album, so I was excited to see how she worked it live. It had a slightly different vibe– a bit less structured, so a bit harder to follow (especially if you’ve never heard it)– but by the end, she delivered with a range that still surprises me and an ear that doesn’t miss a note on any scale.

Afterwards, the judges’ decision was revealed and Michael Pugh was sent home. The title of this year’s Sunday Best will go to one of the two finalists– either Amber Bullock or Andrea Helms.

Do I think they made the right decision?  No, not really. I think that, for this competition, for this market and industry, Michael Pugh is ready and would have been voted the winner by the public (no slight against Amber). I will never deny Andrea’s passion and sincerity for this. And, generally, it means more to me than vocal tricks and stuff.

But in this competition, I still feel like a degree of polish and precision is necessary as a foundation. That can’t be overlooked because of the emotions we feel. For a recording artist, I need for the recorded work to draw me in, even when I’m distracted and cleaning my house. Or when I’m having a conversation in the other room, I need to say “wait… hold on” because I can’t help but have my attention snatched away by the music I stepped away from.

In this season, I have only felt THAT way about Amber Bullock, Michael Pugh, Sue Roseberry, Monica Smith and Isaiah Freeman.

Having said ALL of that, though, I still believe that this machine– Sunday Best– is built, in part, to give opportunities and platforms to people who might not have otherwise been heard in this arena, whether that’s an Elder Goldwire McClendon or an Andrea Helms. And in that regard, it’s up to the buying public to vote and be heard.

Looking forward to the final showdown!

Last night’s episode of Sunday Best, titled “Stairway to Heaven,” was said to feature songs about Heaven. By the end of the finalist’s performances, I realized that the only real “Heaven” connection is that, at some point, the song had to mention it in the lyrics. Not the strongest theme, in my opinion, but we got some nice tunes out of it.

We also got some much longer performances this week– virtually full songs– due to the fewer number of finalists. We were down to 5 and, by the end, we landed at 3.

Before the finalists gave it their best shot, the show opened with DeWayne Woods singing his hit single, “Let Go,” along with special guest Dave Hollister. I didn’t exactly get the connection to Heaven on this one, but it was good to see DeWayne on the show. Though “Let Go” is from DeWayne’s first major solo project (released in 2006… totally underrated… click here to listen and buy to it), it’s probably his best-known single to date, so I’m glad he got on-screen time to put a face to the song with which many are familiar.

After that performance, we heard from the finalists. It went a little something like this…

Andrea Helms – “The Heavens Are Telling”
I have no doubt that Andrea loves God– it is MORE than evident in her performance– but I’m just not as into her vocal performances yet. Her sincerity is what shines each week. She has been consistently serious about this thing as ministry, and I do believe that’s what the judges are feeling in that studio each week. I don’t know if that means she should win the competition, but it’s definitely admirable and refreshing.

Sue Roseberry – “Heaven”
It is not easy to remake a Karen Clark Sheard tune, especially introducing your own ad libs. Mama Sue did a good job, but the song got away from her in a few places. I think the judges didn’t want to really knock her for it, but this week’s performance was definitely not where she has been before. Still, I appreciate her gift and her style– it’s always nice to see someone who can confidently step onto stage and give you their all.

Michael Pugh - “Special Gift”
This was, hands down, my favorite performance from Michael Pugh all season. His tone was killer, his range dynamic, and his approach (and execution) was virtually without flaw. This tune was right in his wheelhouse– allowed him to start by shining with a polished tone, then finish with his signature growls and exhortations (which I feel were a bit more well-controlled last night than usual). Great great great job.

Monica Smith – “Heaven Help Us All”
Great song selection on this one. Monica’s greatest struggle to date has been her own confidence. She hasn’t owned the stage yet, though she definitely could have! The result was an enjoyable performance (despite a bit of an odd ending), but no “wow” factor. If only she knew how great her tone and style was… she might have moved across the stage differently, looked up at the audience a bit more, engaged us and declared that she was ready. I hope we get to hear more from her.

Amber Bullock – “A City Called Heaven”
Amber’s performance was CLEARLY the performance that stole the show.  This was a great jazzy arrangement fit for her jazzy voice and styling. It was impeccable– not a note out of place or trick that she didn’t pull off well. This was on another level. I agree with Pastor Donnie– she “styled” the tune. Great work.

After the finalists, six-man a cappella group Committed performed “Soon I Will Be Done.” These guys are gifted and, despite the natural inclination to compare them to Take 6, I feel like there’s a different audience in the wings for them. Though they won NBC’s The Sing-Off, I enjoy seeing them on sacred stages as well as secular ones. The sound mix was a bit uneven to me, which can be disastrous for an a capella group, but I loved the arrangement.  Their debut album hits stores on August 30th.

In the end, Mama Sue and Monica Smith were sent home, leaving the top three finalists– Amber Bullock, Michael Pugh and Andrea Helms. If I had to call it, I’d say that Amber and Michael should be in the final two, and that Amber’s gonna take the title, though I wouldn’t count out the heart-thumping reach of Andrea’s performances.

By now, you should be able to tell me who you WANT to win this thing– who’s your pick???

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?

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.