Associate Editor Troy Lilly recaps the finale of this year’s Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound nationwide choir competition, held in Washington, DC this past Saturday, November 13th…

Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound 2010 came to a dramatic close in Washington, D.C. over the weekend, with my favorite co-hosts Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans. And don’t misconstrue my use of the word dramatic… I’m just talking pure, theatrical drama and performance.

I’d like to dedicate a new word – choir-ography – to this year’s finalists because I don’t know if I’ve seen that much “organized” movement by a choir on stage before. But lest we forget, regardless of how much jumping and swaying is going on, the vocals still have to be tight.

That’s where this year’s judges, Marvin Sapp, the beautiful Karen Clark-Sheard and part-time comedian Fred Hammond, came in. They had the unenviable task of picking a winner from the talented pack of singers. If you were there, you’ll remember that Karen was quite “appreciative” for each choir! (inside joke)

But on to the winners…

Out of more than a dozen choirs from 14 cities across the nation, Voices of Destiny from Greater Zion Church Family from the Los Angeles region was the National Overall winner of $40,000 in cash and prizes and the title of Best Church Choir in America. Not to mention, as the winning choir, Voices of Destiny will perform at the 26th annual Stellar Awards and travel to sing during the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in 2011.

The Compton-based chorale roused the sold-out crowd in D.C. with a dynamic reinterpretation of Byron Cage’s “The Presence of the Lord is Here.” If you hadn’t heard the song before (shame on you) you probably wouldn’t have recognized it that night.

Showing impressive musical acumen, the choir led us through a series of movements that included major, minor and diminished inversions under the guidance of their director – who also happens to be the pastor! Their set wrapped with a breakout file-and-shuffle dance number (think season 5 opening of the Cosby Show). They even synchronized a dramatic “fall”. Yes, they laid out on the stage. It was very West Side Story and “grand,” as one might say. Nice job Compton. I’m sure they made the choir director Ricky Dillard, who was in the audience that night, more than proud.

Second place honors went to the Greater First Church “GFC” Chorale out of the Chicago region. They walked away with a not -to -shabby $15,000 prize. Secretly, GFC Chorale was my favorite to take the top prize, and although they didn’t, I was still pleased that they were recognized.  GFC Chorale gave us a lesson in musical genres over the last century as they performed the traditional hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” What began as opera, turned into Negro spiritual, and then to jazz, ragtime, salsa and contemporary gospel before concluding in a full-out praise break. In a word, their rendition was accomplished. I mean these folks really know music, period.

My good friends over at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church didn’t leave empty handed either. The Greater Mt. Calvary Men of Valor nabbed the V CAST People’s Choice Award which was good for a $5,000 prize and plenty of hometown pride for the large DC-area showing in the audience.

As if the 14 choirs weren’t enough, Marvin, Karen and Fred each performed songs from their most recent albums. I don’t think it hurts to say yet again, either, that my adopted auntie Karen looked absolutely amazing, even if she got stuck using the word appreciate during judging.

It was truly an evening of great music. And for me, it was also full of great conversation. I was fortunate enough to be seated next to Brandon Frazier, the hilarious director of West Atlanta Pentecostal Choir, last year’s winner of How Sweet the Sound. From what he told me, in between making me laugh unstoppably, ensures that Voices of Destiny is in for the ride of their lives.

Congratulations again to all the choirs, and I can’t wait to see Voices of Destiny at the Stellars and the Super Bowl next year. Speaking of the Super Bowl, who’s buying my ticket??? Just joking.

Did anyone else attend the finale???

I got the chance to attend the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, featuring J Moss and Regina Belle, in Chicago this past weekend.  Three words– I’m lovin’ it.

The concert was great.  It opened with a MAJOR high-energy performance from J Moss.  Backed by some great vocalists from Detroit, including the fellas of gospel group 21:03, J Moss commanded the audience’s attention as he opened with a medley of “Psalm 150,” ”I Wanna Be” and “Could’ve Been Me.”

J slowed things down a bit with “Holy One,” before launching into his first single, “Restored.”  By the time he got to his latest single, “Rebuild,” the entire vibe of the concert had made a decided shift from party to worship service.  To see God’s power move through “Rebuild,” taking root in the lives of folks I’ve never met, was incredible.  With hands raised and faces full of tears, the audience worshipped God for his rebuilding power.  J’s set ended well with a rousing chorus of “Praise On The Inside.”

Up next was Regina Belle, who launched into her set with the hand-clapping, foot-stomping oh-so-churchy ”Can’t Nobody” from her debut gospel album, Love Forever Shines.  She then moved to the classic Walter Hawkins’ cut, “Thank You,” before leading us in her rendition of Chris Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God.”

Her set continued, and included her classic “If I Could,” which she sang to children as video footage from her recent trip to a Ronald McDonald House played in the background.  She finished her set with her hit single, “God Is Good” and I MEAN we sang along with her. LOL

The tour will be stopping in 6 more cities– Newark, NJ; Oakland, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Memphis, TN; Atlanta, GA; and Washington, DC.  Click here for more details!

Special shout-out to McDonald’s for the invite and to Alexea Davis of Burrell Communications who took extra special care of me and my wife while we were there!

Before the show, I chatted with both J and Regina, so I’ll be sharing what they had to say over the next couple of days, too.  Stick around! 

In the meantime, a couple of stage shots from the concert:

Anyone attended the tour yet?  Anyone planning to attend when it comes to your area?  Talk to me!

Headed to Chicago today, fam– McDonald’s has invited me to check out their annual Gospel Fest.  It’ll feature performances from J Moss, Regina Belle and more…

I’ll give you guys a full recap when I get back.  In the meantime, I’ve got some grrrreeeat stuff coming up.  Stay tuned.

The 41st annual Dove Awards were taped last night in Nashville, TN at the Grand Ole Opry House.  The show, hosted by Natalie Grant and Bart Millard (of MercyMe), featured a who’s-who of artists and execs in Christian music, along with great collaborative performances.

Among the winners in gospel categories were Fred Hammond (Contemporary Gospel Album – Love Unstoppable), Smokie Norful (Traditional Gospel Recorded Song – “Justified”), and Israel Houghton(Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song – “The Power Of One”).  There was also a tie between BeBe & CeCe Winans (“Grace”) and Israel Houghton (“I Just Wanna Say”) in the Urban Recorded Song category. 

The night was great, featuring key performances by Donald Lawrence & Jason Crabb (in a special tribute to Andraé Crouch), Natalie Grant & Jordin Sparks, TobyMac, BeBe & CeCe Winans, MercyMe, Francesca Battistelli and more.  As I mentioned yesterday, I was backstage for much of the preparation and the taping, itself, so I missed seeing a lot of the performances (I could hear ‘em though, and I loved it!).

I’ve also gotta say that I loved the vibe of the show.  Everyone seemed like one big family and I didn’t see too many of those “gotta-hold-it-together-for-the-camera, but-I’m-really-mad-that-I-didn’t-win” faces.

All in all, the evening was great fun.  Backstage, I got a chance to speak with Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence & The Co., Wess Morgan, Brian Courtney Wilson, Calvin Nowell, B. Reith, Mandisa, Melinda Doolittle, TobyMac, Casting Crowns, Tony LeBron, Britt Nicole… I KNOW I’m forgetting folks. Sorrrrry…

If you don’t know who some of the above-noted folks are, tell me so I can feature them for you QUICKLY.  And I think I’m gonna write an editorial soon, cuz I’ve got something else to say… stay tuned.

For a full list of winners, head over to gmc’s official website.

The show will air this Sunday, April 25th, at 8pm ET/7 CST exclusively on gmc.

Watchin’???

Hey fam– I’m going to the 41st Annual Dove Awards tonight, so I’ll try to recap some of it for you here tomorow or Friday.

I’ve already been to some of the rehearsals and it’s gonna be a GREAT show.  Donald Lawrence is performing with Jason Crabb (awesome), Natalie Grant is performing with Jordin Sparks (incredible), BeBe & CeCe Winans (you already KNOW)… and there will be many more great performances.

I’ll fill you guys in later… gotta run!

One of the most highly publicized events of the Stellar Awards weekend was the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party, the celebratory event hosted by Gerard Bonner for… well, the entire industry.  The party did not disappoint… it was a virtual who’s-who of folks in the industry and just about everyone rolled through at some point to show their love.

In case you don’t know by now, Bonnerfide Radio is a new internet radio station created and hosted by Gerard Bonner (also of GospelFlava.com).  Within months, the interactive radio show/chat room experience was nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station Of The Year, and garnered the support of MAJOR gospel artists, including Fred Hammond, J Moss, John P. Kee, Sheri Jones-Moffett and countless others.

The night, hosted by popular journalist and personality Jawn Murray, boasted performances and appearances from new and established artists including PJ Morton, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, George Huff, Melinda Watts, Myron Butler, Candy & Peaches West, Algernon, Tre Thomas, Claude Deuce, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Rae Ellis, CMO, Dominique Side, JJ Hairston, Darnell Davis & Remnant, Lisa Page Brooks… I have to stop there cuz I’m losing myself in the evening again.

But just imagine a relaxed (though packed to the RAFTERS) lounge setting at Nashville’s popular venue, Limelight, featuring food and drink, enhanced by ministry/entertainment from some of the most creative and skilled vocalists in our game.  That’s where I was on Friday night!

Wanna make sure I mention this testimony, too– immediately after THIS event, Gerard Bonner was involved in an automobile accident in which his car was totaled.  From what I understand, he was hit by another car, which sent his car head-on into a truck… an 18-wheeler.  Praise God, Gerard and the passengers with him, walked away with only minor bruises– no internal bleeding or complications whatsoever.  When I spoke with him a few hours later, he was resting up to make sure he had enough energy for the rest of the Stellar weekend!

Now, I’m not big on blaming everything on the devil… I think, sometimes, folks just have auto accidents.  But if you were blessed to watch how God has been dropping miracles for Gerard left and right over the past several months, and if you had seen how that evening was a confirmation of so many of Gerard’s dreams and ambitions (based on his calling), and if you had seen the wreckage and how the accident REALLY could’ve turned out another way… you’d probably be rejoicing that the hand of God remains more powerful than any attempt of the enemy, that His plans can never be ruined, that He’s a God of mercy, grace and love… I’m not thrilled about the accident, but I am thrilled that God is consistent in showing His children “I’m here for you… I’ve got plans for you… I’ve got you– physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually…”  Let’s rest in that.

Anyway… it was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime type of deal, cuz how many launch parties can be thrown?!  But maybe, if we’re nice to him, Gerard Bonner will throw the industry another shindig next year…

In the meantime, you can check out his live radio show EVERY weekday morning, from 9am to 12noon ET, at http://www.getbonnerfide.com/.  You’ll immediately see what everyone is raving about…

Immediately following the taping of the 25th Annual Stellar Awards, social networking sites were flooded with praises, lauding THIS show as the best Stellar Awards EVER.  And I agree.

I’ve attended numerous times and I’ve watched the show since I was kid growing up in Chicago– the performances on this show were innovative and you’ll be hard-pressed to find more memorable and captivating performances right now.

!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!

During the taping, I sent tweets via Twitter about who was on stage, but intentionally left off the songs that were being performed.  Here, I’m recapping the ENTIRE taping, so if you wanna leave anything to your imagination, don’t read any further.

If you wanna know the juicy details, do proceed…

As you probably know, the show was hosted by Donnie McClurkin, Vickie Winans and Kirk Franklin.  They did a great job, especially Vickie, who served as comic relief for much of the night.  There was no hype man between set changes this year, so we could’ve gotten really restless but for Vickie’s jokes about herself.

For the first time, the Stellar Awards featured a live house band, which was led by producer Percy Bady.  This made a WORLD of difference because the sound was tighter than ever, the performances came to life, and we weren’t bound by the restrictions of each artist’s performance track.  EXCELLENT decision.

If you follow my tweets, you know that I said that the theme for this year’s show would be COLLABORATIONS.  Almost all of the performances on the show are medleys between artists that have made significant contributions to gospel music over the past 25 years.  The others were performances from artists that left a great impression on the industry in the past year.

The show opened with a collabo between Ricky Dillard & New G and Hezekiah Walker & LFC.  If you love choirs, you’ll get a glimpse of Heaven within the first coupla minutes of the program!

Ricky Dillard & New G performed “Search Me” before transitioning into the classic vamp of “More Abundantly”… you know, the part where the sopranos, altos and tenors break down into parts, singing “JOYYYYY!”  During this time, the Love Fellowship Choir had joined them on stage, just in time for Bishop Hezekiah Walker to lead them in their hits “I Need You To Survive” and “Souled Out.”  It was electrifying.

The next performances came from the legendary Vanessa Bell Armstrong, performing her hit single “Good News.”  She looked incredible and sounded even better.

In a traditional female vocalist collaboration, we were super blessed to witness Lady Tramaine Hawkins sing “Changed” (it doesn’t matter how many years have passed– her voice DOES NOT CHANGE) before Dottie Peoples came on stage to sing “On Time God” like you wouldn’t believe.  As if that wasn’t enough, Pastor Shirley Caesar came to the stage to tell us about ol’ Shoutin’ John in “Hold My Mule”  Y’all remember that song?!  It was a classic performance.

The next collabo came from Richard Smallwood and Smokie Norful.  This was absolutely one of the best performances.  Fortunately, I had seen it during some rehearsals, because I could’ve missed the whole thing.  An usher at the Grand Ole Opry House used this time to SCREAM in my area, talkin’ about “are there any SEAT FILLERS over here?!”  Fortunately, my wife told her to “shhhhh!!!” and we still caught some of it.  Don’t mess with Janice Gaines, y’hear?

Picture it– Smallwood and Norful, both in tuxedos (with tails), each at a black grand piano, tickling the ivories like nobody’s business.  Richard Smallwood started by playing Smokie’s “I Need You Now,” then Smokie followed by playing Richard’s “Center Of My Joy.”  Smokie then played and sang “Dear God” (from his latest project) and Richard Smallwood capped the performance off with his classic anthem, “Total Praise.”

New Artist Of The Year Crystal Aikin came to the stage next with her hit single “I Desire More,” and left the entire room desiring more… I could’ve heard her on that vamp all day.  Her voice soars, effortlessly, and she’s got such control and sincerity… a true treasure.

Another stand-out performance came from our favorite bro & sis– BeBe & CeCe Winans, singing their latest single “Grace.”  They looked like a million bucks and they sounded like they never took a 15-year break.  They’re just pros who don’t miss a beat.

Up next was another classic performance– Kirk Franklin performed with his singers– new and old– a medley of his greatest hits, including “Silver & Gold,” “Why We Sing,” and a bunch of others I’m forgetting.  The best part of the performance was probably when Tamela Mann and Dalon Collins joined them to sing “Now Behold The Lamb.”  That auditorium went UP and IN.  CLASSIC!

Up next was the popular single “I Trust You” from James Fortune & FIYA.  They gave a great performance and reminded everyone why he had such great success at radio– it’s a singable anthem that encourages souls… great stuff.

The next performance is one that you’d BETTER watch for on the broadcast.  Don’t take bathroom breaks even remotely close to this segment.  I’m talking about the all-male vocalist collaboration between Donnie McClurkin, Byron Cage and Marvin Sapp.  There are hardly words to describe it.  The song list was great–  ”Never Would Have Made It,” “The Presence Of The Lord Is Here,” “Faithful To Believe,” “Marvelous” (by Walter Hawkins), and “Stand.”

Each of the three guys took turns singing on “Never Would Have Made It” and “Stand.”  By the end of their set, the ENTIRE room was on its feet worshipping.  They came back in on “Stand” and the taping had to take a break.  I’ve NEVER heard Byron Cage sing the way he did, Donnie’s range was limitless and powerful (as always) and Marvin Sapp was simply incredible.

At this point, Kirk came out and shared some of what’s been on his heart.  One thing that stood out was a quick phrase he gave– “IN ADVANCE.”  He shared that, as we sleep, as we doubt, while we’re not knowing what is going to happen, GOD has thoughtfully already worked everything out for us, in advance.  Our response to THAT should be that we praise Him, in advance.  It was a very powerful moment– I know I’m not typing it well enough to convey that, but… you’re gonna have to trust me.

The fire was kept burning by the next performance, which came from Israel Houghton and Mary Mary.  Israel performed via satellite from London, while Erica & Tina Campbell looked and sounded great on stage as they sang the Grammy-nominated “Every Prayer.”  I loved the concept of it and the execution.  Great job.

The finale of the show came sooner than I had prepared for– I guess I wanted to go until midnight or something– but when it came, it was great.

Donald Lawrence & The Co. (and you guys KNOW I love me some Co.!) sang “Back II Eden” with the Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir, winners of How Sweet The Sound (HSTS), behind them.  It was a great concept to include the choir because HSTS was such a great and popular part of the gospel industry this year.  And when Floyd Wilkinson came up to do his vamp… I’m sayin’… I could listen to that vamp 10 times in a row and never got tired of it.

What I think you WON’T see on camera is Vickie Winans clownin’… she won Female Vocalist Of The Year and the award was presented by Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood and Albertina Walker.  When she won, she was so overwhelmed and blown away that she went to the podium and said to Albertina (who sat with an oxygen tank next to her), “girl, gimme some of this [oxygen].”  I NEED them to not edit that out! LOL

Also, you probably won’t see Tina Campbell with her gorgeous new lil’ baby, TJ.  She walked to her seat with him at one point, and the whole audience awww’ed and oooo’ed cuz it was just priceless.

Even without those moments, you’re gonna get all the rest… and that’ll be one of the best set of televised gospel performances you’ve ever witnessed.

I commend Don Jackson, Central City Productions, Barbara Wilson, and the entire Stellar Awards production crew for an incredible show– definitely my favorite over the past decade, and probably EVER.  Elegant, professional, classic… it was more than just a celebration of 25 years of the Stellars… it was a celebration of gospel music.  Perfect!

Soooooooooooo… sound good to anyone else?  Anyone attend and wanna chime in?  Did I miss anything???

Aside from the actual taping of the Stellar Awards, folks eagerly anticipate the BMI Trailblazers Awards each year.   In fact, people often say that the BMI event features greater and more memorable performances than the Stellar Awards taping, though, this year… that MIGHT not be the case… I’m gonna call it a TIE!

In any case, BMI annually honors folks in gospel who’ve made significant contributions to the genre.  This year, Donnie McClurkin and Andraé Crouch were honored.  The celebration consists of a great lunch and some incredible tribute performances.  It went a lil’ something like this…

Before the honoring went down, Dorinda Clark-Cole came to the stage to perform her hit single “Take It Back,” which received a BMI Song Of The Year award (songwriter, Derrick Starks).  You already know that Dorinda brings it like none other and I was on my feet before I could even finish my salad.

Following that, we got a surprise performance from Jessica Reedy, who sang “God Has Smiled On Me” like a seasoned professional.  She really holds her own in this game and it’s great to see how welcoming the industry is of her.

The vocal production for the afternoon came from the incomparable Donald Lawrence and DeWayne Woods.  In the background– Tobi Darks, Dawn Jordan, San Franklin, Latrice Pace, Blanche McAllister and Anita Wilson.  YES!  The band– Joe Wilson on keys, Stanley Brown on organ, Kevin Stancil on bass, Jonathan DuBose on guitar, Marvin McQuitty on drums and Lloyd Barry on horns.  GOOD LORD!

The formal program began with the tribute performances to Donnie McClurkin, hosted by Byron Cage.  The background vocalists did a snippet of “That’s What I Believe” before Latice Crawford came to deliver her rendition of “I Call You Faithful.”  After that, Micah Stampley sang his heart out on “Speak To My Heart.”  McClurkin’s best friend and pastor, Marvin Winans, set the room ablaze with his performance of “Stand” (for which he also brought up BeBe Winans) before Yolanda Adams came to the stage to perform “We Fall Down.”

The McClurkin tribute performances were great, but I wish they had done some more songs for him– they could’ve dug a little deeper into the New York Restoration Choir days, pulled some more tracks from the Live In London album, or even focused a little more on songs that he’s written for other artists (like, “This Is The Gospel Of Jesus Christ” for Hezekiah Walker or “It Is To You” by Byron Cage).  Still, awesome job and I’m glad he was honored for his great contributions to the game.

After McClurkin accepted his award, it was on to the Andraé Crouch tribute, which was hosted by Yolanda Adams.  First, Donald Lawrence led the singers in a mindblowing medley of classic Crouch tunes including “Right Now” (led by Blanche McAllister), “Quiet Time,” “Soon And Very Soon”… it was just incredible.

Up next was the one and only Táta Vega, a longtime friend of, and singer with, Andraé Crouch.  She did an intro of “Speak Lord,” (which she recorded for The Color Purple decades ago) before transitioning into a soul-stirring performance of “Oh It Is Jesus.”  It was at THAT moment that the atmosphere of the entire room shifted from tribute to worship, and the event wasn’t the same again.

After that, Yolanda Adams couldn’t even regain her composure to introduce the next performance– BeBe & CeCe Winans singing “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.”  They just came on stage and took us to new heights, followed by Mary Mary’s staggering performance of “We Are Not Ashamed.”

Finally, Marvin Winans returned to the stage and shared some great stories about how instrumental Crouch was to the career of The Winans, even down to changing their stage name from “The Testimonial Singers” to simply, “The Winans” (thank God!).  He wrapped his segment with a performance of “Jesus Is Lord,” for which he simply had to call the legendary Karen Clark Sheard to the stage!

Andraé Crouch accepted his award and shared how he had been recently diagnosed with diabetes.  His doctors wanted to amputate his toe after discovering a large hole in it, but he shared that he had been miraculously healed!  He asks for continued prayer from the industry… great speech.

Finally, Marvin Winans led an impromptu segment of EVERYONE singing some classic Crouch songs that weren’t even on the program.  He called up Shirley Caesar, J Moss, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin… there are no words!

That’s that, essentially.  Dunno how much of it will make the edited televised program, but look for it on February 21st on Gospel Music Channel.  I’ll remind you as the time comes closer!

Soooo… whatd’ya think?!

Okay, good news and bad news…

The bad news is that there won’t be any new posts on the site today.  The good news is that you can follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute tidbits and recaps of EVERYTHING I do during Stellar Weekend… and that’s gonna be quite a bit.

My wife and I already hit up two events and saw a bunch of folks last night.  Today, there’s the BMI Trailblazers luncheon, the Nominee luncheon, an advance listening suite for Lowell Pye, the Stellar Awards Pre-Show, the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party… geeeez!

Then Saturday, there’s a Stellar Award Radio Station luncheon, the Notes On The Red fashion show, the Stellar Awards Red Carpet, the Stellar Awards taping, a Stellar Awards Post-Party and an afterparty hosted by Urban Soul Cafe.

I know I’m leaving stuff out cuz I can barely remember it all– suffice it to say, you don’t wanna miss a minute of it.  You’ll feel like you’re here in Nashville! LOL

See you on Twitter!

I’m at the press conference for the 25th Annual Stellar Awards, where the official nominees are being announced. The event is scheduled to run from 10:30am to 12pm CST, and will feature appearances by Dr. Bobby Jones and Vickie Winans, as well as a performance by the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

Watch my Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute nomination results!!!

Feel free to comment on these results as you see fit!

[Editor's Note: Now that the press conference is over, I've uploaded a full list of nominees... check it out here: http://gospelpundit.com/2009/10/29/in-the-news-stellar-awards-nominees-announced/]