I chatted with Dontavies Boatwright.

You may be thinking “but, EJ… Sunday Best is over… let it go.”  To that, I say “hush up” and “so what?!”

The PEOPLE we met on the show still exist and their ministries are still going, if not more so.  Last year, folks saw a bunch of talented contestants, but where are they now?

SO, I’m committed to making sure that we at least follow-up with a handful of the people… and Dontavies Boatwright is a GREAT guy with whom to kick things off!  Lots of us loved his soaring baritone and thought he was eliminated too soon.  I definitely wanna see more from him… and I think we will.

In this interview, Dontavies dispels LOTS of rumors about the show, as well as gives us the real deal about how production went down (cuz y’all are STILL mad about “how BET did us”).  And we’ll hear what he’s up to now and how we can keep up with him in the future.

Are ya ready???  Here’s my chat with Dontavies Boatwright…

*     *     *

EJ:  What’s up, man?

DB:  I’m good, guy.  How are you?

EJ:  I’m good.  Thank you for chatting with me.

DB:  Absolutely.  My pleasure!

EJ:  Why don’t we start by talking about your experience on Sunday Best.  What was it like for you?

DB:  It was unbelievable.  To be there with all the contestants and the artists… I mean, I’ve got their CDs in my car, and to be standing there face-to-face with them was amazing.

EJ:  Sounds like a great experience!  Do you feel like the show always “fair”?  Even if you hoped for a different outcome for yourself, do you feel like there were some aspects of the show that kinda weren’t fair or was it pretty even?

DB:  I think it was pretty even.

EJ:  Good.  You were eliminated how many contestants in?

DB:  I made it to the top 5.

EJ:  And what did you feel like that night, when you were eliminated?

DB:  *laughs* Honestly, my first thought was “this is not happening.”

EJ:  *laughing*

DB:  I mean, I’m gonna be honest.  I’m not gonna sugarcoat it.  I was like “what happened?!  This cannot be happening.  I’m not supposed to go home.”

I can’t say that someone should’ve gone home over me, but I was just reviewing it in my mind… it was so quick.  When they called my name and said we were going home, I immediately began to play back my song in my head, like “what did I do wrong?”

EJ:  Right.

DB:  But at the end of the day, it was a competition and the judges had a job to do.  So I guess reviewing things, it was just my time.  I’m grateful to have made it that far, though, to the top 5.

EJ:  Absolutely.  And congratulations, because it wasn’t easy.  Watching the auditions, there were some phenomenal vocalists who weren’t even put through, so I was like “I dunno what it TAKES!”

DB: Right!

EJ:  When you watched back, week by week, is what America saw really what happened in Atlanta?  Are there things you wish they had shown that they edited out of the final tape?

DB:  I do wish that they had shown the shout-out that I gave to my hometown, which is Fort Pierce, Florida.  When I said, initially, who I was and where I was from, I said I was from Fort Pierce, Florida, now living in Jacksonville, and they only gave the shout-out to Jacksonville.  And I wish they had kept that in because my hometown has supported me.

EJ:  Sure.

DB:  But that was it.  I mean, mostly, what you see is really what happened.  There were some things that were edited in production, but it was what it was.

EJ:  Good deal.  Now, folks were HIGHLY disappointed with several aspects of the show and I want to get your reaction to some of those criticisms.

It all boils down to expectations, in my mind.  Viewers EXPECTED Sunday Best to run like a gospel American Idol.

DB:  Right.

EJ:  But the reality is that it costs A LOT of money to produce a show like Idol.  So, television magic is used to cuts some costs and a lot of the viewers felt like they didn’t get what they expected.

Talk to me about the taping schedule.  The show was taped over the course of a week or so?

DB:  Actually, it was two weeks.  One thing I do wish is that we had longer so that our voices had time to rest.  But with the time, and because of the budgeting, I think the show was presented in the best light possible considering those things.

The schedule was tight.  8:00 or 9:00 in the morning call times… there all day.

EJ:  You were there all day?

DB:  All day.  30 or 40 minutes between shows…

EJ:  Wow.  Taped two shows a day?

DB:  Yes.  Most of the time, it was two shows a day.  I think, as it got down to the last ones, there was one show a day.  But the schedule was still tight.  And if we weren’t taping, we were in rehearsal.

EJ:  So, what was that like for the contestants?  You were there for two weeks, but the contestants who were “sent home,” actually just sat in the audience and watched?

DB:  The second group of 10 did.  The first group, if I remember correctly, they were there for the second group’s first show, then went home.

I know it looked like, week-to-week, I stayed there, but my elimination show and the show when Zebulon came back, those were taped the same day.

EJ:  And the second group of 10, those who were eliminated stayed until the end?

DB:  Pretty much everyone stayed ’til the end…

EJ:  And what was the dynamic like for those contestants in the audience, knowing that your friends were continuing on and you were just there… chillin’?

DB:  From the audience, it was like “I’m supposed to be UP THERE! What happened?!”  And again, for me, this was the same day.  I got eliminated, went backstage and did an interview, switched clothes, and came to sit in the audience.

So, it wasn’t like I had time to think.  My mindset was still the same.  I was like “I’m supposed to be up there, I have my song, I know what I’m supposed to be singing, I’ve got my wardrobe picked out…”

EJ:  Oh man… that’s rough!

DB:  But again, I wouldn’t let that overshadow my rooting for my fellow contestants because we were like a family.  I know you’ve heard this a million times, but it really was true.

EJ:  Sure.

DB:  I mean, we bonded.  We were helping each other with song arrangements.  And I’ve done many vocal competitions, but I’ve never seen that.

EJ:  Yeah, and that definitely comes across as authentic.  I’ve heard it, like you said, from a bunch of y’all by now– Jessica, Camille, Y’Anna, Latice… everyone has said “we are family.”  And they meant it.

DB:  Right.  We talk on the phone on a regular basis, we text… I did a radio show on Sunday and the top 6 called in to say “wassup.”

EJ:  Very nice.  That’s a great take-away.  Talk to me about the finale, cuz people had an issue with THAT being pre-taped, too.

Everyone talked about the lack of emotion on the faces of Y’Anna and Jessica.  I say, it’s just hard to script that type of stuff and I don’t fault them for it.  What are your thoughts on how it turned out?

DB:  I didn’t see it as a problem considering the schedule.  There were two endings that were taped and two takes of BOTH endings.  So, getting up there, doing the commercial with the ladies, hair and make-up… it was a lot.

I would’ve liked for there to have been some rest.  If there had been some rest time, they could’ve maybe cried or staged some emotion.  But I think we’re lucky to get what we got from them.

EJ:  Wow.

DB:  Yeah, I mean… a really really tight schedule.

EJ:  Okay, dispel some myths for me– did the judges already have a favorite among you all?

DB:  If they did, they didn’t let on.

EJ:  Cool.  Umm… I’m trying to think of other rumors I’ve seen around the internet… Did one of the BET producers have some sort of professional or social relationship with one of the contestants that led to some unfairness there?

DB:  If that’s the case, I wanna know who that is, because it wasn’t me! *laughing*

EJ: *laughs*

DB:  I mean, again, I don’t know about any of that going on.  I don’t even know when we’d have time.  The contestants were all in the same hotel, but not the judges or BET staff, aside from those assisting us at the hotel.

EJ:  Yeah, and that’s what I’d assume.  I didn’t get the sense from speaking to anyone that there was anything shady going on.

DB:  Not at all.

EJ:  Now, you were one of the contestants that folks really loved.  I remember saying on GospelPundit that your voice is needed in the industry.  What’s next for you?

DB:  I’m definitely listening to music now, exercising my writing skills… trying to put some foundational things in place– management, a publicist.  I’m looking forward to what’s next for me.

I definitely wanna do plays.  I do aspire to work with Tyler Perry, so I’m trying to create a package of some plays that I’ve done  to kinda pitch something to him and the theater world.  So, hopefully soon, there will be something out that the fans can have in their hands.

EJ:  Very nice.  You were trained in theater?

DB:  Yes.  I have a theater background and an opera background.  Gospel is my first love, though.

EJ:  And that’s cool because not many people are bringing that element to gospel music.  I think that’s one of the reasons so many people liked you– they could see the passion, but also hear the formal training in there.

And it wasn’t fake training, you know… cuz some singers have never been trained, but they try to get that sound. *laughs*

DB:  *laughing*

EJ:  And I’m not gonna name names, but I’m just sayin’… *laughs*

DB:  *laughing*

EJ:  Where can people find out more about you, man?

DB:  MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/dboatwright).  And I’m on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/Don_SundayBest).

EJ:  Yes, you ARE on Twitter and I noticed something from your daily tweets– anyone who loves coffee half as much as I do, you’ve gotta be a good dude!

DB:  I’ve GOTTA have my Starbucks in the morning!

EJ:  Got to! *laughs*  And you’re a trained vocalist and you’re saying coffee is ok, right?

DB:  I would say decaf.  And I increase my water intake when I drink coffee.  Caffeine dries you out, so I increase my water intake.

EJ:  Hmmm… I’m not big on decaf, but I’ll try.

DB:  Yeah, it’s an acquired taste, but once you do it, you’re fine.  I laid off Coke… I do drink Sprite, but Donald Lawrence took me off of carbonated drinks while we were there.

EJ:  He said no carbonated drinks at all?

DB:  He said “I advise NO carbonated drinks.”  So, I adhered to that, but when I came home…

EJ: *laughing*

DB:  *laughs*  I’m tellin’ you.  Before I got my BAG, I got a Sprite.

EJ:  Hilarious! *laughs* Dude, thanks for the chat.  I’m excited for you cuz I think you’re gonna do well in the industry.

DB:  I appreciate it, man, definitely.  Just coming from someone who knows and talks to artists, with an eye on that stuff, I do appreciate it.

EJ:  No, I’m just lil’ ol’ me.  But I really do believe we’ll see you doing stuff.

DB:  Well, thank you.

EJ:  No doubt.  And we’ll talk soon.

DB:  Okay.

EJ:  Bye-bye.

*     *     *

Dontavies is a COOL dude.  No lie.  Make sure you check him out on MySpace and Twitter.  Like I keep saying, I really think we’re gonna see more of him.

What did you guys think???

Okay, folks.  Here’s the final interview in the Sunday Best Finalist Edition of interviews.  If you’ve been following, we’ve heard from Jessica Reedy and Y’Anna Crawley (click here if you need a refresher)– now, it’s time to chat with Latice Crawford!

Latice floored us from jump, amazing us with her near-flawless rendition of Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s “Peace Be Still.”  Judges and fans have been a little rough on her lately, leaving some to believe that she may be sent home this week.

She’s got a sweet spirit with an incredible voice and a love for God.  Here’s Latice Crawford…

*     *     *

EJ:  Hey!  How are you?

LC:  I’m doing good, how are you?

EJ:  I’m great thank you.  I wanna first congratulate you on how you’re doing on Sunday Best.  You are a phenomenal vocalist!

LC:  Thank you so much!  Thank you.

EJ:  No doubt.  Tell me about your experience on the show.  What’s it been like?

LC:  Umm… tiring… *laughing* Fun, exciting, a blessing… just a new door that’s opened up for me.  It’s been such an awesome experience.

EJ:  That’s great!  I think you gained a huge fanbase from week one of the performances, when you did “Peace Be Still” by Vanessa Bell-Armstrong.  Folks fell in love with your incredibly unique voice and tone– where did that come from?  Did you work on that?  Were you influenced by certain singers?

LC:  No, actually it came from me losing my voice for four years.  I didn’t really appreciate my gift and God snatched it away.  I used to have a really high voice, like a Karen Clark-Sheard, Mariah Carey kind of voice.

EJ:  Are you serious?!

LC:  Yeah… but I didn’t appreciate it.  I didn’t want to sing.  And God just snatched it away, and gave me some life experiences that made me want to SCREAM and sing.  *laughs*  So that’s the gift I have now– I just belt it out.  It’s definitely God-given.

EJ:  Wow.  You also had a pretty big transformation on the show– you cut off a bunch of your hair!  Now, I know a bunch of black women who don’t just CUT their hair on the fly.  *laughing*  Was that your idea, had you planned to do it and what was your motivation for it?

LC:  Well, I’ve never had a problem cutting my hair.  I’ve had everything down to a Caesar.  The only thing I haven’t had is a baldie, and I’m not trying to go that route any time soon. *laughing*

EJ:  *laughs*  Okay.

LC:  But I never had a problem cutting my hair.  They have so many things out there now, they’ve got weave and wigs, and some of everything that you can get for hair, so… I don’t have a problem.  It’ll grow back.

But yeah, I was definitely in the decision-making process for that.  I wanted to do something really different, something that everyone hadn’t seen me with (as far as “in America”), so I chopped it off and… I like it.

EJ:  Well it worked well.  I think it got a lot of people saying “Whitney Houston!  She looks like Whitney Houston!”  Had you ever heard any of those comparisons?

LC:  I hear that every day of my life. *laughing*

EJ:  Do you?! *laughs*

LC:  Yes, every day.  My cousin, I think, was actually the first to tell me that, but since then, I’ve heard it every single day.

I don’t mind the Whitney comment.  I think she’s great, but I don’t want to be compared to her all the time– I want people to know me as Latice Crawford.

EJ:  Absolutely.

LC:  You know?  Because I’m Latice Crawford, she’s Whitney.  There’s only one Whitney Houston and only one Latice Crawford.  I’m happy with the compliment, but I definitely don’t want the comparison. *laughs*

EJ:  Right.  You don’t wanna get stuck there.  Now, lately, viewers have seen comments from the judges that you’re disconnected from the audience in some way.  A couple of weeks ago, Tina Campbell asked if you were comfortable singing the song you sang and you seemed to give an unequivocal “yes.”

Can you clear it up for people– what are people seeing, or THINKING they’re seeing, that would suggest some nervousness or disconnect from you?

LC:  Well, what people fail to realize is that when the shows are taped, we are being pulled in every direction, you know, behind the stage.  And they don’t understand, really, what a day is for taping– it’s nothing like what they can imagine.  They think we just get on the stage and we sing, but no… they don’t understand the rehearsal process and the learning of the song sometimes 15 or 20 minutes before… things that happened or got changed.  They don’t understand those types of things.

But I will say, with the audience, there wasn’t really a disconnect.  There might have been some exhaustion.  I was tired, my voice was strained… y’know?  We were singing A LOT and it was just getting down to the wire.  Some of my songs weren’t really songs that I might have chosen for myself, so I was trying to do something different, outside of my box.

EJ:  Sure.

LC:  And like you said, from the beginning, I think the expectation for me was set so high… and I’m up against some real strong singers! *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing*

LC:  *laughing*  You know?  Jessica and Yannie… So, maybe I was in my head a little bit.  There were some technical difficulties with my songs a couple of weeks ago and, like I said, those are things that people don’t get to see– there’s a lot of editing and people don’t get to see the behind-the-scenes.  But, all in all, I think I did an okay job.

EJ:  I agree!  You know, one of your fans on a blog someplace else said that it seems like the judges are just making up stuff to try to send someone home.  And when I spoke with Y’Anna, she said that the competition is really strong this season, so the judges are having a hard time deciding among you all.

Do you feel like you’re being picked on at all, or that you’ve been unfairly called out in the past couple of weeks?

LC:  Honestly, no.  I feel like the judges, like Yannie said, are having a very difficult time taking people out.  The competition is really tough.  I’ve always been the type of person to look at things from the opposite side– I feel like whenever someone is giving you a hard critique, it’s because they expect a lot from you.  It means I’m capable of doing whatever it is that they are saying.

EJ:  That’s a good word.

LC:  So to me, I felt like the judges had high expectations for me and wanted the best out of me.  Everyone is pushing for everyone, so I have nothing against the judges.  They’re just doing their job and they have to eliminate somebody! *laughing*  So, it’s cool.

EJ:  That is cool.  Because the reality is that somebody does have to go home.  But, like I keep telling people, at this point, each of you three ladies could do albums and do very well in the industry.  You each have big fan bases, you have proven to the nation that you are great vocalists, you can be great artists, and it’s gonna pan out for each of you.

LC:  Thank you.

EJ:  You’re welcome!  On the show, we’ve heard Jessica’s testimony about getting pregnant at a young age, we’ve heard from Y’Anna about being a single parent.  But BET hasn’t really featured a “story” for Latice Crawford yet.  What is your story?  What pushes you, what motivates you in this competition?  What would you say if you had that camera time to get your background in?

LC:  Well, like I said earlier, I’ve had a lot of different experiences in my life, none that I could pinpoint now.  If I started, I’d never stop! *laughing*

EJ:  *laughing*  Okay.

LC:  You know, we all have our testimonies– no, I’m not a single parent.  No, I’m not raising two kids.  But I’ve had my own share of difficult times.

What pushes me is that I just don’t wanna stay stuck anywhere.  You know, people say “you’re the only one sitting there dwelling on it, the other person has moved on.”  So, there’s no point in me dwelling on anything.  So, I sing through it, I push through it.  I write… I write a lot of songs and different things.  I just try to push through it and encourage someone else.

Every time I encourage someone else, it shows me that what I’m doing is worth something– it’s not just about singing, it’s about ministry.

EJ:  Tell me a bit about losing your voice for 4 years– that’s astounding to me!  I think of Joann Rosario (now Condrey), who lost her voice for a time… it was her livelihood, but it was also the gift that she used to worship God, it was how she spent intimate time with him sometimes.

What is it like for a Christian, who is a singer, to be unable to use that gift for so long?

LC:  Honestly, in the beginning, it didn’t really bother me.  I never really asked to sing– it was something that was given.  But when it started affecting my communicating… I mean God shut me down, literally.  I couldn’t say “hi” too loudly without not being able to speak for days at a time.  I couldn’t sit on the phone.

And this is before texting was really popular– like, when they charged you 10 or 20 cents per text! *laughing*

EJ: *laughs*  Right!

LC:  And I couldn’t express myself.  My grandmother, before she passed away, she would always so “when you think I’m not with you, look to your left.”  And I always thought “what is she talking about?!”  But I’m left-handed.

So, as time went on, and I realized I couldn’t SING it out, I could write it out.  And the more I wrote it out, I was like “I can write all of this stuff, but I can’t SAY it?!”  I mean, God has taken me through some stuff and I couldn’t even tell anybody about it.  And God just gave me a “want” for my gift– that’s what He had to do to make me want it, so that I can be where I am, ministering to people today.

God knew what I had, but I didn’t.  And I didn’t want it.  But, you know, gifts come without repentance.

EJ:  Well, I’m glad He made you TAKE it! *laughing*

Like I said, I think you’re gonna do well.  You have a large fan base already and I know it’s gonna grow.

LC:  Thank you so much.

EJ:  And I appreciate you for taking a minute to talk with me.

LC:  Oh, definitely!

EJ:  And you keep in touch!

LC:  I sure will.  Bye.

*     *     *

So, that’s THAT!

Make sure you check out some of her earlier tracks (GOOD stuff!) at her MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/laticecrawford.

And with THAT interview, I believe we’re now ready for Sunday Best this Sunday!  Make sure you follow me on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/gospelpundit) for real-time updates and commentary on Sunday night!

In the meantime, what did you think of the interview???

Well, here’s Part Two of my Sunday Best Edition of artist interviews– my chat with Y’Anna Crawley.  If you missed Part One yesterday, with Jessica Reedy, click here and don’t do that again.

We’ve been utterly floored by Y’Anna’s powerhouse vocals.  She is consistently on point and has not let us down YET.  Folks are saying she may go all the way… we shall see!!!

In the meantime, no time to delay– here’s Y’Anna…

*     *     *

EJ:  Hey Y’Anna!  How are you?

YC:  I’m good, how are you?

EJ:  I’m good, thank you.  I wanna start by saying “congrats” on getting this far on Sunday Best.  How does all of it feel?

YC:  Aww, man.  It’s wonderful, it’s exciting…

EJ:  I gotta tell you– even before the show began airing, some music folks I know in DC were raving about you– like John Hart and Byron Nichols.

YC:  Yes!  They’re both my godbrothers.  I grew up with John Hart from elementary school on up.

EJ:  Yeah, well I was getting emails and text messages saying “you haven’t seen anything yet!”  I feel like you were known for weeks even before the show started.  But, they definitely weren’t lyin’.  You are an incredible vocalist.

YC:  Well, thank you!

EJ:  You’re welcome… I always know when you’re about to REALLY give it to us cuz you’ll get to singin’ out the side of your mouth, y’know?

YC:  *laughing* YES, that’s crazy.  I heard somebody say “if you can get past her ugly faces, yeah she can sing.”  But I ain’t worried about that because I’ve been singing like that for a long time.  That’s just my little signature.

EJ:  And don’t change it cuz it’s doin’ well for you!

YC:  *laughs*

EJ:  *laughing*  Week by week, the viewers have had a chance to see you take us straight to church with a VERY powerful voice.  This past week, though, you sang “Ain’t No Need To Worry” by The Winans, and you showed the viewers your versatility– that you could do the smooth, jazzy thing too.

YC:  Yes.

EJ:  Do you feel like you have had enough opportunities to show all sides of your vocal ability?

YC:  Yes, I really do.  And you know what, I was surprised at the songs they were giving me.  I was a little apprehensive about singing some of them, like “Waiting On The World To Change,” and even “Ain’t No Need To Worry” because I was like “this is Sunday Best, I gotta give them my CHURCH.”

But I’m glad they threw those songs at me so that I could show my song versatility because not everyone wants to hear the church powerhouse singing.  They wanna hear somebody that can cross over– someone who can get those audiences as well as the church people.

EJ:  Absolutely.  A lot of people, at GospelPundit.com and other sites, have said that the person who wins Sunday Best needs to be a church singer– they shouldn’t be a jazzy singer or an R&B singer because when you think of “Sunday,” you think of church.

I don’t know that I necessarily agree with that, but what do YOU think the winner of Sunday Best needs to be in the industry?

YC:  I think the winner of Sunday Best needs to reach all people, from church and hip-hop, to R&B and pop… God is not just for one person and I don’t think He wants to us to reach just one genre or demographic of people.  So,  I think it needs to reach all walks of life.

EJ:  I agree.  Of the songs that you’ve performed so far, which has been your favorite?

YC:  Which has been my favorite… maybe “Grandma’s Hands” because it hit me home.  Everyone was like “how did you turn ‘Grandma’s Hands’ into a church song?!”  Because when you hear the original music, it’s like “wow, how did she turn that around?”

But it hit home because my grandmother was close to me.  We were very very close.  She passed away like 10 years ago, but I still keep her in my heart.  Everybody always says “you act just like your grandma,” so she was very close to me and very dear to me, still is.  So when I got that song, I just made it personal to me and I got up there and did my thing.

EJ:  Yeah, you definitely ministered.  I’ve never seen someone shout off of “Grandma’s Hands,” but those people in the audience…

YC:  *laughing*

EJ:  *laughing*  They were going IN!

YC:  YES! *laughs*

EJ:  Now, for the past couple of weeks, you’ve talked about being a single parent of two boys and the difficulty of that.  Is it hard juggling that responsibility with all that you’ve had to for the show?

YC:  It’s very hard, but I am blessed with family that helps me by keeping them while I’m away.  But it gets very hard being a young parent and single.  I was at home with my son for a whole year.  A lot of people don’t think that being a full-time mom is a hard job, but it gets hard with me having to sing, leaving them, missing them… and not really being there with them and catching every moment.

Especially with the oldest one– he’s in high school– and it’s hard not being around.  I just have to push past it and keep praying that God will give me strength so that I can juggle everything– Sunday Best, me singing and my family.

EJ:  That’s cool.  When I spoke with Jessica Reedy, she said that being on the show is an adjustment because every thing you do or say is now being analyzed or assessed by people.

YC:  Yes!

EJ:  And she used you as an example, saying that folks have tried to call you arrogant without knowing that you’re actually down to earth and humble.

Now, you’re on a national musical competition, but is it hard to be thrown into the spotlight and suddenly judged by total strangers for things that are outside of the musical aspect of the show?  I mean, people are saying “she shouldn’t have these kids out of wedlock,” or whatever.  How does that feel?

YC:  I’m not gonna lie– it kinda got to me at first.  But then I was like “Yannie, you can’t control what people say.  All you have to worry about is what you’re doing.”  And who are they to judge?  They’re not God… they’re not Jesus.  They didn’t die on a cross for me.  They don’t justify who I am.

So, I just kinda have to put it behind me.  It’s still there, but I have to let them know– I’m just like you.  I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to do right.  And please don’t judge me by what you see– get to know me before you place your lips on me.

EJ:  Right.

YC:  I don’t get on the blogs and… I mean, I read them, but I don’t respond back because I don’t want that ongoing back-and-forth type of thing because then it turns into a debate or a combative thing.  I don’t do that.  I just let them say what they wanna say and I keep letting God use me, putting me on a platform to spread His word.  And hopefully I can help somebody with my struggles, or with the things that they consider “negative.”  I hope they can look at me and say “well, if SHE did this, if she can get past it and be HERE, then maybe I can, too.”

EJ:  Absolutely.  The weird thing is that, at first, folks were just kinda judging the vocals.  But as things are getting down to the wire, people are starting to assess calling and purpose and anointing.  Now, YOU know what you’re called to do– how do you stay motivated in spite of people assessing things that are spiritual, not even tangible to be critiqued?

YC:  You know what’s pushing me now?  The overwhelming amount of calls and emails… just this morning, for example.  I had to take my son to the doctor this morning.  I’m in the office and they’re all looking at me like “aren’t you the girl on Sunday Best?  I watch you every week and you helped me get through the week.”

Or, I had one email from a girl I haven’t seen in a long time.  And she was strung out on drugs.  And she told me that, when she used to see me singing… sidebar: I used to sing with a go-go band.  And even with her seeing me there, she said “you really inspired me and helped me to pick myself up every day and say that I can do it.”

So, the impact of people telling me that they have hope again, and that they dream again and, by seeing me, they’re encouraged– it’s just wonderful.  And I’m not going to stop what I’m doing because God has used me in a mighty way and I appreciate that.

EJ:  That’s beautiful.  You mention singing in a go-go band.  What else were you doing, musically, before Sunday Best?

YC:  I was singing professionally.  I was singing with the go-go band, Lissen, I was doing some background singing for a lot of artists.  That was my job– it was my profession.

EJ:  It was your 9 to 5?

YC:  That was my 9 to 5.  People get up and go to Macy’s to work, people go to their government jobs, that was my job.

EJ:  Nice.  What do you feel your personal call is in music ministry?  Where do you fit and what has God called Y’Anna Crawley to do?

YC:  I really feel like God has called Y’Anna Crawley to pull someone who is not the average person to Him.  I have the advantage of having sung on the secular side and reaching people, and singing on the gospel side and reaching people.  I think God is calling me to the “unusual person,” who wouldn’t normally go to church or even think about the things of God.  I think He’s using me to reach those people.

EJ:  Well, I think you’re gonna do well in the industry, regardless of the outcome of the show.  And I can’t wait to tune in on Sunday to see what happens with this “Sing Off” deal.

YC:  I know, right?

EJ:  I said something about it on the blog the other day.  It’s like, I know it’s a competition, but in gospel music, it seems so weird.  Though, look at the industry– I guess folks are doing sing-offs all the time.  But it doesn’t seem like we should be encouraging it, like “do a better riff than THAT,” or “top that.”

YC:  Yeah.  And I think it’s because they really are having a hard time.  The talent this year was just incredible.  So, like Tina [Campbell] said, they have to start picking things and find some way to pick.  They have to find something, you know?  So, they’re gonna give it one more try with the three of us, then they’re gonna see– they’re gonna narrow it down.

EJ:  I’m sure it’s gonna be a good show!  And I really thank you for taking a moment to chat with me.

YC:  You’re welcome!

EJ:  Ok, take care!

YC:  Alright, you too!

*     *     *

Good chat, no?  I really enjoyed talking with Y’Anna– she’s very candid and the whole chat felt more like friends catching up than a stuffy interview.

What did y’all think???

And don’t forget to check tomorrow for the last interview in this series– my talk with Latice Crawford!

Ask and ye shall receive.  I said “I WANNA TALK TO JESSICA” and, just like that…

THEN, I got Y’Anna and Latice, so I’m launching a Sunday Best Edition of my artist interviews.  EVERY NIGHT this week, a new interview with a different finalist– just to get y’all ready for this Sunday’s show!

Up first is Jessica… Now, I’ve not been quiet AT ALL about the fact that Jessica Reedy is my favorite contestant on BET’s Sunday Best.  I like her tone, her approach, her look, her testimony… We like you, ma’am!  Plus, she’s just as sweet and humble as you’ll find ‘em, and we LOVE that, ma’am!

So, without further ado, here’s my chat with Jessica Reedy…

*     *     *

EJ:  Jessica Reedy.

JR:  Yes!  How you doin’?

EJ:  Good, how are you?

JR:  Wonderful!

EJ:  I don’t know how familiar you are with my gospel music blog, GospelPundit.com–

JR:  I read the reviews.

EJ:  Yeah?

JR:  Yes, I’m addicted!  I read those things all the time.

EJ:  Oh, on my site or across the web?

JR:  On YOUR site.

EJ:  Oh, well thank you!  This is gonna be easy, then.  First, do you have any idea how good you are?!

JR:  Absolutely not.

EJ: *laughing*

JR: *laughs* Listen, EJ.  I am shocked!  Every episode you watch, I’m shocked that I make it each time I do.  Now, I know a lot of people would say it’s a lack of confidence, but there are a billion and one singers in this world.  In my mind, it’s like “why me?!”  I have no idea what people hear.

EJ:  But I think some of the greatest singers feel that way.  I just posted an interview with Melonie Daniels and she basically said “yeah, well, my tone… it’s nothing special to me.”

My wife and I sit and watch you with goosebumps EVERY week, and I watch your performances EVERY day on my DVR.  I know every note, every riff…

JR:  *laughing* awww…

EJ:  Serious!  And if you gimme another week, I’ll know your stage positioning!

JR: *laughing*

EJ: I think you’re bananas!

JR:  Are you serious?!  I cannot believe you’re saying this.

EJ:  I’m serious.  I speak with other folks in the industry and everyone agrees that you are NOT playing.  I mean, don’t get me wrong– we’ve got Y’Anna and Latice, too.  All THREE of you are phenomenal vocalists and at this point whoever wins, it’s gonna be fair.

But you are just doing so well, week-by-week.  How overwhelming is it all?

JR:  EJ, I am from Saginaw, Michigan.  I don’t know if you’ve even heard of a “Saginaw.”

EJ:  *laughs*

JR:  *laughing*  I mean, I can’t believe it.  I didn’t believe I got past the auditions, so being on the show is overboard for me.  It’s not even reality yet.  I am overjoyed.

I’m so grateful to God to be favored enough in His eyes to be placed on this type of platform.  I cannot believe it.

EJ:  And we can see that, too, because each week, as the judges give their feedback, you always seem a bit shy and you have this “shocked” expression on your face… like “really?!”

JR:  *laughing* I’m just shocked.  Especially with the comments they make… I wish you could see how I act before I go on stage and when I come back, after the performance.  I’m still like “oh my God, did y’all hear that?”  The other contestants are like “Jessica, you did good.”  EVERY time.

EJ:  What musical experience had you had before Sunday Best?  Were you doing music already?

JR:  Ummm… well, I pursued an R&B career when I was younger.  I would mimic Brandy and think “man, I wanna sing like that,” but I was raised in the church.  After going through life’s struggles, I got saved and there was just no way that I could sing R&B.

EJ:  That influence kind of shows because some would say that you have the least “gospel” sound among the contestants.  But you seem to be infusing those mainstream sounds into the Gospel message, which is why a lot of folks like you.

JR:  I read somebody’s blog and they said “she doesn’t have a gospel voice” and, my thing is, Gospel is a message.  And the Gospel can be delivered in all kinds of ways– through preaching, through a walk of life, how you live– and I hope somebody will explain that to people.

I love God, EJ.  I don’t even know how to express that to you.  I am so in love with God.  If you had met me about four months ago, you would be like “wow… I can’t believe you’re smiling or you’re happy.”  I was in such a bad place in my life.

I owe everything to God.  So, I’m grateful that God has given me favor with the judges, favor with people, but it’s GOD’S doing.  I am NOT that good.

EJ:  Amen.  The other day, my wife was watching you and she was like “when I watch Jessica, I feel like she MEANS what she’s SAYIN’!”  You appear to mean it, not just because you learned it growing up, but because you tested that faith out last month or last week… it’s real for you.

JR:  Yeah.  Definitely.

EJ:  Now, you have a son and I can imagine that the Sunday Best tapings cut into your “mommy time”.  How do you manage all that you have to do for the show with your responsibilities as a mom of a baby boy?

JR:  I honestly don’t know how I manage it.  I’m really preparing myself now because of the conclusion of the show– I don’t know how busy I might be.  And I love my boy.  If you notice, he’s at every episode.

EJ:  Yep, we see him sitting with your sister?

JR:  Yeah, with my sister.  And, beforehand, my mom was saying “well, Jessica, leave him here so you can stay focused.”  And I said “absolutely NOT!”  I’ve gotta have my boy.

He’s my blessing.  For a while, I thought he was my curse because I was so young being pregnant.  Like, this was my punishment.  But that boy, he is… man, I can’t even explain it.  So, I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it, to be honest.  I have no set plan.  I don’t even think I’m mentally prepared for it.  Because I can go to a store and think “okay, I need to go home and get my boy, I miss my son.”

EJ:  That’s awesome.  BET aired a portion of your testimony during the auditions, but for those people who missed it, can you briefly share it with the GospelPundit readers?  What went down regarding your pregnancy and how did God work in that situation?

JR:  Well, my town is so small.  When you excel at something, it blows up.  I was in this group called ACT-SO.

EJ:  I know of ACT-SO.

JR:  Yeah, and I won gold my senior year.  It was really big in Saginaw, put on by the NAACP.  Then, I got a full ride, a scholarship in music to Tougaloo College in Mississippi.  Once I got there, I had favor with all of the teachers, all the students.  Then, I got pregnant.

I had been working on music– I was working with J-Pat, Usher’s mom.  And some of the other people I was working with were saying “so, you’re pregnant… yeah, this is not a good time for a baby, so what are you gonna do?”

EJ:  Like that?!

JR:  Yeah, and I was thinking to myself, “HUH?!  What are you asking me?”  I was already ashamed and embarrassed.  One guy was like, “maybe you should go home and have your son, or you could stay here.”  I said “stay here and kill him, right?”  And they said “well, right now is not a good time for a baby.”

I said “I’m going home.”  Now, granted– did I want to have my son?  I questioned it, just to be honest, but I don’t have enough guts to go to a clinic, passing people with signs that say “don’t kill your kids.”  I don’t have enough guts.  So, God blessed me with enough courage to take what I call that “walk of shame.”

Now, my family, they all can sing.  But they’re older now and I was the closest person to reaching those dreams of singing.  So, when I got pregnant, they were like “J, we were really hoping that you would be the one.  Man, Jessica.  How did you do this?  How did you get pregnant right now?!”

EJ:  That’s a lot of weight on you.

JR:  And I was the talk of the town, too.  “Y’all heard?  Jessica Reedy got pregnant.  I knew she wasn’t gonna be nothin’.”  It was the first feedback.

So, I stayed in the house.  Nobody saw me.  I barely went to the mailbox.  And I just cried.  And on top of that, I was by myself with my son… his father didn’t want to be involved.  AND, I’m young, so I’m like “no, God, this can’t happen to me like this.  I’m not a fast girl.  I made a mistake, but you can’t do me like this.”

That was my mindset.  And I was just so depressed.  I know everyone has their own separate pain, but my pain hurt me so badly.  And for [Sunday Best] to happen…

EJ:  Wow.

JR:  This was just going out on a limb.  A friend of mine auditioned last year for Sunday Best.  He didn’t make it, but he said “I’m going back.”  I had just lost my job– my only source of income– and I lost my car!  And I was really depressed then.

My friend said “Jessica, you need a break.  Come on and drive down here with us.”  So I agreed to go, but even then, people were like “you don’t need to audition… you’re not ready.”  And I was like, “yeah, you’re right.”

EJ:  Like, spiritually?  Because of all that had happened?

JR:  No, just my vocals!  After I had my son, my voice got deep.

EJ:  WAIT.  What?  That wasn’t like that before?!

JR:  I never could hit those notes.

EJ:  GIVE ME A BREAK!

JR:  I promise you.  I was a soprano!

EJ:  Oh my goodness.

JR:  While I was pregnant, I couldn’t go any higher than maybe a middle alto note, but I started hitting all these low notes.  And I was depressed about THAT!  I was like “Ma, I sound like a man!  I can’t sing like this.”  I was so used to being able to sing high.  And I thought I just didn’t have any range.

EJ:  And what did God do?

JR:  I’m talkin’ bout… God DID it.

EJ:  For REAL.

JR:  Yeah.

EJ:  And so, your confidence is being built?  You’re saying you’re a work-in-progress.

JR:  I am.  And I’m not gonna sit here and lie to you.  I have never been one to be in denial– my confidence is not… all the way up there.  I question my ability all the time, even now, watching myself on the show, I say “God, why did you choose me to do this?  God, I can’t do this.  I’m scared… help me.”

EJ:  Yeah.

JR:  I’m sorry if that offends somebody, like “she’s not ready.”  Whatever.

EJ:  Nah, that’s real.

JR:  I’m being honest.  This is how I feel on the inside– I’m scared.  I don’t wanna mess up, I don’t wanna… you know, I wanna make sure that I’m saving souls, but that’s a big responsibility because everyone’s got you under a microscope now.

Like, a lot of people, for example… I know Y’Anna.  That’s my friend.  A lot of people say she’s arrogant.  Y’Anna has a little sarcasm, but she’s funny.  It’s like you make one facial expression, and everyone says “oh, she’s arrogant.”

Everything now MEANS something.  Every movement you make, it means something.  “Did y’all see how she did her fingers???”

EJ:  *laughing* Not fingers!

JR:  *laughing*  You know?  Every little ol’ thing.  So, I’m scared, but I trust God.  So, I’ve kinda gotta let that fear go.

EJ:  I think you should be proud of yourself.  Definitely, be mindful of how you got here, but rejoice in that grace that He’s given you because it’s a beautiful thing.  And He’s definitely faithful.  And I know God is committed to working with you like He’s committed to working with everyone else.

JR:  Absolutely.

EJ:  Well, we’re gonna keep watching to see how things shape up on the show.  We actually want an album TODAY, but we’ll wait if we have to.

JR:  Oh my goodness, thank you so much.

EJ:  No doubt.  I appreciate you for taking a minute to chat with me.  And definitely keep in touch.

JR:  Okay.

EJ:  Alright, take care.

JR:  Bye!

*     *     *

That, ladies and gents, is Jessica Reedy!

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for my interview with another Sunday Best finalist!  You don’t wanna miss it.  In the meantime…

What did you think???

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.