It’s been a minute since we’ve gotten a video from Yolanda Adams.

This one is for “Be Still,” one of the singles from her independently released 2011 album Becoming.

The vid features a busy busy Adams, running from private jet to hotel, from make-up to meetings, from press to fashion shows and finally to mommyhood. And in the midst of it all, a call to ‘be still’ and trust God.

The concept is cool, the lighting and production is top-notch. Check it out–

What do you think?

The nominees for the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced today!

In the category of Outstanding Gospel Album, here are your nominees:

Yolanda Adams – Becoming

Deitrick Haddon - Church on the Moon

Kirk Franklin - Hello Fear

Mary Mary - Something Big

Andraé Crouch - The Journey

Also, in the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration category, long-time favorite choir Sounds of Blackness was nominated!

The awards show will air live on February 17, 2012, on NBC, from 8pm-10pm ET.

Congrats, nominees!

The 27th Annual Stellar Awards were held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Nashville, TN at the Grand Ole Opry House.

And here are this year’s winners (winners in bold and blue)!

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

Male Vocalist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
Smokie Norful
VaShawn Mitchell

Female Vocalist of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Kim Burrell
Martha Munizzi
Yolanda Adams

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

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

Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard
Shekinah Glory Ministry

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 show was hosted by Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole, and will begin airing in local markets on January 21, 2012 (visit the Stellar Awards website for Local Airdates). The program will also be broadcast on gmc on February 11, 2012 at 8pm ET.

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.

Just a quick heads-up folks (as if you weren’t already planning to watch, right?)–

The finale of Sunday Best airs this Sunday, September 11th at 8pm ET.  We will, of course, FINALLY know who will take the title this season– Andrea Helms or Amber Bullock.

Also, part of the show will celebrate the 100th birthday of Mahalia Jackson and will feature key performances from some of gospel music’s biggest names, including Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, Rance Allen, Lecrae, Crystal Aikin, Y’Anna Crawley, Jessica Reedy, Le’Andria Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, Ricky Dillard and MORE.

Yet ANOTHER reason to watch!

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?

This Thursday, gospel songstress, author, and popular radio personality Yolanda Adams launches her newest venture– the Yolanda Adams Collection, which appears to be a rather high-end luxury line of women’s clothing.

Touting a selection of designer knits, the Collection boasts in its ability to reach the market of taller and/or “ample-bodied” women. And it’s clear to me that this line is not just another gospel artist’s attempt to make church clothes. In fact, judging by the price tag, I don’t believe Yolanda’s target demographic is “church women” AT ALL.

With price points reportedly ranging from a minimum of $125 for a skirt to as much as $2,000 for jackets, this collection undoubtedly targets a broader audience.  Tanks and shells, for example, start at $165 each.

At 6’1″, and as a former part-time model, Yolanda Adams (who turns 50 this month) knows a thing or two about what women want out of fashion.

A couple of images from the Yolanda Adams Collection–

Visit yolandaadamscollection.com to see more shots of the fashion line and to learn more about it!

Troy Lilly recaps this Sunday’s episode of Sunday Best…

There were plenty of smiling faces on this week’s episode of Sunday Best. During the first night of performances, ten eager singers from season four’s Top 20 graced the stage aiming to prove they deserved to be in the competition. But early on, there were more anxious smiles from the contestants than smiles of satisfaction from the judges.

That’s not to say there weren’t any laughs or lighthearted moments. There were several, thanks to Sunday Best host, Kirk Franklin, who opened the show with a performance of “Smile,” the popular single from his latest album.

For a man who’s barely taller than Justin Bieber is, Kirk sure knows how to work a stage and, as I mention on a regular basis, we never know what he’s going to do – or say! So it was no surprise that during his performance, he ended up passing the microphone at the judges table between Donnie McClurkin, Erica Campbell and her sister Tina Campbell.

Throughout the evening, though, it was often clear that even he wasn’t sure what to say to contestants following some of the performances.

Here’s how they went down:

Toneisha Jones- Harris – “Here I Am To Worship”
Starting the show is never easy, but imagine starting off the whole season! Toneisha’s jazzed-up version of this praise-and-worship staple was pleasant as she held her tone and had clean riffs. She explored the stage a little, but there wasn’t much feeling beyond the surface of the words she was singing. The judges noted that she abandoned the simplicity of the melody.

Michael Washington – “Great is Your Mercy”
Maybe the judges were watching a different version of this performance. They absolutely loved it, and while I didn’t hate it, my impression was that if Sunday Best were a stage play or a theatrical production, Michael’s voice would be perfect. As with Toneisha before him, I didn’t feel much from Michael. However, it is nice to see a clean, calculated singer whose ability is unquestionable. I just like to feel my gospel music.

Andrea Helms – “Because of Who You Are”
First Lady Andrea Helms gave what I thought was the first great performance of the night. She started strong and only improved as she journeyed through the chorus and into the vamp. Most importantly, her face conveyed the emotion of the lyrics. Andrea’s voice is sweeter than most, but it’s still a powerful instrument and her presentation is flawless. Donnie, Erica and Tina agreed.

Chase Stancle – “Running Back to You”
A shaky vocal tone tripped Chase up from the very beginning of his performance, and unfortunately, it didn’t improve. He did reach for a range of notes in the middle of the song, but I think most people (including Chase) were distracted by his uneven tone. He was probably a bit nervous which is why he ended the song on a rather low note. Kirk attempted to relieve the tension by joking a bit, but the judges clearly noticed he was affected.

Amber Bullock – “We Must Praise”
Amber is the kind of girl we all know… the one who started singing before she could talk. Amber delivered a performance that was perfectly imperfect. Her voice is just raspy enough to growl but still balanced with a pure tone. She also has precise enunciation, which only contributes to the clarity of her delivery. I’m sure she won’t have any trouble advancing to the final rounds.

Carlington Roberts – “Lord I Life Your Name on High”
If you remember my recap from last week, I mentioned that we might get a little reggae on this season. I was talking about Carlington, a native Jamaican, who represents a totally new sound in mainstream gospel. His performance revealed that he’s skilled in leading a congregation in worship. He moved about the stage quite a bit, which may have compensated for his forgettable vocal delivery. His voice, ironically, reminds me of Donnie’s. Since the judges appreciate his unique sound, it will be interesting to see how far he progresses.

Shanandolan Reynolds – “Joyful, Joyful”
During her audition, Shanandolan seemed full of silent confidence. On Sunday, her voice was heard before she emerged on the stage, and again, her voice sounded sure and tender. But once on stage, her rendition of this song (famously recorded by Lauryn Hill) fell into the karaoke-esque vocal choices that you’ve heard every singer duplicate on this song. It was evident from her demeanor that she let herself down. The judges acknowledged her inconsistent delivery, but seemed committed to developing her underlying talent.

Michael Pugh – “I Won’t Complain”
Michael’s performance wasn’t really a performance at all. He walked onto the stage with a different look in his eyes. Although it took the audience a second to get with him, he kept pushing the song out until there was a connection. The last third of the song, and especially the moments after he was done singing and he continued to exhort the audience, proved that Michael not only believes what he’s singing but he’s skilled at conveying it. As voices go, his is as traditional as they come, but the judges and obviously, the audience enjoyed it.

Latrice Smith – “Walk With Me”
Oh, Latrice. I know she knows she can really sing. But she got really lost between sticking to the melody and coloring the song with her adlibs. And once her upper range didn’t work, she would’ve been best served to leave it be. In the middle of the song, it appeared that even she was ready for it to be over. Again, although I’m sure she has major vocal chops, this performance may have sealed her fate.

Ricky Valentino Lafontaine – “I Need Thee”
To his credit, Ricky had to sing a one-part hymn and only had an organ to back him up. The song was also very short, so those factors could explain why his performance felt a bit incomplete. After proclaiming that he has sung with Yolanda Adams, and even Mary Mary, expectations for his voice were already too high. He tried to live up to the hype by singing in a particularly high key, but that prevented him from being able to elevate the song any further. It may not be his time to take the stage alone just yet, and his colleagues, Erica and Tina, echoed those sentiments.

***

So now that we’ve had a chance to see and hear half of the Top 20 on center stage, what do you think is in store for the remaining 10? Personally, I’m hoping we get a few more singers who capitalize on their moment a little better than some of the contestants did tonight.

Next week, the remaining ten contestants in the Top 20 will perform and ultimately, only ten singers will advance to the next round. That’s the part I get excited about because mentor Kim Burrell returns to guide these budding singers through the ropes of the singing competition.

Were you impressed with any of this week’s performances?

How strong are the guys in the competition?

Are you wondering what Kirk Franklin will do next?

Earnest Pugh remains at the #1 spot on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart for a second consecutive week. His project, Earnestly Yours, debuted on top last week.

Kirk Franklin holds fast at #2, with Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Mary Mary following at #3 and #4, respectively.

Also, Tedashii and Lecrae, both chart-topping artists on Reach Records increase in position this week, jumping from #8 and #9 to #6 and #7, respectively.

Aside from that, no one entered or left the Top 10 this week… just kinda changed positions.

The full Top 10 is right here:

1 | Earnest Pugh – Earnestly Yours
2 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
3 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
4 | Mary Mary – Something Big
5 | WOW Gospel 2011
6 | Tedashii – Blacklight
7 | Lecrae – Rehab
8 | Yolanda Adams – Becoming
9 | Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon
10 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of Marvin Sapp

It will be interesting to see how long Black Smoke and the fans can keep Earnest Pugh on top of the charts!

The next releases to make a splash on the charts will likely come from The Ambassador (in stores as of this past Tuesday) and Richard Smallwood (in stores July 17).

Earnest Pugh has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart with the release of his new project, Earnestly Yours.  He moves Kirk Franklin to the #2 position, with Mary Mary following at #3.

The rest of the top 10 is right here:

1 | Earnest Pugh – Earnestly Yours
2 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
3 | Mary Mary – Something Big
4 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
5 | WOW Gospel 2011
6 | Yolanda Adams – Becoming
7 | Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon
8 | Tedashii – Blacklight
9 | Lecrae – Rehab
10 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of Marvin Sapp

As I predicted last week, the label was able to pull off some impressive numbers for Earnest Pugh’s new album.

Norman Hutchins also debuted at #11 with his new release, If You Didn’t Know, Now You Know.  And LaShun Pace’s Reborn lands at #31 its first week out.