REVIEW

TV Review: The Gospel View - BET's Sunday Best Grand Finale

Written by Takiela Bynum
Published December 05, 2007

Down to the last two women standing and the stage is live. Host Kirk Franklin bombards the set with his lusty performance of "Declaration (This Is It)". As part of his act, dancers display their acrobatic skills through feats of somersaults, back flips, and cartwheels. While the viewers are gawking at the inventor of gospel R&B and company, the previous 18 contestants and the two final contestants join Franklin and crew on stage.

The final two, Crystal Aikin (Minister of Song) and Shari Addison (the judges’ wild card) are the last to enter the stage. However, as they stroll on stage hand in hand, both humble and confident, they are making a statement: Though we are contenders, we are sisters.

The special guest for the grand finale of BET’s Sunday Best is gospel artist Yolanda Adams. She captivates the audience with her melodious voice as she sings one of her hits, "Open Up My Heart."

Shari Addison starts off singing "Talk It Over With Jesus." She looks absolutely magnificent in her formal attire, dazzling make-up, and auburn coils of hair. Elegance and class define the image she projects tonight. This is her season without a doubt. Whether she receives the title of BET’s Sunday Best or not, we will be hearing from her soon.

Next up is Crystal Aikin singing "We Acknowledge You." As always, she moves the audience to their feet with her robust vocals. She is a passionate singer who has liberating power in her voice. Her performances are lively and compel the viewers to join in her praise. It’s been said before: "She WILL have her own recording contract; whether God utilizes BET’s Sunday Best as the avenue is yet to be determined." This statement still holds true.

BET stirs up the repetition a little by allowing the two finalists to sing a duet. That’s right, Shari Addision and Crystal Aikin perform one of Mary Mary’s (the two judges, Erica and Tina Campbell) own entitled "Yesterday." If you think they sound phenomenal as individuals, together can’t begin to compare. These ladies are awesome representatives of how the power of God can be demonstrated through song.

Finally, down to the crowning of BET’s Sunday Best. The ladies once again stand hand in hand as Franklin reads the card that will forever change one of their lives. The audience holds its breath, a camera sweeps the audience and reveals the silent petitions of family members and friends of both finalists. Franklin announces what America has been waiting for weeks to hear: “By over one and a half million votes, BET’s Sunday Best is Crystal Aikin.” The audience goes ballistic, tears are shed, hugs are given, and kisses are blown as Crystal Aikin receives her title by singing "O Happy Day," and Shari Addison rejoices with her sister in Christ by singing along with her.

Crystal Aikin gives closing remarks after the show. She is quoted saying, “God has gotten the glory out of everything.” Indeed Crystal Aikin… including you.

Keep reading for information and comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own!
Buy from Amazon.com
What a Wonderful Time What a Wonderful Time
Yolanda Adams
Music,

TV Review: The Gospel View - BET's Sunday Best Grand Finale
Published: December 05, 2007
Type: Review
Section: Video
Filed Under: Video: Urban, Video: Television, Video: TV Recap, Video: Reality TV, Video: Music, Music: Christian and Gospel
Part of a feature: The Gospel View
Writer: Takiela Bynum
Takiela Bynum's BC Writer page
Takiela Bynum's personal site
Spread the Word
Like this article?
Email this
Submit to del.icio.us Save to del.icio.us
RSS Feeds
All RSS Feeds (240+)
Comments on this article
Articles in this series
BC articles by Takiela Bynum
Video: Urban
Video: Television
Video: TV Recap
Video: Reality TV
Video: Music
Music: Christian and Gospel
All Video Articles
Takiela Bynum's personal weblog
All Review articles
All BC articles
All BC Comments

Comments

#1 — December 5, 2007 @ 11:14AM — Angela

This was the BEST SHOW in Years...I really enjoyed it. My son has recently died and it really uplifted me and kept me focused on the faith. American Idol has nothing on this Show. I would rather watch this any day. I pray that God leads this show as far as it can go. We need more shows like this. Oh! it was wonderful!!! God Bless!! Kirk is a awesome host!!!!

#2 — December 5, 2007 @ 12:53PM — GLORIA HARRIS

I'VE BEEN TO MANY CHURCHES AND I HEARD MANY A CHOIR BUT THAT AIKENS CAN SING. I AM SO GLAD SHE WON SHE DESERVE IT. SHARRI ADDISON HAS A WONDERFUL VOICE. SO AS FOR AS IM CONCERNED THEY BOTH WON. GOD BLESS YOU KIRK I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT YEARS. HOW DO YOU ENTER INTO THIS CONTEST???

#3 — December 6, 2007 @ 10:25AM — Prinzez

Shari, everytime I am seeing your face in my mind, I see an Angel, and I feel the Holy Spirit. I mean there is such an Annointing on you, that it just ministers through the air waves. I had mixed emotions about even watching this show, but Shari when you ministered through worship and praise I continued to view. I personally don't like competition when it comes to God. I believe the younger generation gave the votes for the winner. They owe it now to join the Saints to humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways....so that God will hear from heaven and heal this land. Should be a humongus induction! Praise God!! Shari, you are a Mahalia Jackson, just deep down and Highly Annointed. Just can't beat that old time religion!!!

#4 — December 6, 2007 @ 17:19PM — Marcia

I am so sad that I missed the finale, but from reading the article, it was awesome. The person I voted for the most was Crystal....God be the Glory. I also enjoyed Shari, and I did vote for her as well, they both are the SUNDAY BEST. Good Luck the Crystal and Shari in their next step. This is only the beginning and we are looking forward to seeing more to come. God has just began to bless you.

#5 — December 7, 2007 @ 12:44PM — Takiela

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I thank you for all of your comments and inquiries. However, I must inform you that even though I write reviews about BET's-Sunday Best, I do not work for them; meaning that I don't have the answers to questions regarding auditions, the continuation of the show, et cetera, et cetera.

I can provide you with a link to their website. If you are inquiring about BET related questions please direct them to the aforementioned link. Otherwise continue to leave your thoughts and comments on the articles at Blogcritics.

Be Blessed, Takiela

#6 — April 22, 2008 @ 09:34AM — Sharon

I just wanted to know will sunday best be airing again this year if so when if you can answer this question it will be greatly appreciated. If you cant thank you anyway and may god continue to bless you.

Want comments emailed to you? No spam, promise! Address:

Add your comment, speak your mind

(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/71702)

Personal attacks are not allowed. Please read our comment policy.





Remember Name/URL?

Please preview your comment!

Fresh
Articles
Fresh
Comments