Sunday Best is like American Idol with a gospel flair. It is the only competition geared to find the next gospel artist sensation. Hosted by Kirk Franklin, platinum-selling gospel musician, Sunday Best premiered on Tuesday October 2, 2007.
The nationwide search is judged by legendary gospel artist BeBe Winans and the award-winning psalmtrist duo Mary Mary, and the soul winning siblings Erica and Tina Campbell. Many are called but only one will be chosen as Sunday Best. The winner will receive a national recording contract, a 2008 Toyota Camry, and $300,000 Tide Loads of Hope prize package to support the winner’s community.
After combing through three regions, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, twenty contestants were finally chosen:
- Charisma Sweat - Chicago, Illinois
- Christal Garrick - Houston, Texas
- Corey Webb - Marietta, Georgia
- Crystal Aikin - Tacoma, Washington
- Daniel Parra - San Diego, California
- Deanna Dixon - Indianapolis, Indiana
- Emily Gomez - American Falls, Idaho
- Janice Collins - Altadena, California
- Jermaine Sellers - Joliet, Illinois
- Juannell Johnson - Chicago, Illinois
- Kenya Glover - Chicago, Illinois
- Lawrence Williams - Jacksonville, Florida
- Melody Betts - Chicago, Illinois
- Queensley Felix - Houston, Texas
- Saudia Mills – Warren, Ohio
- Shari Addison - Chicago, Illinois
- Tamara Thomas - Huntsville, Alabama
- Tasha Collins - Chicago, Illinois
- Trevon Davis - Flint, Michigan
- Yvonne Cobbs-Bey - Pinole, California
The second episode of Sunday Best aired on October 9, 2007. Ten of the twenty contestants performed, but five would be eliminated and the remaining five would move on to the next round.
Trevon Davis from Flint, Michigan sang the first song entitled “Sweeping Through the City.” He opened up the show with his energy and strong voice. He didn’t over-sing the song, he took control and carried each note from lead to background singer. He had the judges in his corner. Sing, Trevon!
Tamara Thomas from Huntsville, Alabama sang “I Need You Now.” There is no doubt she has the skills, but her voice hit some pitchy notes. Her nervousness had not been totally conquered by the time she came to the stage, and her performance suffered because of it. Tamara allowed her weight to cause her to doubt not only herself but the gift that God has given her. When she realizes that she is beautiful, her voice will shine through. Kirk Franklin admitted that she could sing better than he could in his effort to try and boost her spirits. Backstage correspondent Beth Payne also encouraged Tamara, whose demeanor did not hide that the judges’ comments hurt her. Be bold because you are beautiful, Tamara!
Janice Collins from Altadena, California sang “Glorious.” This young lady has definitely found her purpose in God—to sing. Her voice commanded the attention of the audience. The warmth of her presentation engaged the audience. She had the judges well pleased. You go, Janice!
Saudia Mills from Warren, Ohio sang the song “Stand.” Though she had some patchy spots, she sang from her heart with conviction and passion. She has the ability, but didn’t utilize it. The judges admitted that more had been expected from her. She had the look, but unfortunately her vocal performance wasn’t the best. If at first you don’t succeed… you know the rest, Saudia, next time give it your best!
Shari Addison from Chicago, Illinois sang “You Brought the Sunshine.” This lady has a heavenly voice. As a matter of fact, this is the judges’ wild card. To think she almost didn’t make the top twenty finalists is mind-boggling. It is obvious she has been gifted. Keep singing unto the Lord Shari!
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Da'rrell
I am truly interested in auditioning for Sundays Best. If by any chance you hear that they will be coming to New York please let me know.
2 - PrynceAl fka Syr Teck
Lawrence Williams aka WHAT dats my potna we did alot of music together in the past, Da Bomb Squad, he will take it all by God's grace...the boy been hustlin dat "walk w/ Jesus" for a long time so its his time to shine now in the name of Jesus!!!!
3 - Billi Nicol
Hey Cuz! Your article is on point! We have been following Sunday Best - I'm so glad someone had the foresight to put a gospel twist on American Idol! I'm putting my money on that wild card known as Shari Addison. She's the one!
4 - Vernell Payton Jr aka "PHENOMENAL"
I was hopeing that someone could inform me of the next available audition for "Sunday Best" and what would I need to do to be part of this awesome program, I am ready to go to the next dimension and I believe that this could be my chance. Please contact me soon as possible. Until then be blessed.
5 - Ruby Brown
I too am interested in the next auditions for Sundays Best. Thank you so much.
6 - Anitra
I just don't see how everyone is singing Chrystal Aikens praises when Shari is the obvious best.... I'm guessing if the judges vote on voice alone.... Shari's the obvious winner... Unfortunately they may go for someone younger, which isn't bad... but it isn't always good just to vote for someone with a pretty voice who is younger. I Shari reminds me a little of I guess maybe... another Vanessa Bell Armstrong. But like someone said, may the best person win.
7 - Tasha
Hi all,
I'd also like to know when the auditions will be for the next Sunday Best competition. Thank you!
8 - Lottie
Hi I'm new to this, but I love BET.I felt bad for my niece vera who wanted to audition for gospel sunday best,BET.She have a Gospelvoice that make a sinners want to repent their sin a GOD BLESSING VOICE.PLEASE,PLEASE,I'm also interesting and when is the next audition for the next sunday best competition. GOD BLESS Thank You!
9 - thomas
hie i would like mto know how to enter sundays best.
10 - thomas
will there be a sunday best competition in Louisiana.
11 - Pamela
I am loving the show...I Tivo it when I am not at home to see it....I too would like to know when the auditions will be for the next Sunday Best????? Please, thank you and I look forward to your reply.
12 - Pamela
I am loving the show...I Tivo it when I am not at home to see it....I too would like to know when the auditions will be for the next Sunday Best????? Please, thank you and I look forward to your reply.
13 - Sonya B.
Can you please confirm if dates and locations have been set for the next audition?
14 - Ken
Shari, you are great, I couldnt believe it was you still blowing those heavenly melodies like back in the days at Chicago Vocational High School! So proud of you! You go sister!
15 - William Downing
I am from Richmond Va. I would love to audition for Sunday Best. It has always been a dream of mine. To write and sing my own music. What a gift from God!
16 - Barbara Walker Jones
Hi,I would like to know when your next audition will be I'm writing from Gainesville, Fla. I love and watch the show everytime its on. P.S. will you please contact me for your next audition. Thank You and may God richly Bless you.
17 - Adriane
what is the future for
Sunday Best, and will there be more of it, and will they make public locations and times for auditions.
18 - Melody
Hello and thank you for opening the door for christians to express themselves in a way that we are comfortable with. I am so interested in auditioning for Sunday's Best. I am from New Jersey so whenever you come close to it please let me know. God Bless!!!
19 - Cakinia
GOD BLESS YOU ALL I LIKE TO START OFF SAYING THAT MANY ARE CALLED BUT A FEW ARE CHOSEN AND I LIKE TO BE CHOSEN TO AUDITION FOR THE NEXT SUNDAYS BEST WHENEVER YOU ALL COME CLOSE TO TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA PLEASE LET ME KNOW. BECAUSE GOD HAS ALLOWED ME TO MINISTER IN SONG ALONG WITH A STRONG ANOINTING FOR HIS PEOPLE SO I'M READY UNTIL WE MEET BE BLESS..
20 - Shavonne Gray
Hello, My name is Shavonne Gray and I am from
Knoxville, TN. I would like to know when will the next audition for sundays best be, and what is the nearest city you will be in.
21 - RPG
Praise the Lord..I have a lady that will blow your mind with her magnificent voice and want information when the next audition will be coming to the San Francisco Bay Area, California. She is truly annointed and blessed with a voice only sent from God! Please PLEASE let me know, so I can send in her demo. thanks and God Bless!
22 - Deborah Walker
All these critics are jealous, they need to shut up and let God and his talented, get the glory for once. Get a Life!!! We need this, and I hope as the years past, that it continue to be anointed. For that's what will keep it fresh and real. God's people need contracts, like others. Whoever came up with this, may God bless you. It's refreshing to see that God's people are everywhere.
23 - K. Amos
I am currently living in Memphis, TN. I would like to know if you will have auditions in my city and if not where can I find a list of your auditioning cities/states. Thank You! Kizzy.
24 - B
Hello, I'm a resident of Alabama. I also am interested in learning when the next auditions will be held. I feel like southern states barely gets any recognition from the music world. If you have a God given talent, it shouldn't matter where you come from.
25 - IESHA DURANT
I LIVE IN THE ATLANTA GA AREA JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHEN WERE AUDITIONS IN MY AREA AGAIN