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Guest Blogger: Durward Davis
Published by Torrence Glenn on Monday, June 7, 2010 at 1:13 pm.
Sup folks. Episode 10 of Sunday Best 3 was a tough one. It was emotional, anointed, dynamic and a little sad. We had to say goodbye to a crowd favorite Durward Davis. Like we’ve said a million times, anybody going home last night was going to be hard. But something about Durward not advancing stung a little bit for me. I was really one of his biggest fans. But I won’t go into again. Everything happens as its meant to, so I digress. But Durward Davis is going to give his own perspective on his time on the show and his exit so ladies and gentlemen, here he is!
***passes mic to Durward***
Thank you Torrence. Mr. Sound man, can you please turn up my monitor just a bit? Yes, thank you that’s good. LOL…This was perhaps one of the most defining experiences of my life to date. In fact auditioning was a leap of faith. Prior to the audition, I resigned from a pastoral assignment that I served in for two years. I grieved and agonized over this decision, but it was a decision that I had to make. One Sunday morning while watching BET Inspirational Programming I saw the Sunday Best Commercial and thought to myself hmm! No bells, no whistles, no orchestral strings playing in the background, no blinding light, no thunder, and neither a deep booming voice. I simply felt like I was supposed to do this. Not to sound too churchy, but I felt like this was a date with my destiny. Long story short you kind of know how the story takes a turn. But what you don’t know is, it’s certainly not over. I’m used to having to fight for my position. I’ve been fighting all my life to obtain my place and stick my steak and or mark my territory so to speak. I have never backed down from a good fight neither a worthy opponent. It’s apart of who I am. And because of this I have had to walk alone and that taught me how to become comfortable with my peculiarity. I learned how to celebrate Durward. I am well aware of who I am and who God has called me to be.
Walking away from this competition I now realize that what I have is not only authentic but it’s signature and in the words of the mentors and judges it’s legendary. My goal is to produce timeless music that will live long after I am gone. Friends this is just the beginning. By your love shown on facebook and twitter, I believe there’s an audience, a remnant of people waiting with bated breath for my contribution to this industry. In a conversation with Kim Burrell she told me…it looks like you’ve been waiting a long time for a moment like this and true enough I have. But without a doubt, the wait is over and I’m waling into my new season. If I had to go through it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am where I am because of His providence. Providence simply teaches us that God is actively related to and working in cooperation with us in such a way that he keeps us existing, he maintains and sustains us while directing and shaping our lives to fulfill his purposes. I’ll admit it was frustrating to receive no negative comments from the judges throughout the show, but still go home. Even if we were not all judged by the same rubric…I stand on Proverbs 16:33 and it says, “the Lot is cast but the decision is the Lords”.
Friends I’m in God’s hands. I am encouraged by the fact that the Lord always finishes what He starts. To my fellow cast members thank you so much for sharing your lives with me. I will never forget the moments that we have shared together. To my covenant brothers…you ALREADY KNOW! To the producers, judges, wardrobe, make-up, the Sunday Best band and singers, the staff and crew members and the best host ever “Kirk Franklin…(I got mad respect for this man). Congrats to Dad Goldwire & Leandria…I celebrate you both. I think that just about covers it…but if I come up with something else I will be sure to post it on my facebook page. Again thank you for your support and encouraging words. This will not be the last time you hear from DURWARD DAVIS. I’ve got a project that’s been on the shelf for a minute…lets see what the Lord will do with it. If you need me hit me up on facebook or twitter.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME…
“D”
Wait a minute…please turn my mic back on…Thank you…Torrence, you are the GREATEST…thanks for your support…I really mean that!
***Takes mic from Durward, but only after he sings “I believe in You and Me” one more time***
Thanks Durward, appreciate you stopping through and I know besides me, a bunch of us are looking forward to your future. Don’t forget about us hear? Because I will remind you of Detroit at the Cobo Center where you sang acappella for us for hours on end, k? Ha! Jokes.
That’s it for now! I’m out.
Torrence
I must say that I absolutely love Durward and the other four finalist! I feel sorry for the judges because they had a difficult decision to make as to which candidate to eliminate. Personally, I think that the last five candidates singing style (though different) and talent reached 100%, but someone had to be eliminated. I thought that Durward’s style was more what Sunday Best was looking for. I also believe that the show re-thought their direction a couple of times, in terms of who they wanted to promote.
This Sunday Best was foremost filled with the holy spirit .These performers was above and beyond . i do not see the need to criticize they all are singing for god.
THIS SEASON IS THE BEST, ALL THE PERFROMER WHERE GREAT. WHEN LEANDRIA SING SHE GIVE ME CHILLS. IT IS A BLESSING TO HAVE HER ON SUNDAY BEST. NOW THE OLDER GENTLEMAN IS GREAT AS WELL BUT I LIKE LENANDRIA, I CAN FILL HER STRUGGLE SHE IS AN INSPIRATION.
Hello sunday best fans and contestants. I have been a fan of this show since the beginning and this third season is byfar one of my favorites. Duward you were excellent. The judges obviously made a mistake here. Much respect for the elder but god is obviously in his favor. One comment you made that I think hurt you a little was “I want to win”. there’s nothing wrong with being competitive just watch how you word your comments. You still were excellent and I can’t wait to see more of what you can do. I watched you on youtube giving a sermon and singing if I was’nt mistaking. You seem to have the kind of heart women look for in a man. you will make a good mate or already are to someone. be blessed and keep doing what you do. As for Leandria Johnson, inspirational.annointed, and beautiful . From the audition on, I knew she was going to be special. When a person is annointed as she is I think god uses people like her to let us see how he works if you just believe. Leandria your album will definately be purchased by me and everyone I know. I even went as far as to ask Tyler Perry to check out your story and your performances in his spare time, that’s how much you touched me. I’m already a fan and I would definately like to meet you one day, you are one of gods children as we all are and deserve every blessing you receive. Hit me up in your spare time jackiewhite6627@yahoo.com. God has smiled on you!!!!! BE BLESSED ALWAYS. Jackie White
I have enjoyed this season and last season of Sunday Best. I missed the first season. There are some very talented and anointed people out there. I must admit was disappointed to see Brother Davis go home. I think is voice is smooth and polished and suited for gospel music. I think LeAndria is awesome and anointed, and Elder Goldwire is good. If it were up to me, it would have been between Durward Davis and LeAndria Johnson; but, everything happens for a reason. I thought David Thigpen was good also. I was kinda surprised by the wildcard, initially, but Martha Buries continued to grow and improve. The finally will be interesting, and I honestly don’t know what the judges will do. My only critique would be to the judges during auditions. I think you can be stern and give good advice (like they have during the actual competition) without being nasty. Please be careful — you may be handling someone’s DREAMS. Try to remember how it may have been for you.
I have been a Sunday’s Best fan since the beginning but I am very disappointed this season. The talent has been remarkable and phenomenal but the judges made the show a mockery this season. The judges did not give constructive criticism to the contestants and at times were hipocritical. First, if all the contestants were phenomenal why were they eliminated? Second, the same standards set for audition should continue in the competition and third, Yolanda and Donnie were too nice and Tina was just very ugly in a few of her critiques. Tina’s critiques were at times on point and other times plain unprofessional. I enjoyed season 2 judging, as the judges were critical but very professional. From last season to this season, something happened to TIna, she lost credibility when she began attacking people on a personal level, especially during the auditions. I hope Sunday’s Best producers will take a step back and look at this season without blinders and make the necessary corrections. I have to admit that this season, as a whole, had some of the best talent so far but unfortunately, thanks to the judges, a good wholesome competition was laid to rest very early in the show. I have to say they made a huge mistake cutting Tiffany, she was a Sunday’s Best. May God Bless… and judges take my criticism as constructive not mean spirited because I am a fan of Mary Mary, Yolanda, and Donnie.
I felt the same way when Latice was sent home last season! But Durward, like I have been telling my friend…your recording contract is waiting for you if you have not already received the call! I am confident in that one fact! You are too good for Sunday Best! I said the same of Latice and I will say the same for you! You are too good for Sunday Best!
Go forth into God’s will for you life! Love you and God bless!!!
I respect my elder but c’mon…..Davis should have made it to the final two and crown the winner….I will not watch Sunday Best no more….Lets keep it real….Johnson is good, so it should have been between Davis and Johnson….Enough said…just keep it real if you want people to support the show…Like I said I want watch it no more…..The judges c’mon now!!!!!!!!!!
I salute you Durward for your peformances in the Sunday Best competiion.
I felt so pride to have known you personally and to have had music training from you; because of your annointing your mission and purpose for life shall prevail. Always walk in love, I’m looking forward to seeing your future musical blessings.
Yes, I was disappointed because you are so much more than a contestant filler. Sis. Pam.
I salute you Durward for your peformances in the Sunday Best competiion.
I felt so proud to have known you personally and to have had music training from you; because of your annointing your mission and purpose for life shall prevail. Always walk in love, I’m looking forward to being blessed by your future good news and musical blessings.
Yes, I was disappointed because you are so much more than a contestant filler. Sis. Pam.
I like this year, the judges last year did not care about the anointing.
Lattice Crawford was filled with his spirit and had an amazing voice and was eliminated so Jessica Reedy a voice, but she showed no signs of the spirit of god when she would sing could stay in the race because she was what Gospel music needed ( Tina said) really no that not what we need in these hard days. This year Pastor Donnie and Yolanda Adams are looking for the presence of god just not a voice that’s what gospel music is about the anointing, so who ever wins this year, we will all be blessed by because they have amazing voices and the spirit of the lord.
Durward, many blessings to you my brother. You are truly a great singer and most definitely should be singing in the finals tonight. Wow, what a shame, but keep your head held high and keep the faith.
I am very upset that I am unable to vote for Durward Davis, in all respect I wouldn’t purchase a CD of Elders’ singing. I think Sunday Best should do away with Tina because she is biased towards women and she thinks she is the queen of gospel. Of course she would think to know what an anointed voice sounds like she thinks she anointed. Neither of the final two deserve the spot and I will boycott Sunday Best until a WELL DESERVING male wins. Also if you want a judge BET lets get some real singers SHIRLEY CEASAR, LASHUN PACE, KAREN SHEARD, DONNIE CAN STAY BUT…………… TAKE THESE WORDS OF WISDOM BET BECAUSE IF NEXT SEASON IS MIRROR OF SEASON 2 AND 3 YOU WILL BE LOSING VIEWERS ESPECIALLY ME!!
Mr.Davis you were great and I agree your contract should be in the mail.You do not even have to worry.God use this show to expose you to the world.I will definitely buy your music as soon as it comes out. Now on the other hand Elder.Goldwire is good.So is Leandria however, sometimes God does things we do not understand and we do not know what God has promised Elder.Goldwire in his life.Even for him to get this far is God so even if he does’nt win he will always be remembered by many.I knew when you were sent home it was because you were too much competition for Leandria.I think yes the judges already had in their minds who would win so the had to leave the winner with someone that was not a threat for what ever reason.It is a blessing to get as far as you did.There were thousands maybe millions that auditioned that did not even make it pass round 1 so God says you are Sunday Best your’s is just coming another way.Stay encourage and the best is yet to come for you.We must remember people are people referring to the judges rather rich or poor so we need to stop putting them on a different measuring stick. They did what they wanted to do. I was looking forward to you winning because women have won every year.Switch it up Sunday Best Mr.Davis can sing.You go boy and keep on keeping on.When God does bless you with your wife you make sure you sing to her as she comes down the aile that will just set it off up in there LOL Be blessed.I am married so no I am not flirting people just suggesting:).
In my opinion, the only reason Durward was voted off was because if he had stayed, it really would have been a tough competition for LeAndria and she just might would have lost. I think her sad story helped make up the judges mind early on that they wanted to see her go all the way and Durward would have made that very hard for her because he is that good.
I know that GOD has another plan for you , I truley enjoyed your singing and esp. the eric clayton song hope you will record that song . God bless brother
MY GOG MY GOD. I THANK HIM FOR YOU .KEEP SINGING NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL GOD SAYS ITS OVER
I have been watching Sunday Best since the first season, and I think this season contestants were all Sunday’s Best. They sung under the anointing of God. Mr. Davis, Elder, and Ms Johnson were my favorites; however, there is something special to me about Ms. Johnson. I truly believe she deserves to win this season . When she sings, she is telling a story through song, and I see, hear, and feet the message, and to me that is nothing but God all over her. She seems very humble and amaze at what God is doing in her life. I can’t wait to buy her CD. As for the judges, I thought you gave fair critiques, Tina, some of the bloggers didn’t care for your criticisms, but I thought you kept it real. I look forward to the next season.
I am interested in the annointed man of God I saw on stage.Mr.Davis I want to know who you really are.You said you were single ,so am I Seriously Can I get to know you?Sunday Best is a competition for contracts,cars and money which we need in these economic hardships,but God has promised us so much more than these materialistic things.People say you should have won don’t they know you have .There are so many lost souls out there and I believe God has more in store for you.I hope to hear from you soon
I have only been watching Sunday Best since season 2 and look forward to it bad, bad, I mean with anticipation. The singers this season were really great and anointed. I agree with the sentiments that Durward should be in the final with Leandria and a possible winner. I disagree with those who think that she does not deserve to be here. She is a better singer than Iyana, last year’s winner. Elder Goldwire is anointed but he is more a performer than a recording artist, and I dont see myself buying his record. I think his being here is more Sentimental than Real. Durward and Leandria are a different story. Durward can not only sing but his interpretation and phrasing were the best on the show, and he is also anointed. As a male I dont cry easily but Leandria brings tears to my eyes when she sings, I get excited just like when I listen to Donnie. My only criticism is that the Season was too short, too many cuts too soon. With no Derward in the final, my vote is for Leandria. Great season, Thank you all.