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Torrence’s Take On Sunday Best, The Finale!
May 10th, 2009This one might be long or short. I just won’t know until I’m done typing. My apologies for not posting this immediately after the show Sunday like I normally do, but last night I was spent. Watching this season unfold from the online auditions that started last year, to in person auditions, to the “birth” of this blog, and watching each weekly episode, I became very “close” to all of this. I had met at some point almost all of the contestants, even if it was just by phone or email. I had gone back and forth with myself and friends (and some of you 
), trying to guess who would win, who should win, etc. So by the final episode after all we’d been through, I was a bit of a mess. After finally discovering who would be named our Season 2 Sunday Best winner, I just needed to breathe. So now that you’ve heard that melodramatic rant and have accepted my apologies (better had!)…. On with the show!
Kirk Franklin brings out our two finalists. Both Y’Anna and Jessica give us some heartfelt testimonies about how far their lives have come just in the last year. It was a bit of a “moment.”
But boyyyyyyyyyyyy was that moment ruined with that romanticized MKS infomercial they threw in there! Kirk wore me thin with that one. “Ooh look at it, it’s just so beautiful. Touch it.” Subtle much? Ha! OK let me stop, we love the folks at Lincoln. And the car is hot! (Hehehe)
Next up, this season’s mentor and one of my favorite gospel artists, Donald Lawrence and Co. performed their hit “Back II Eden.” Those of you who know me and/or follow me on twitter (twitter.com/TorrenceG) know that this is one of my favorite new songs but also a song that gives me much grief. Why? Because it is such a painful reminder that although I can carry a little tune, I cannot play an instrument. (I’m told my tambourine skills from back in the 80’s/90’s don’t count.) Donald and his crew killed it though. They’re so professional! Oh yeah, special shout out to Latrice Pace! I don’t know how she does it. She sang background vocals the entire season, sang background for The William’s Brothers on the show, performed with her family group “The Anointed Pace Sisters” a few weeks ago on the show, AND then performed with Donald Lawrence last night. That woman works and you know she’s good, because she’s singing with EVERYBODY! Latrice, take a vacation! You surely have worked for it.
We then got to hear Y’Anna and Jessica do a remixed version of New Edition’s “Can You Stand The Rain.” Interestingly enough, that’s one of my favorite New Edition songs too. Johnny Gill used to go OFF on that thing! Ha! But anyway, I think the ladies sounded amazing on it. I know some folks were probably disappointed that they didn’t sing a traditional gospel song, but I’ve learned that there can be ministry in places where you LEAST expect it.
Next, Y’Anna comes back to perform Donald Lawrence and Tri City’s hit “Encourage Yourself.” Miss Y’Anna was still very hoarse but she just has a way of powering through!
Right after that, Jessica Reedy returned to perform the hymn “I Surrender All.” Jessica, Jessica, Jessica is all I can say. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house in ATL and neither was there in my house! Something very, very special happened there and I have to be careful as I type this. This blog post could end right here if I think about it too hard. Call the usher!
Next up was another special guest performance. BeBe and CeCe Winans reunite to perform their new song “Close To You” and announce their new album and tour. It was good to see them together again, but didn’t you get the feeling that they were still kind of learning the song? Haha. I know most of us probably wanted them to sing “Heaven” or one of their classic songs, but that’s what the tour is for! You can sit next to Tina Campbell of Mary Mary. She’s bought enough concert tickets this season to have some show to attend everyday for the next 6 months!
Next up, the moment of truth. Y’Anna Crawley is declared the winner of Sunday Best!
I want to end by giving a huge congratulations to both Jessica Reedy and Y’Anna Crawley for making it to the finals and for being an awesome set of finalists. I don’t know if you noticed but last week when each of them guest blogged, neither one of them specifically or explicitly said “vote for me.” That says a lot about the character of these young ladies. You both are awesome!
Y’Anna, congratulations are due to you for a hard sung competition. You sang us up, down and your gift CANNOT be denied. Make sure to keep singing ‘em crazy!
Jessica, I told you “You Got This” when I first met you in DC and not a single thing has changed. YOU STILL GOT THIS! I mean that, it’s really only the beginning for you. Gospel NEEDS you and we’re glad you’re here!
Well folks, that’s it for me…today. Thanks for coming for the ride, but this is just the beginning. The blog and ME are sticking around, so now that the show is over, don’t disappear. I’ve got some surprises in the coming days and weeks as well as just more good gospel interviews and views from yours truly. Trust me, gospel is about to blow up on BET & BET.com, I can’t say everything, but there’s some good stuff coming.
I’m out!
Torrence
I am a Sunday Best fan, but this year I was disappointed from the very beginning. The entire season lacked a spirit of worship and ministry. Far to commercial for me. I can appreciate Jessica’s jazzy sound but her stage presence wreaked of nightclub attitude. Y’Anna can sang but her stage presence bordered on performance as opposed to anointing. The songs this year were a little to secular for me. Sunday Best is supposed to be an opportunity to spread the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ. There are a lot of other venues to sing inspirational songs so why waste this opportunity on songs that make you fill good but fail to minister to your soul. Latrice did a great job and I was sorry to see her eliminated. The pre taping of the winner spoiled the moment. SUNDAY BEST you really need to rethink your approach next year or you show will become as commercial as American Idol.
To everyone that is concerned or leery, may I share something with you?
The show was on a production SCHEDULE. They didnt tape the shows on a weekly basis over the course of the season. They were done back to back. It wasnt rigged… the voting process was a real process.
Yanna is confident. In the midst of skeptics, it’s seen as cocky… but at 31, she knows her instrument, trusts God and produces the fruit. Don’t say such awful things about our sister!!! Or God’s daughter.
As to why she sang the single…. she had rehearsed!!! Jessica also learned the song… and HAD she won, she would have performed it also.
Deal? Bet? Okay?
Alright then. Let’s be happy for her and buy the project. Amen. Jessica WILL have a record too… i promise.
Absolutely Byron!
Torrence
“T” you are saying no disrespect to Y’anna….. BUT YOU ARE DISRESPECTING HER! if you dont have nothing positive to say keep it to yourself and just support Jessica! GEEE WHIZZZ…
To “T” you are saying no disrespect to Y’Anna BUT YOU ARE DISRESPECTING HER! if you dont have nothing nice to say dont say it at all and just support jessica!
I am wondering why everytime i try to post my comment it is not being displayed?
To “T” you are saying no disrespect to Y’Anna BUT YOU ARE DISRESPECTING HER! if you dont have nothing nice to say dont say it at all and just support jessica! To EVERYBODY THAT IS ON THIS BLOG BASHING YANNI… really you must all be bitter with your own lives. stop being ENVIOUS… I BET YOU ARE THE SAME PEOPLE THAT CALL YOURSELVES CHRISTIANS OR MAYBE CHRISTIANS IN DISGUISE!! anyway this was a singing competition and THE BEST SINGER WON… get over it!
Congratulations! to both contestants. I am sure Jessica will do well in the gospel industry but for my girl Y’anna she blew it out the box even on the low low song of New Editions “Can you stand the rain”. Props to Y’anna Crawley titled Sunday’s Best.
Jessica is very unique, love her!!!! However, Ms. Crawley has a range out of this world. She can go high, low , gospel and jazz . Which the jazzy is very much of Jessica love that style i can feel that. I love Ayanna ; she prove that she can sing anything and everything she chooses to. She blasted whiled having problems with her voice. We have to understand that when you are in competition you have to be prepared in many ways and Ayanna did just that. You have to have variety meaning multiple talents. I know that Jessica is going to do extremely well; for the record I will be the first to buy her CD along with Ayanna those women were great. I loved it loved it loved it. Now let’s to next. WHO IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT SUNDAY’S BEST.
Congratulations to you Yanni!!! Love to you baby girl. You stage presence is one to be reckoned with! I know you are a humble lady even though you exude confidence. You command attention but you give us what we are looking for once you get it.
Jessica … you were my next choice. I really wanted to see you come full circle with a different type of performance but I trust you will do will in the industry and I will assuredly buy yours too!!!
It is so troubling that people will choose to write their observations on this blog with a tone of condescension and judgement. Especially to the extent that it would tear someone down. It seems as if it would be better served to pray your own strength in the Lord. The Internet is public and the tongue is like the sword. Both Y’Anna and Jessica are parents. While Jessica’s child is not able to read this, Y’Anna’s is. I would think as christians one would find a better venue or a better choice of words to convey opinions. It would hurt my feelings and discourage me to read some of these posts. God only knows how my sons would feel to hear someone talk about me like that.
I don’t think I will ever understand how mean and evil people can be towards one another.
Y’Anna Crawley,
I am so happy for you I give God all the glory you have truly touched me. You have a beautiful voice and I been routing 4 you all the way. You earned this yes indeed God paved the way. Good luck with your career and God bless you and your two boys and the rest of your family.
Bebe and the other Mary was not crying because Jessica sang I surrender all that good he had a friend to die and that was her favorite song so don”t think Jessica make them cry for real. and oh boatwright is still my favorite
The way we see ourselves and our relation to God determines how we behave. How do you see yourself? Are you Confident/COCKY (SAME THING) in your relationship with GOD? Some of you sound so parinoid. As if what GOD has for you isn’t for you. Well let me tell you, What GOD has for Yannie, it is for Yannie! None of you can keep GOD from blessing her. Tap into what GOD has planned for your life and keep your ill sayings off of GOD’s Property!
BIBLE STUDIES FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS;
“You had better see that your fences are put up well in the first place. Plow your ground deep; and sort your seed; be careful not to sow foul seed; and take care of that great, ugly bull. I think you had better poke him. The rest I will tell you when I come.”
TO: YANNA DIDN’T DESERVE IT;
Let’s see where do I start? Oh yeah. Here we go. Just because Yannie doesn’t have the cookie cutter traditional gospel image you’re used to seeing doesn’t by any means suggest that she’s not deserving of this Sunday’s Best title. You’re assuming a lot which tells me that you know nothing! How would you know what she deserves? Did she get on her knees and ask you to forgive her for her sins? Would you be able to grant such a request? No!!! Get this; You do not matter!! If she had to get grace from you, she may have well been nailed to the cross. The problem is that you’re afraid of the unknown the unfamiliar. You don’t know her or what she’s endured. You don’t know her struggles or her victories. But guess who does? The ALMIGHTY!!!. You talked about JESUS!!! Yes!! I said you!! Your ancestors!!! The same ones that defiled him had to eat their words and run for the hills. RETREAT!!!! Once you start putting your mouth on GOD’s Property it becomes a different ball game. Yannie deserves this more than anyone I know. If you beleive everything you hear then you’re no more relevant than the person that’s speaking all of these unthuths. Get it together (SAINTS?) You may as well create your own blog and call it “NAIL YANNA TO THE CROSS” But before you do, think about how JESUS was victorious in spite of! GOD promised her and guest what? IT’s HERS!!
You can’t take it away, no matter how much you hate. It is what it is!!!
The Season 2 of Sunday Best was a bit different from Season 1. Change is good but I would like to suggest some changes for next season if any one is interested. Who should comments or suggestions be directed to?
Please advise. Congratulations to Y’anna eventhough my personal preference and choice was Jessica R.
Congrats to both ladies! But i was pulling for Jessica…Y’anna was a strong and confident singer but where was the anointing? She must have read the reviews because her scenio changed from giving shout outs to her children to acknowledging GOD(which should have been said before the final show). Why is everyone giving excuses on Y’anna’s behavior…REGARDLESS to the fact, she should have been reverancing GOD~ when i last checked the show is called SUNDAY’s Best (Gospel Show) lol…but im waiting on both albums to drop…Jessica keep your head up! You may not have gotten the MKS but there is a BENTLEY with your name on it….now take that Y’Anna! lol Jessica’s voice was graceful and peaceful…plus she was an amature singer that tore up the stage…and Y’anna was in a group that recorded an album(???) experienced…wow, you got your TV time girl, you are smart! lol The Judges were great…but it’s time to change it up! Where is Fred Hammond, Tamela Mann, and Yolanda Adams…now that’s some judges that no one can out do!!!
Sis. Reedy…On behalf of the worshippers of the body, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for opening up the Holy of Holy room each time you sang a song…I thought the world was ready for you but I guess I was wrong…one thing I do know is that we NEED you to continue ushering in the presence of GOD wherever you go…the anointing resides on you and HE will lead you to great needs for the destroying of yokes. May GOD continue to bless you Abundantly!!!!
First Off CONGRATULATIONS Ms.Crawley!!!!!
Now I’v been following the show & blog the entire season. I tuned in with my own personal favorite…Latice Crawford.Having my own favorite I was still able to appreciate all the talent as well as the gifts(I personally don’t feel evry1 was gifted). I don’t think she was Sunday’s Best- Yes she has an awesome voice and performs well however the only song that touched me was Grandma’s Hands whereas with Jessica & Latice I was moved by evry performance(and thats what gospel is about uplifting 1another).
Now what I would like to know from all of those calling bloggers ‘haters’ & ‘Yanni bashers’ imagine your reaction had she not won. stating disagreement does not make a person a hater-It makes them opinionated!
Be Blessed
I was very disapointed. I felt like Jessica had a stronger relationship with God. I looked at the interviews online, and on tv, and Jessica was more sinsere, and humble. Y’anna has a “famous” aunt in the industry….. Go figure. America can’t get past the screamin, heavy set gospel singer, that’s why I feel Y’anna won. Jessica has a unique voice, that the gospel industry needs. Thank God america doesn’t have the last word, God does!!!
I believe BeBe and Erica cried because “I surrender all” is a reminder to take your troubles to the Lord. When the weight of the world is on your shoulders or you feel lost and don’t know where to turn take it to the Lord in pray and he will hear your cry. NOTHING is bigger than GOD! It’s about the message not the messenger. Y’anna you did your thing throughout the show, congrats. Jessica every song given to you, you’ve made your own. Also, you made me cry more than once, keep ministering. Latice, Dontavies and Zeb can’t wait to hear your project along with Y’anna and Jessica’s. Please continue to give praise to the most high…Our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
I was very surprised that America picked Y’anna. I say this because the winner from this season and last season sing a lot a like. LOUD!!!
I thought Y’anna can sing, however Jennifer truly ministered to your soul.. It was amazing, she was very different. Truly a gift from God. My prayers is that she continues to do Gods will and stay in the word like she said she was going to do.. God has a true blessing in store. As we know God does everything for a reason and Miss Jennifer that wasn’t it RIGHT NOW!!!! However I truly believe that you are going to be a blessing in someone’s life real soon. I thank God for true and faithful people like you!!!!
This is a gospel competition…people are on her commenting like this is mediatakeout. Y’anna voice is crazy and God blessed her as the winner. In no way does that take away from the gift that Jessica has. Also, for everyone that is commenting about Y’anna cockiness or lack of annoniting…this is what’s wrong with “church folks” now always judging the next person. We have no idea what God has done for Y’anna & she doesn’t have anything to prove to the world when her blessings are fromGod. It goes with out saying that this was taped prior to last night and wasn’t live because they have been showing actual commericals from last night’s show all of last week, which means that when taped she did not know that she was the actual winner…let’s just stop judging…GOD has that covered!