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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
If you read a piece that was done about Jessica Reedy from her hometown when the show first started she stated that they already knew the outcome because the shows were pre-recorded, but they all (all contestants) were suppose to keep it a secret. Don’t be mad at the winner or the contestants be made at the producers Bebe, Tina, Erica, and Kurt. Let them know that you want a live and fair show or just don’t watch it. I love gospel music, I feel that all top 20 were deserving and will support the new projects, because gospel needs new fresh artist. I am quite bored with every gospel show having Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, Donnie Mclurkin, Fred Hammon, Kurt Carr etc. There are other artist out there and I for one would love to see/hear them so yes Y’anna, Jessica, Latice, Dontavies, John Mcclure, Khalind and so many others would be so refreshing to hear for a CHANGE.
OH, ya’ ll are sooo funny!
AH AH! That is why my girl won, because of the nasty comments and some of you all are very bothered at it, haha!
Please again read why KAY KAY and Mease said. It is done. It was what God had in store. ‘
You all are actually giving me more jokes than enough, and will be the first ones to be tryin to quote the BIBLE.
I am proud of you Yannie, we all are.
I cant even get bothered because you all act like you were on the stage, dont know this woman from no where, but thanks because it only makes those of us that have her back, encourage her even more.
STILL LAUGHING!!!
@Torrence—did D Lawrence select the contestants’ songs?
Also, did anyone see the young lady in the audience of the final show that had a speech impediment. Remember, this is the young lady that auditioned in Atlanta?
CKS, CeCe is an outstanding SINGER and she don’t do runs. But her voice is pure and sweet. And I’ve never heard Shirley Ceasar do runs. So what is your thing about RUNS. So CKS, run on and see what the end gon’ be. Fantasia runs too much.
I was very disappointed in the show. I really thought that for once that the depth of the anointing of God would supercede-JUST FOR ONCE!!! I really enjoyed Y’Anna but THAT Jessica was the-WOW factor. The anointing of God on Jessica transcended through the television and touched beyond the emotions, it destroyed yokes that were soul bearing. She in her performance of I surrender all-confirmed what the word of God talks about-THE ANOINTING THAT DESTROYS YOKES. It made you think about if you have truly surrendered. She so represented uniqueness and the need for change in the industry-Her transperency, humbleness, as well as her gift is so what the WORLD needs to see in order to be drawn. I’m not surprised though. The World didn’t choose the ultimate Anointed one (Jesus) who happened to be different in HIS way when He was with them-they chose what they were familiar with.
I hope Sunday’s Best doesn’t follow the trend of the same type of sound and the same gender over and over. Differentation is a must to keep the interest of your viewers.
OH MY GOD ! HOW MANY OF YOU PEOPLE VOTED IN THIS PROCESS MAYBE THATS Y YOU FEELING SO BAD ABOUT WHO WON , YOU GET WHAT U PUT N I VOTED FOR BOTH GIRLS THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIMES ,IT’S JUST NOT JESSICA’S SEASON YET BUT WHEN IT COMES ITS GONNA B A SEASON ! I THANK GOD THAT BET PUT ON SUCH A PROGRAM ! I COULD WATCH IT ALL WEEK LONG (I REALIZE THAT SOME PEOPLE DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY SOMETIMES ) IT’S A GOD’S DEAL AND IT’S DONE SO DEAL WITH IT LOL !!!!!
Is this a ministers forum. I declare I havent seen such words thrown around before. Annointed, spirit, blessed, yall going to hell! Let that beautiful lady have what God gave her! Unclench your fist, open your heats so God can give to you and do a work in your life. What he had for her he gave her. I watched her struggle for years. He perfected her steps along the way. He spoke with he this entire time. He blessed her in exchange for her everlasting commitment to him. Yall check on them deals yall made with the devil and see how yall can pray your way out! She’s beautiful, and yes Sassy. I NAMED HER THE SASSYSOULSTRESS, what you all were priveledged to for a few weeks (not long enough to pass judgement on anyone) we have been witness to for her lifetime. She is the Best! Let it Go!
Olisha, I thought I was the only one that caught that. When she said that, my mouth dropped. I had to play last week’s show to see what Jessica said. And Jessica said, after singing “I Won’t Complain”, “I told Y’Anna and Latrice that I was somewhere crying and SAD!!! While we are on the subject of real and fake. I also just viewed last year finale and the WINNER broke down crying. So, I don’t know whether last year finale was pre-recorded or if it was live. AND NO I’M NOT A HATER.
It amazes me how people go back and forth on the boards when a winner is announced for Sunday’s Best. When the contestant went on the show they knew it was just that a contest. When the viewer turned on the tv they knew it was just that a contest. As we know in a contest there is a winner and a loser but that doesn’t take away from that person’s anointing and/or destiny. God is the director of our paths. Rest assure what God has for both young ladies it is for them and they will get it. And for the record this same bickering took place when Crystal Aikin won. But guess what both ladies released a cd. So just sit back and wait for the cd from Y’anna and Jessica. Enough with all the snide comments and chatter.
To God Be The Glory!
Jessica Reedy!
The exciting & new sound in today’s gospel. And so statuesque and gorgeous to boot. Twenty years old… with that kind of voice??? Good Lawd!
Can’t wait to hear more from her.
Jessica Reedy people!
Olisha, Are you American? LLAM…..just thought i’d ask. Still LLAM….
Daaaang…. @ bjam and Olisha. Ole girl Y’anna is cutthroat huh? Stealing Jessica’s testimony?? Wow. Big momma wanted this badly huh? LOL.
Sunday Best is a good show. I just have one question. Why can’t the runner-up receive a gift of some sort. Just like the last time, Kirk Franklin thanks them and that’s it. Reeder deserved something for putting her life on hold for this contest. Do it the christian way and give her something.
YANNIE YANNIE YANNIE!!!!! Let it go people. SHE’S THE BEST!!! Hey Kay and Ain, it’s Angie’s friend.
One thing…to all of you who are making negative remarks…God is not pleased. May God bless BOTH Y’anna and Jessica.
it looks like the devil is still working on the blog folks! LOL TO THOSE INDIVIUALS MAKING THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS I AM GOING TO SAY A PRAYER FOR YOU TONIGHT! yanna won! get over it. Even though i voted for yanni and preferred her… i wouldnt have disrespected jessica the way you all are disrespecting yanni. its really unbelievable… some of you are judging a person you dont even know… and even if you do know here you are still wrong to judge! get a life
I have come to a conclusion….people are just haters. No matter who won, people would have somethin negative to say. Some people just wont be pleased. LET THE PERSON WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE!
Can we just pray for a change in others if we see wrong instead of pointing out others’ sins to cover up our own?!!!!
It is a real shame. Just because you call yourself a christian doesnt mean you are. I just ask one favour…be honest. Call yourself what you are! Cuz ur not foolin anyone but urself.
Congrats to all contestants and their futures… But this is why America should have had more than 2 people to vote for…… Everyone on the show have good enough voices to record. But obviously everyone had there personal favorites…
Is this a gospel blog or a gossip blog? Just wondering…thought I would ask after reading some of these comments. Some of you so called CHRISTIANS have sunk to an all time low. People we can agree to disagree without the negativity. I too wanted Jessica to win, but she didn’t so life goes on. There is plenty of room for both these young ladies in the gospel industry. Y”anna congratulations on your win and Jessica the best is yet to come.
It has been stated several times leading up to the finale that the show was PRE-RECORDED. There were two endings tapped and the ending with the winner would be shown. People please let it go!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE THAT PARTICIPATED!……BUT!… The “people” choose to buy or not buy concert tickets, The “people” choose to go to wal mart or a local bookstore or itunes to buy an album or not, The “people” choose to request what songs they want to be requested at a radio station or not…….. So the “people” should have more say so at least from the top ten or five on…. That isn’t hating it is just fair… The 2 ladies to choose from were awesome but so were ten others. It just would have felt better if we would have decided who goes to the final show and not the judges… KEY WORD “SHOW”… Gospel or not it is still a show for entertainment that’s why they created an American idol copy cat in the first place… What if Beyonce was a judge on American idol cutting possible competition? That wouldn’t set right either with me…