Last week’s show gave us talents by the tons. The second half of the roster was able to show their best . It was a show filled ups and downs. The judges gave everyone a fair shot . There were nicknames created. Mama Sue was born. Donnie McClurkin was in church.

Isaiah Freeman, IV, 28

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

Isaiah Freeman, IV has big shoes to fill because his father is a church bishop, entrepreneur, educator, and an accomplished musician and singer.  Not daunted by the task, Freeman has followed in his father’s footsteps in many ways by attending Central State University, serving as a praise and worship leader and by becoming a successful songwriter.  His signature baritone voice has opened many doors for him, including performances with the Cleveland Orchestra and Dayton Philharmonic, as well as performances throughout the United States and abroad.  Freeman believes that the next “Sunday Best” winner will be a guy filled with the Holy Spirit.  It is for this reason that Freeman auditioned for the show multiple times before.  He is engaged and plans to be married in the spring of 2012.

Song: My Life Is I Your Hands

What the Judges Said:

Donnie McClurkin: You brought it brother.

Erica: It had a Fred Hammond quality

Tina: You showed great quality

Annalisha Robbins, 21

Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska

Audition City:  Los Angeles, California

Annalisha Robbins traveled over 2,000 miles from Anchorage, Alaska, proving that Alaska has more to offer to the world than Sarah Palin.  Robbins’ church family made sure that the world would hear Robbins’ voice as they came together to pay for her travel expenses.  Robbins’ young star has been rising for quite some time, having opened up for Mary Mary when she was just 11 years old.

Song: It’s The Lord’s

What the Judges Said:

Donnie McClurkin: You need to be confident.

Erica: You have to be confident in your anointing.

Tina: I don’t feel like I got the best.

Roosevelt Griffin, 24

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

Roosevelt Griffin hopes that this is truly his season.  Griffin auditioned twice before only to be turned away.  But, that didn’t stop this preacher’s kid from trying again, during which time the judges could not deny him this season.  Griffin has been singing since the tender age of 5, when he started out singing in a group with his family known as the Taylor Family.  It wasn’t long before Roosevelt stepped out into the spotlight as one of the leaders of the group.  Growing up in a home with his mother and siblings, Griffin was very active in church and ultimately became the Minister of Music at the age of 15.  Griffin continues to be active at his church home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Song: You Are

What the Judges Said:

Donnie McClurkin: You gave it the best you had.

Erica: I don’t think you told the story well.

Tina: It was little overwhelming. I felt you threw the climax.

Sue Roseberry, 55

Hometown: Midland, Texas

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

A local legend in Texas, Sue Roseberry is a natural born singer and storyteller.  This grandmother of 15 has toured all over the South blessing audiences with her soulful and traditional style of gospel. She considers herself a storyteller and loves regaling the other contestants with stories of her singing the gospel.  A graduate of the College of Santa Fe, Roseberry has a B.F.A. degree in performing arts.  She is employed as a Land Analyst by Energen Resources Corporation and still finds time for her creative pursuits, which includes singing and professional storytelling.

Song: The Lord Will Make The Way Somehow

What the Judges Said:

Donnie McClurkin: This is what happens. You have the favor of God

Erica: I can’t wait to see what you gonna do in the rest of the show.

Tina: Good God Thy Mighty

Eric Drew, 27

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Audition City: Los Angeles, California

Representing for the new school of gospel singers, this laidback singer has a style much like his native Los Angeles.  But, when it comes to his passion for teaching young people, he becomes extremely animated.  As a young schoolteacher in Los Angeles, Drew spends most of his time in the classroom.

Song: The Presence Of The Lord Is Here

Donnie McClurkin: You must always be in control

Erica: It was ok.

Tina: You need control.

Felecia Russell, 41

Hometown:  Dallas, Texas

Audition City:  Dallas, Texas

Nerves almost got the best of Felecia Russell.  While at the Dallas auditions, she nearly left the auditions twice, but her two sons urged her to stay.  It’s a good thing that she listened to her sons because her audition was a hit among the “Sunday Best” judges.  This single mother is determined to make the best of being on “Sunday Best”.

Song: The Presence Of The Lord Is Here

Donnie McClurkin: The fear and terror on your face bothers me.

Erica: That wasn’t your best.

Tina: I believe that you believe, but I don’t think you believe in yourself.

Quentin Bethea, 22

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Audition City: Dallas, Texas

It has been said that one person’s trash can be another’s treasure.  No truer words have been spoken as it relates to Quentin Bethea.  At 8 years old, Bethea found his treasure when he stumbled upon an old piano meant for the city dump.  Bethea pulled the old piano into his garage and began to hammer away until the notes became melodies, the melodies became harmonies, the mixture became chords, and eventually the chords became songs.  Since then, Bethea has been afforded such opportunities as performing live with the Gibson/Baldwin Grammy Jazz Ensemble. He earned a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee School of Music, but had to drop out to support his family.  He now serves as the Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Restoring Place Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Song: Blessed Assurance

Donnie McClurkin: I didn’t feel there was a spiritual connection.

Erica: You got to find a way to be not nervous.

Tina: I think you were a whole key under.

Timesha Sampson, 29

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

Timesha Sampson hit the road from Memphis, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia with only $35 in her pocket.  This didn’t bother this pint-sized singer one bit because she had faith that her journey to the “Sunday Best” audition would not be in vain.  Her faith comes from having watched her uncle, who was nearly killed in a car accident, relearn how to do everything from walking to talking.  Sampson’s soft speaking voice is anything but when she opens her mouth to sing.

Song: There Is No Way

Donnie McClurkin: You lost control. It lost me

Erica: I love the energy but it felt all over the way.

Tina: I liked you. I believed you.

Brian Ezra Bates, 40

Hometown:  Huntsville, Alabama

Audition City:  Atlanta, Georgia

Personifying the saying “walk lightly, but carry a big stick,” this Alabama born firefighter has a quiet, yet strong presence.  When he is not putting out fires in Huntsville, Alabama, he is burning up the stage with his fiery vocals.  Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Bates’ earliest childhood memories encompass music.  Music spoke to his heart for years through a broken home, multiple adversities and many failures.  Recently, at his grandfather’s funeral, Bates promised that he would do something with his voice.  He fulfilled that promise by not only auditioning for “Sunday Best”, but in securing a spot as a Top 20 finalist.

Song: When We All Get To Heaven

Donnie McClurkin: I’m not sure where you are going.

Erica: It came off as if you were trying to pull us in.

Tina: Calm down a little.

Monica Smith, 31

Hometown:  Greensboro, Alabama

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

She might be shy and soft-spoken, but Monica Smith sings with a big voice. Nicknamed the “baby Shirley Caesar,” the married mother has a down home and soulful style of singing that can be likened to the sound of the great gospel legend.  Smith’s inspiration comes from a long history of being raised by a traveling caravan of gospel singers. Her aunt and mother traveled with her to the Atlanta audition. She hopes being selected as a “Sunday Best” top 20 contestant will help her break out of her shell.

Song: I Rather Have Jesus

Donnie McClurkin: You are a singer.

Erica: I love the gospel preachy that you do.

Tina:  Yea baby. I believe in you.

The final 9 are: Andrea Helms, 37, Amber Bullock, 26,Michael Pugh, 35, Isaiah Freeman, IV, 28, Michael Washington, 30, Sue Roseberry, 55,Monica Smith, 31

Felecia Russell, 41, Carlington Roberts, 34

The following 3 will compete next week for the final 10th spot:

LaTrice Smith, 35, Shanandolan Reynolds, 22 and Timesha Sampson, 29

Make sure you are following @Elev8official for stories like this and more. For more from Oretha Winston follow her on twitter here.

Montell Jordan Uses “This Is How We Do It” In His New Song “Shake Heaven” [VIDEO]

The winner of Sunday Best will not only receive the title, they will also receive a 2011 Ford Explorer, a cash prize and a national recording contract! Make sure to follow @Elev8Official on twitter on Sunday night during the show. We will live tweet! When the show is over come hang with us at Elev8.com for a recap and discussion of the show.

Who do you think will win?

Tonight’s showcased Top 10 were:

Toneisha Jones Harris, 35

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

With her trademark gospel flower corsage, Toneisha Jones Harris can brighten up any room she enters.  At 13, Harris was offered a recording contract, but her mother decided that it would be best if her daughter complete her education first.  As an adult, Harris represented the State of Maryland in Vickie Winans’ Rising Star Competition, where she placed 2nd overall.  She has also performed in several stage plays and musicals.  During the recent recession, Harris experienced some rough economic challenges and is excited about making the most of her appearance on “Sunday Best”.

Song: Here I am To Worship

What the Judges Said:

Donnie McClurkin “ You got a little lost”

Erica  I feel like it could have been better if it was simple

Tina You should have  showed more passion

Michael Washington, 30

Hometown:  Los Angeles, California

Audition City:  Los Angeles, California

Michael Washington is a singer, arranger and producer.  Born in Covina, CA, Washington developed his talents in church where he sang in the choir.  Living in Los Angeles, he has appeared in such major projects as the “Pop Stars,” the “Wade Robinson Project”, the Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez movie, “Gigli”, and “The Fighting Temptations”.  Washington also directed the San Gabriel Valley Choir leading it to a 1st place win in the McDonald’s Gospel Fest 2001 choir competition.  Presently, Washington performs in several shows for Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.

Song: Great Is Your Faithfulness

What the Judges Said:

Erica: That was good and polished

Donnie:That was good

Tina:That was good

Andrea Helms, 37

Hometown:  Dallas Texas

Audition City: Dallas, Texas

Andrea Helms is a triple threat for Jesus.  She’s a preacher’s daughter, a preacher’s wife and a pastor.  Growing up, her childhood home was filled with music and ministry, as her parents served the Lord faithfully as pastors for over 35 years.  Nicknamed “The First Lady,” Helms met her husband at the tender age of 13.  They have pastored for 13 years and are currently serving as the pastors of Friendship Church in Denton, Texas. There, Helms also serves as the Minister of Music.  She resides with her family in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas.

Song: “Because Of Who You Are”

What the Judges Said:

Erica “You were awesome. “

Tina”I believe everything you sang. You delivered.

Donnie” You were in the presence of The Lord”

Chase Stancle, 26

Hometown:  Grand Rapids, Michigan

Audition City:  Los Angeles, California

Chase Stancle wanted to make sure that his voice was heard when he traveled from Michigan to Los Angeles to audition for “Sunday Best”.  Sure, Atlanta may have been closer, but Stancle wanted to give himself multiple chances to win.  Turns out, it only took one audition for the judges to tell him yes.  This married father of three works at Kentwood Community Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he serves as the Family Ministries Worship Arts Director.  Stancle wants to live in God’s will, whether it be singing before a small church of 50 or a stadium of thousands.

What the Judges Said:

Erica: There  was something missing

Tina: You did a pretty good job

Donnie It was missing something.

Amber Bullock, 26

Hometown:  St. Louis, Missouri

Audition City: Dallas, Texas

Before she could talk, Amber Bullock was singing. Whether it was at her native church in St. Louis or in her newly adapted home of Dallas, she always has a song in her heart.  Bullock attended Oakwood University, where she sang second alto in the school’s elite choir.  After college, Bullock landed in Dallas, TX, where she now calls home.  Being cast as a top 20 contestant couldn’t have come at a better time for Bullock because she recently totaled her car and has been sleeping on a friend’s couch. Winning the title would enable her to better provide for her two-year-old daughter.

What the Judges Said:

Erica: you were amazing and anointed.

Tina: You killed that

Donnie: Nothing seemed to stop you. I want to hear more

Carlington Roberts, 34

Hometown:  McDonough, Georgia

Audition City:  Atlanta, Georgia

A native of St. Mary’s, Jamaica, Roberts grew up in a family of singers.  He idolized his father and once he was older he decided to continue singing and being a praise leader.  Roberts hopes to repeat his Caribbean success story stateside having earned multiple Caribbean Gospel Music Award nominations and won the Top Caribbean Gospel Male Singer award in 2005.  After enduring what he calls a rough marriage, Roberts once contemplated suicide, but did not because of a voice that told him to “stand”.  He honored this voice by auditioning with Donnie McClurkin’s “Stand”.

Song: Lord I Lift Your Name On High

What the Judges Said:

Erica: I thought you were great.  I liked your energy

Tina: I loved the energy.

Donnie:  You have a distinct sound.

Shanandolan Reynolds, 22

Hometown:  Dallas, Texas

Audition City:  Dallas, Texas

Everything about Shanandolan Reynolds relates to her hometown of Dallas, Texas.  She was born and raised there and auditioned there for “Sunday Best”.  A graduate from the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Cedar Valley Community College, both in Dallas, Reynolds is currently a full-time Worship Arts student at Dallas Christian College.  Win or lose, Reynolds considers it a blessing to be able to minister to so many people through television.

Song: Joyful Joyful Joyful

What the Judges Said:

Erica: It didn’t grow.

Tina:  I think you have something.

Donnie:  It was really unique.

Michael Pugh, 35

Hometown:  Brooklyn, New York

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

Raised in the church, Brooklyn’s Michael Pugh has been singing his entire life.  With his grandmother and parent’s encouragement, he has developed into a gifted singer who leads his church choir on Sundays and sings professionally at weddings, birthday parties and church-related events, all in the midst of working full time as a tax preparer.  He has even opened for such artists as “Sunday Best” judge Pastor Donnie McClurkin.  Pugh auditioned for the show because his sister purchased him an airline ticket and demanded that he audition.

Song:“Thank you Lord”

What the Judges Said:

Erica: Thank you

Tina:  Yes sir.. you  came on with it amen

Donnie:  you are a gospel singer

LaTrice Smith, 35

Hometown: Macon, Georgia

Audition City: Atlanta, Georgia

Making it to the “Sunday Best” audition was a life changing moment for LaTrice Smith, having recently suffered through what she calls an abusive marriage that left her nearly penniless and homeless.  For this Buffalo, New York native, the cold winters sent her packing to Macon, Georgia, where she currently resides.  For Smith, music has always been her refuge and it remains so today.

Song:Walk With Me

What the Judges Said:

Erica:  I feel like you were trying to push. You were over doing it.

Tina:  I didn’t feel it

Donnie:  You had a couple of pitch things

Rikki Valentino LaFontaine, 47

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Audition City: Los Angeles, California

After years of singing background vocals for the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Yolanda Adams and Richard Smallwood, Rikki Valentino La Fontaine is now ready to step center stage with a solo career.   Originally from Dallas, Texas, LaFontaine made history when he was elected the first ever Mr. Prairie View A&M University.  LaFontaine currently resides in Los Angeles, California, but performs all over the world.

Song: I Need Thee

What the Judges Said:

Erica:  It was good but it wasn’t fantastic

Tina:  It didn’t feel complete

Donnie:  It made everyone think that’s it

BET’s “Sunday Best” Recap

Here is a video of Michael Pugh before Sunday’s Best:

These days he wants the world to know that there is an  anointing to ministry. He sat down with Praise Charlotte to talk about what real ministry is recently. This is what he said:

You can see what he has to say here:

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If you have the chops, check out the information below and audition as we look for the next Sunday Best! Here’s everything you need to know.

Please remember these auditions are for soloists not choirs.

Saturday, March 5 (7am-1pm)
Los Angeles, CA
West Angeles Cathedral
3600 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

Saturday, March 12 (7am-1pm)
Atlanta, GA
Location TBD

The  below list is the list of APPROVED SONGS that may be performed:

1. Amazing Grace (Traditional)
2. He Touched Me (Traditional)
3. It Is Well With My Soul (Traditional)
4. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow  (Traditional)
5. Old Time Religion (Traditional)
6. Every Time I Feel The Spirit (Traditional)
7. When We All Get To Heaven  (Traditional)
8. Love Lifted Me” (Traditional)
9. Jesus Is On The Main Line (Traditional)
10. Go Tell It On The Mountain (Traditional)
11. If It Had Not Been For The Lord On My Side (Traditional)
12. Silver & Gold (Kirk Franklin)
13. Stand (Donnie McClurkin)
14. The Best In Me (Marvin Sapp)
15. You Are God Alone (Marvin Sapp)
16. I Need You Now (Smokie Norful)
17. Encourage Yourself (Donald Lawrence)
18. God Is
19. We Fall Down (Donnie McClurkin)
20. Shackles (Mary Mary)

For additional information please call 1-855-879-5978, ext. 101

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

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In an article appearing in Essence this past week Pastor McCLurkin is quoted as saying:

“As pastors, we have to link arms and have bi-partisanships. The [Black] church has always been the face of the community. Now we have to take on the responsibility of becoming true servants to the people from all walks of life. I get so mad when I see these pimpin’ preachers driving Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, flying around in their private jets, and making it seem like prosperity and money is the way of God when 90 percent of your congregation is on Section 8 or can’t figure out how they are going to keep their lights on or feed their kids. I’m big on perception, and what would it look like for me to live so lavishly if the people in my church are struggling?” says Pastor Donnie McClurkin in the article.”

In venting his frustration over the behavior of some in the church community, Pastor Donnie McCLurkin reveals his own humility and sense of service to God and God’s people, by outlining his own relationship, financial and otherwise, with his church and his refusal to take revenue from a congregation that he has built from the ground up.

“I’ve done great in gospel music, and only a few of us have accomplished what I have, and guess what? I live in the ‘hood, not some place on the outskirts of the ‘hood. There ain’t no gate around my house; I have a white fence because the people I pastor live in that community. I have one vehicle and it’s not a Mercedes, it’s a Lincoln Navigator. I don’t receive a dime—not an Abraham Lincoln copper coin—and haven’t for the last seven-and-a-half years because I’m okay.” he tells Kenya Byrd of Essence Magazine.

As such, Pastor Donnie McCLurkin has become a model and an example for others to emulate. His mentality and actions, that places a greater emphasis on service than profit, can only be admired by all of those who love the Lord and are seeking to do his will to the best of their ability. Pastor McCLurkin makes it clear that he has options, but chooses to live a modest and humble lifestyle because that what God has called him to do.

If I wanted to buy a Phantom or Bentley I could and not hurt my pockets, but I’m okay with what I have. I can sing and work and I let all that money go back into the church so we can buy the delicatessen on the corner, or the house next door to make it state-of-the-art low-income housing. We’ve trained our people to put their leaders on pedestals, and some people want to live vicariously through their pastor and say, “My pastor has this and he’s on television and so on,” but then what do you have? How have you prospered and grown? So when I hear other pastors say, “My people take care of me,” I’m thinking, But you’re supposed to be taking care of the people. I just don’t get it. Pastor McCLurkin goes on to say.says McClurkin.

What is best gleaned from the wisdom and honesty of Pastor McCLurkin is his healthy attitude about the church and who it belongs to. His “ecclesiology”, which is worthy of our consideration, perhaps best represents what Christ had in mind when he gave pastors to the body of Christ in the first place.

I don’t have a church, but I do have a church that I pastor. I can’t name something the Donnie McClurkin Temple because the people do not belong to me and if they did that would mean I have slaves. I am simply a vessel to deliver God’s word. At the end of the day, it’s God’s church, not mine. advises Pastor McCLurkin.

McClurkin also works in the media; he hosts a nationally syndicated radio broadcast, “The Donnie McClurkin Show,” which airs in more than 60 markets.

The show now includes a second hour, called “Gospel Gold,” which highlights classic gospel songs from influential artists including Andrae Crouch, The Hawkins, The Staple Singers, Clara Ward and the legendary James Cleveland. In addition there’s a new segment called “Donnie’s All- Star Kids,” which focuses on children who are doing amazing things in their personal lives and in their community.

“My true excitement about the radio show comes from being able to be interactive while reaching several million people. Through radio, internet, and technology I’m able to communicate with the “All Star Kid” segment and our “Kid Bits” segment,” Donnie said in a statement. “Kids call in to ask me about the bible or any subject. We’re able to interact with listeners on-line taking telephone calls from people all over the world.”

On August 28^th, the minister will host his annual New York Call conference, which will take place in Eisenhower Park. McClurkin is also kicking off a series of meetings called “Perfecting Music Ministry Conference,” set to launch August 19 in Chicago. The two-day conference will include day- time workshops with guest speakers and evening services.

“I want to utilize all my gifts to unify and draw from the different wells of knowledge we have. It’s time to realize that our diversities should not separate us, but in this eclectic display of unity I want to show the true love of God and the true love of man,” says McClurkin.