There are only 7 contestants left in BET’s Sunday Best. The theme for this episode was “One”. The purpose was for the contestants to focus on their vocal skills and ability. There wasn’t a lot of music production backing the contestants up.
Here are my observations of episode 8.
Chrisette Michelle opened the show singing Donnie McClurkin’s Stand. She gave an absolutely wonderful performance. The judges gave her a standing ovation.
After her performance aired, she posted a note on Twitter talking about how Stand was personal to her. It was sung at her grandfather’s funeral.
Dathan Thigpen
He sang Friend of God. Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams loved him. I side more with Tina Campbell on this one. I didn’t think that he did a great job connecting with the audience. There was definitely something lacking.
Tiffany Carlin-Laird
Her performance of Going Up Yonder was light and smooth. The judges thought she gave a perfect execution.
Durward Davis
“He sounds like old school Fred Hammond.” That is what my wife said during his performance of Kirk Franklin’s Lean on Me. Donnie McClurkin talked about how he painted a picture with the song. Tina Campbell called it perfection. I would have to agree with them 100%.
Martha Buries
Her performance of Holy, Holy, Holy displayed her strong vocal ability. Her interpretation of the song was definitely interesting. The judges absolutely loved her.
Brian Smith
I think he’s firmly established that wearing a bow tie is going to be his thing. Yolanda Adams and Tina Campbell loved his performance of Lord I Lift Your Name on High. Donnie McClurkin seemed to have a different take. He didn’t feel like Brian connected with him or the audience. He also thought that Brian could have given more. Overall, I thought his performance was average.
LeAndria Johnson
Yolanda Adams called her one of the most phenomenal female voices of all time. I was absolutely speechless after her performance of Endow Me. She is just an amazing singer!
Elder Goldwire McLendon
I thought this would be the episode where we see a chink in the Elder’s armour. I definitely had my doubts when he started singing How Great Thou Art. Foolish me. He pulled off the end in spectacular fashion! The judges absolutely loved him. People in the audience were crying at the end of his performance.
In the end, two contestants were eliminated, Dathan Thigpen and Brian Smith. I do not have any problems with this decision.
In all seriousness I think LeAndria Johnson and Elder Goldwire McLendon are going to be extremely tough to beat. The judges and most of America have a great deal of affection towards both of them. Next week is going to be extremely tough. I can’t wait.
