2011 was a year with so many great Gospel songs, but fans voted “Nobody Greater” by VaShawn Mitchell as the best of the year in the Digital Gospel Music Awards, presented by Elev8! He beat out great songs by some of Contemporary Gospel artists, and received 487 votes, which was enough win 22% of all votes.

Second place was a tight race, with William McDowell‘s “I Give Myself Away” and “I Smile” by Kirk Franklin getting 16% of the Digital Gospel Music Awards votes for Best Gospel Song of the Year. McDowell’s 374 votes were just enough to help him secure Franklin’s 369 votes.

“He Has His Hands On You” by Marvin Sapp, Deitrick Haddon‘s “Well Done” and “I Believe” by James Fortune, came in fourth, fifth and sixth place, respectively. Rounding out the list are Wess Morgan‘s “I Choose To Worship,” ”Walking” by Mary Mary, and “Over & Over” by Trin-i-tee 5:7. Troy Sneed‘s “My Heart Says Yes” was surpassed for the last spot on the Best Songs of 2011 top 10 by Le’Andria Johnson‘s “Jesus” by receiving 41 write-in votes.

Congratulations to the nominees, and VaShawn for his victory! We look forward to more great Gospel music in 2012!

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RELATED POSTS:

Best Gospel Albums Of 2011

Best Female Gospel Artists Of 2011

Best Male Gospel Artists Of 2011

Best Gospel Choirs Of 2011

Best Gospel Groups/Duos Of 2011

Best Gospel Acts On Social Media

So many Gospel artists have embraced Facebook and Twitter and stay connected with their fans on a daily basis. And it is our pleasure to recognize some of those who touch their fans consistently via social media. Congratulations to Kirk Franklin, LeCrae, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary and VaShawn Mitchell for setting the standard!

Vote for the Best Gospel Act in Social Media for the Digital Gospel Music Awards, presented by Elev8 in the poll below until Monday, December 19th. And find out who won on Wednesday, December 21st!

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RELATED POSTS:

Best Gospel Song Of 2011? [POLL]

Best Gospel Album Of 2011? [POLL]

Best Female Gospel Artist Of 2011? [POLL]

Best Male Gospel Artist Of 2011? [POLL]

Best Gospel Choir Of 2011? [POLL]

Best Gospel Group/Duo Of 2011? [POLL]

Check out this video from Jason Nelson to get a feel of what it’s like to be a part of Kirk Franklin’s Fearless Tour!

RELATED POSTS:

Kirk Franklin Nominated For Elev8 Digital Gospel Music Awards!

Jason Nelson “Shifting The Atmosphere” [LYRIC VIDEO]

Deon Kipping “I Don’t Look Like (What I’ve Been Through)” [LYRIC VIDEO]

Gospel Song Of The Day: Amber Bullock “Thank You”

Is Isaac Carree The Best Male Gospel Artist Of 2011? [POLL]

“Homegoing Ceremony” For Jessy Dixon Set For Monday

The tour kicks off on November 1, 2011 (see full listing of tour dates & cities below) and will feature special guests Isaac Carree, BET Sunday Best winner Amber Bullock and Verity Recording artists Deon Kipping and Jason Nelson.  Franklin will be touring in support of his 12^th and latest CD masterpiece, Hello Fear – featuring the chart-topping single “I Smile.”

Following his inspiring surprise performance on the recent American Idol Finale and a number of high profile appearances, including Late Night w/Jimmy Fallon & The Mo’Nique Show, Franklin’s single, “I Smile” spent 23 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songs chart and is currently holding strong at #2.  The song is #3 on the Urban AC chart.  The album, Hello Fear, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel sales chart and #5 on the Billboard Top-200 is a continuation and reflection of the living legend’s sixteen year music career.

Chart Toppers Newsboys Premiere Reality TV Show

Franklin is especially passionate about performing songs from the Hello Fear project, as the specific message of facing our deep fears in this current economic situation and times of uncertainty in this life, have a deeper impact than ever before.  His own life experiences, revelations and lessons learned bring him new motivation and inspiration to let these messages be heard.

Franklin is once again partnering with the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign to increase awareness and to educate the African American community about their risk of stroke — the third leading cause of death of all Americans and a leading cause of long-term disability among African Americans. Franklin will use his voice to help his fans understand that stroke is largely preventable by watching your diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking.  He also will share the importance of knowing your individual risk factors, such as family history, high blood pressure or diabetes, as well as working with health care providers to manage risk.

Through dynamic performances and show-stopping moments, the Fearless Tour will give fans a chance to hear Kirk Franklin’s music as they never have before, yet still experience the creativity and high-energy that fans have come to expect from his powerful performances.  Audiences will hear music from Hello Fear, which will include new songs with deep personal meaning to Franklin, as well as those that have made Franklin one of the greatest performers of our time.  The tour will introduce Kirk’s fans to an eclectic and all-points-reaching approach to music ministry, with performances that span the musical styles of gospel, soul, hip hop, pop and beyond.

“I have learned so much. I want to take those lessons as well as my own experiences as a man who grew up with one foot in the church and one foot in the streets, and use that to connect with this generation.” Franklin aims to share these lessons with young, urban audiences while on the Fearless Tour.
Here is a special thank you from Kirk:

There have been a few songs that have been standouts.

# 10 Kirk Franklin “I Smile”- Is Back with a track that guarantees that you will appreciate everything in your life. He just finished hosting a 4th stellar season of Sunday Best.

# 9   Troy Sneed My Heart Says Yes- Troy Sneed was originally known as a producer but now leads the pack with a song that is not only uplifting but inspiring.

#8 Beverly Crawford “It’s about Time For a Miracle” who is best known for singing with the New Life Singers on Bobby Jones Gospel.

#7 Dietrich Haddon “Well Done”- On January 25, 2011 Deitrick Haddon released the much anticipated “Church On The Moon”, his fifth album with Verity Records. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboards Top Gospel charts and #65 on the Billboard 200. You can read more about his historical music video by visiting the article EXCLUSIVE: Deitrick Haddon’s New Historical Video Premiere Scheduled

#6 Wes Morgan “I Choose to Worship” was recently featured on the Monique show where he brought the house down with his testimony and performance

#5 forever Jones “He Wants It All” is most definitely the musical example of a family that prays together stays together forever JONES’” is nothing less than a full-fledged family affair, with all 5 children adding the mix with their respective musical gifts. You can read more about this family’s accomplishments by visiting foreverjones.emigospel.com You will be lifted by this song.

#4 Mary Mary “Walking” The sisters have released a single that will point you in the right direction. If you have not seen the video yet visit here. Mary Mary’s New Video Is “Walking” Mary Mary has had a great year with just signing on to do Pillsbury commercial.

#3 William McDowell “I Give Myself Away” All across the world, worshippers are raising their voices making the simple, yet profound declaration, “I Give Myself Away So You Can Use Me.” This heart-felt anthem is stirring up a movement of renewed abandon to the cause of Christ

#2 James Fortune & Fiya “I Believe”- James Fortune is a family man that recognizes his success is only as comparable to his obedience and yielding to God’s will. He invites you to transform your life and remain committed to your God given journey. He recently signed in with Music World Gospel making this a year he will not soon forget.

# 1 Vashawn Mitchell “Nobody Greater”- On his sophomore effort on Tyscot, Promises, he encourages himself while encouraging others. I had a wonderful opportunity to sit down with him and you will  love what he has to say.

Related Articles:

• Mary Mary’s New Video Is “Walking”
• Exclusive Video: Mary Mary: Don’t Be Anybody Else Be You”
• 6 Top Tips To Be Fearless
• Minute Meditation: Prayer For Happiness

Hello Fear, the latest release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates another week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also sits at #17 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #73 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Earnest Pugh‘s Earnestly Yours moves to the #2 position this week. The famed WOW Gospel 2011 compilation comes in at the #3 position this week, while Something Big from Mary Mary enters at the #4 position this week. Times of Refreshing from Pastor James R. Adams & The Abounding Life C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir & Musicians rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, William McDowell‘s effort As We Worship: Live jumps eight places to #7 while Culture Shock, the debut release from Jai debuts at #25.

World Premiere Video:GI-”Lead Us To Truth”

In addition, newcomers Manifest debuts at #32. Watch here as we will have a  mini concert LIVE on Elev8 coming in the next few weeks.

Future Music

Michelle Williams is conemplating new gospel music. She has said,
“Of course, my first two solo albums were gospel and gospel still being my first love, which I will definitely be doing a gospel album soon.”

New ON DVD

The deluxe edition of Get Ready by Forever Jones can be pre-ordered now. The release date is August 23rd, but you may want to order it now because it looks like it’s going to be a great addition to your gospel music collection.

The deluxe edition comes with a second disc completely filled with live full-length TBN appearances from the family band singing such gospel songs such as the popular “He Wants It All,” “Time To Believe” and “Jubilee”

Tonight’s  show was called , “I Do, Wedding Songs” . Last week gave everyone to compete for their spot to head to Gospel history

BET’s Sunday’s Best has selected their final contestants to compete for the grand prize.

Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin opens the show with “The Prayer”

Tonight’s theme was singing at Weddings called “I Do” Gospel singer and minister extraordinaire Kim Burrell is  their de-facto vocal coach. .

This week’s contestants and songs were as follows:

Contestant #1

Michael Pugh, -“You & I”

Donnie McClurkin: You surprised the heck out of me.

Erica Campbell: You did so great. I think you did a fantastic job

Tina Campbell: That was fantastic

Contestant #2

Timesha Sampson,- “I Believe In You & Me”

Donnie McClurkin: You have great voice

Erica Campbell: It wasn’t presented as well as could be.

Tina Campbell: I didn’t feel that you sang it best.

Contestant #3

Monica Smith-, “At Last”

Donnie McClurkin: You adapted.

Erica Campbell: That was fantastic.

Tina Campbell: That was wonderful.

Contest #4

Andrea Helms-, “Wind Beneath My Wings”

Donnie McClurkin: Purity …Purity You made the song beautiful.

Erica Campbell: I did enjoy everything. I believed it.

Tina Campbell: There is purity in your voice that shows you use your instrument.

Contestant #5

Amber Bullock, “Ribbon In The Sky”

Donnie McClurkin: You held back a while lot.

Erica Campbell: I think you did good with the song.

Tina Campbell: I wish you would have taken it a little more tender.

Contestant #6

Isaiah Freeman IV, “So Amazing”

Donnie McClurkin: Always keep the control

Erica Campbell: I think you went back to what was safe.

Tina Campbell: I think it hurt you tonight as your tones were not good.

Contestant #7

Sue Roseberry aka Mama Sue  “Jesus Is Love”

Donnie McClurkin: You messed me up.

Erica Campbell: I love it. It was posied.

Tina Campbell: It was tasteful.

Jill Scott closed the performance segments with a heart wrenching performance of  song about the mistrust of love. You knew she was singing from a place of pain . You felt every word.

Do you have a favorite contestant yet? Did they send the right people home? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Make sure that you follow us every Sunday night on twitter as we discuss the show live on @Elev8official.

MAJOR SPOILER BELOW:

The two dismissed this week were Isaiah Freeman IV and Timesha Sampson.

“Sunday’s Best” Second Group Performances [RECAP]

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.

Here is Kirk on the Joyner show this morning:

He continued his  Billboard Chart domination yesterday with his album “Hello Fear” at # 1  for the 8th week in a row. The album is # 34 on the Billboard Pop Charts. Be sure to check out his exclusive interviews with Elev8 here:  Kirk Franklin:”We’ve Lost Our Moral Compass.” and  Kirk Franklin “This Album Was The Best Experience Of My Life.” [Video]

Make sure to watch my exclusive interview here: Kirk Franklin:”We’ve Lost Our Moral Compass.”

HELLO FEAR is the 4^th highest Gospel debut in SoundScan history, and solidifies Franklin’s position as the music industry’s top-selling Gospel artist.  This is the 10^th Kirk Franklin CD to reach the #1 position.

He told me earlier this year that this was the best album of his life. You can watch that interview here: Kirk Franklin “This Album Was The Best Experience Of My Life.” [Video]

Now comes the video for the second single “I Smile” with guest appearances from Mary Mary, Jill Scott, Donnie McClurkin, Terry Vaughn, Kirk’s wife Tammy and more! Get ready to smile!