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By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Kirk Franklin is joining the reality TV fray.
The Grammy Award winning gospel recording artist has been tapped to host BET's new reality competition 'Sunday Best,' debuting Oct. 2 at 8:00 p.m.
The weekly series will scour the country's storefront churches, parishes and mega-churches to find the best undiscovered singers in America.
Grammy Award-winning gospel superstars BeBe Winans and duo Mary Mary who will serve as judges and mentors
'Sunday Best' is our opportunity to celebrate our own," Franklin -- recognized as the biggest-selling contemporary gospel artist in Nielsen Soundscan history -- said. "The phrase that the best talent is from the church can no longer be an opinion. It must now be a reality."
Thousands of hopefuls from around the country, who auditioned for the title of 'Sunday Best,' will be narrowed to twenty finalists in the first five episodes. In the second half of the season, the contestants will perform live and viewers will have the chance to vote for their favorite contestant via phone and text messaging at the end of each show.
Think of 'American Idol' but for churched people.
The winner will be crowned on a December 4 telecast.
Franklin, the recipient of five Grammy, 11 Dove, 34 Stellar, four NAACP Image, two BET Awards and a 2006 American Music Award, serves as an executive producer of 'Sunday Best.'
VIDEO: Kirk Franklin -- 'Imagine Me'
Comments: (79)
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By: Blaqgod on 9/13/2007 8:48PM
I guess next will be Dancin'4 Jesus or "Who Wants to be a Christiannaire". Makin money in the name of God is so blasphemous. This is just a shame
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By: Angela Zanders-Polk on 9/13/2007 9:31PM
Speechless . . . Angela Zanders-Polk
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By: N.Athon on 9/13/2007 10:36PM
I don't think there's anything wrong with putting someone on . . . talent is talent, and if the can give a sistah/brotha a leg-up in the name of their lord, then more power to them. The thing that gets me is that, as hinted in previous posts, I think this is more about money/fame for the show's producers & hosts than actually giving someone a "shot". I may be wrong, but doesn't Kirk look like a skeevy pastor from a store front church in that purple get-up?... It's just an opinion ya'll ;o)
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By: marietta on 9/13/2007 11:49PM
I think this is great. There are so many christians that have talent that need a break , good mentors.I an so tired of people thinking christians dont need money. If Kirk makes money , it takes money to live. Money runs the world.Those writing on this blog against money need money to live.
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By: robbyrob on 9/14/2007 9:08AM
dam man! that's good.. I think religion and success should not be mixed or cross!! if you have a talent then you have a talent regardless of your good.
check out the cross!
http://www.spymac.com/details/?2245617
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By: Phyllis on 9/14/2007 8:44AM
Why Not...I don't see anything wrong with it. With all the other ridiculous reality shows out there...why not have one based on religon.
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By: GC on 9/14/2007 11:37AM
Kirk Franklin is a short, little freak! He looks like the type that cruises adult book store parking lots looking for guys walking around wanting some freaky action in the alley. I think Kirk and Prince would make a good couple. They both look 'freaky'.
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By: GC on 9/14/2007 11:40AM
It's also amazing to me how much Kirk Franklin and actor Duane Martin (Tisha Campbell's husband) look alike. The wide nose, the eyes, and even the smile. I wonder are they brother's? (I said 'brothers', not 'lovers', thank you).
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By: Laura Richardson on 9/15/2007 2:08PM
Kirk Franklin is an inspiration to young people and to all christians. I think people should really watch their negative carments about a child of god. Yes, his music is upbeat but changes had to be made to enticed youger people.He is trying to do something positive for all people and I applaud his efforts.
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By: ewok on 9/17/2007 11:58AM
kim burrell should not be a judge. you can't get any better than her. she is the alpha female of singing! the head meerkat. seriously, all the singers out now, gospel or otherwise, will tell you she is....beyonce included. kim is the truth! when you can sing with ALL of the Clark Sisters in a show and eat them for BREAKFAST...you are one cold individual.....and she is.
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