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: sherman tate on 9/18/2007 12:22AM
To everybody who is against Kirk is against God and if you are against God Kirk help alot of people come to christ he has a heart for Gods people I know I meet him and talk wit him Im a Gospel Rapper I do movies and I produce Gospel comedy shows on dvds we need all Gospel on all t.v. stations Kirk if you read this man forget what people say katrina took everything from my folks but God is still good we rebuilding people are dying and yall on this site fighting against God Son Kirk Im wit Kirk Kirk u help me when I got out of prison Ive been save for *years hey Kirk make the devil mad I wont to do a song wit u hit me up shermantate@aol.com let me know how much u charge much luv.
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By: Avery on 9/18/2007 1:00AM
Hey, you cant do no more worst than another season of I Love New York LOL. Nah seriously, there's nothing wrong with him doing that. AHEAD KIRK, you cant please people. There same people who may have a problem with him doing the show,making money HONESTLY, are the same people who would talk down to him if he made money the wrong way. Let your light shine dude....
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By: keisha on 9/22/2007 1:51AM
I also think that it's great that Kirk is doing this. God expects that Kirk do exactly what he is doing, to praise the Lord and to help others praise him. All the negotivity that is on here is ridiculous and you all should be the one ashamed for what you are saying. Kirk is a child of God, and a child of God you should not mess with. Hat's off to you my brother, and thank you for everything that you are doing. I want to know, if you are reading this Kirk, if I had a name of someone would you come to De Ridder, La and check them out. This young man is a great singer, there is just not enough words to express how wonderful of a singer he is. I've known him for many, many years. As a matter of fact, his whole family are singers. They are just wonderful. I really don't know why they were not discovered yet, probably because they never tried, but this young man really thirst to send out the message of how good God is. Please help me to finally give him the chance to spread his testimonies of how far the Lord has brought him.
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By: donnie on 9/21/2007 1:20PM
I am all for Talent searches and recognition for people who want to be famous, however, i dont get why this process was not publicized more so more people could participate. There is talent in almost every house of God i have ever been in. With Media and Money being at the forefront of everything doesnt it make the beautifully gifted people that sing in Church every Sunday a little bit too competitive thus making it just another secular money making media circus????????
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By: keisha on 10/10/2007 11:43PM
we need to know where or how to sign up.We thank God for sending you our way. The Guillory Family@tubbs2ubabby@yahoo.com
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By: Dave on 10/13/2007 12:40AM
Christal Garrick (Houston TX) was dressed appropriately "modest". There was nothing wrong with her outfit(check out 1 Timothy 2:9) Why would you discourage not only a former stripper who has been delivered and millions of vulnerable young souls watching, with a statement like "A lot of times in Gospel we just want to cover up but it's ok to be cute and sing about Jesus." Number one it’s not about being "cute". The focus is on the voice, don’t be like the world you are still representing Christ (in reference to the one who said the statement above) and not so called Church goers. I expect that kind of statement of that nature from "unsaved folk. You must be very careful about what you say. God forbid (Christal)backslides or dresses more "cute" and some young man lusts after her or who ever you just told(viewers), the blood will be on your shoulders (in reference to the one who said the statement above). This is Christal's conviction and transformation. Christal if you read this blog stay Holy unto God let him direct you. He said to seek him first an all things will be added unto you. Please Please change the venue to just something other than everyone doing "Gospel". I would rather you do a secular venue than have a new wave of mockery microwave Christianity. It just does not work. Scary J. Blige (Kenya Glover) was terrible, her appearance and performance was distasteful. If there was a comment about "attire" check out her belt "Sexy" that was not cute singing a gospel song, this just goes to show, you can't mix the world and God. We need to show the world that God did not call us to stay in sin, but to live righteous. It seems the new Gospel these days is God loves me even when I am sinning, so why not stay the same. swew I know you might say that it is not the place to teach the young woman about virtue but stand on your faith, the Word of God. What would be better is if the contestants choose to sing a gospel song if you’re going to do a American idol spin off then do it, but this is a bad idea and did I say mockery. Yes it’s a Job opportunity but what is more important? The soul or the money. Bad spiritual move. This does not belong please reconsider, it is Blasphemous this is definitely the end times. Repent.... so much to say but I let someone else get a chance.
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By: Da'rrell Belton on 10/15/2007 11:19AM
I feel that there is nothing wrong at all. I am a singer and I would love the opportunity to audition. If there is anyone out there who know when Sundays Best is coming to New York PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!! Email:SandyPandaSing@yahoo.com
Thank You
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By: DeShaun walker on 10/17/2007 8:38AM
I have two cousins that I think can blow the roof off a church, but just haven't been discovered. They are committed to the church and haven't made time for themselves. I would like to know if there is gonna be a season 2 and where the auditions are gonna be held. I would also like to know if there is a way they can audition online.
Thanks
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By: rose kelty on 12/05/2007 11:44AM
No weapons formed against Kirk Franklin shall prosper
not even on this message board!
Anytime God in the midst of anything you have no choice but have the light shine through you
As far as dancing for Jesus why not?
Peole been dancing for the devil for a long time
Kids and adults alike,shaking everything but the devil
off of them(look at the videos out there)
Thats the problem people eithe ashamed of the gospel
or still trying to fight new demons with old stodgy religion..
Kirk Franklin is a new Christian warrior on the same battlefield..
KIRK MAKE IT DO WHAT IT DO BABY!!!
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