Memphis Exuberates Praise
I was really hoping that my state (I live in Nashville) would represent tonight. I wanted people to fill the arena, choirs to be on point and Memphis to show these Detroit (resident judge Marvin Sapp) and Chicago (host Donald Lawrence) people that we’ve got it going’ on. They did! I am so happy and really proud. Our Titans are struggling, but there was nothing but victory at Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound, “The Search for the Best Church Choir In America!”
Memphis filled the Fed Ex Forum with 6,457 people that understood the power of praise! It was explosive when Donald Lawrence opened the show with “Let the Word Do the Work”, backed by the All Star Choir. Such a fantastic opening and I know people were amazed by the size of the stage, the lights, projectors, and Donald’s awesome performance.
We had sensational presentations by the judges as well. Resident judge Pastor Marvin Sapp brought the house down with his song “Never Would Have Made It.” Kurt Carr performed twice, singing “Peace and Favor Rest on Us” and “Overture”, a medley of many of his popular songs. It was like a trip down memory lane and it was wonderful to experience such an accomplished writer and arranger. Michael Davis from the Early Morning Praise party on 95.7 Hallelujah FM was also on the panel and was such an asset.
Oh, let me back up a little. True story. I went out to do my intro to a very welcoming crowd. However, my joy was short-lived when the teleprompter, my lifeline, decided not to show the script, but instead showed some blue, tetris-like blocks. I considered just standing there like a deer in headlights but I had to say something, and it went like this. “Tonight, we have some small choirs, and some large choirs, and… um, one of those choirs is going to Detroit, to……uh, represent…” Finally the prompter came back on and I was saved. Painful. Honestly, I can speak intelligently, I just got so internally freaked out that my brain quit.
Ok, so on to the good stuff. Voices of Melrose from Melrose Baptist Church opened the small choir category singing, “Everything/Bow Before the King.” They were so worshipful and all of the judges commented on that, with Michael Davis calling it “A great worship experience.” The lead vocalist was also a big hit with the judges. Such a sweet voice.
Second was Voices of Judah from Mt. Gilead Ministries singing “There’s No Way.” I wasn’t familiar with this song before the tour, but now I love it. The choir did a great job delivering this song; remaining traditional until the end and then really showcasing their power and strength, causing Kurt Carr to say, “I felt like I was in a Sunday morning service.”
Memphis choirs have definitely picked some great songs. Another of my favorites, “Bow Down” was sung by Bethel AME Mass Choir. I got a little emotional watching them. My great grandfather was an AME missionary in South Africa and was the denominations first African elected bishop. I never met him, but his only daughter, my grandmother, Frances Williams sang in her AME Ensemble Choir for as long as I can remember. She passed away this June and I know she would have loved to be at this event tonight. Yet, my sadness turned to worship as the choir sang “Consuming fire, sweet perfume, His awesome presence, fills this room” and I thought of my grandmother now residing in the presence of the Almighty God. I can’t imagine what that’s like, but this choir gave us a taste as they sang with worship and authenticity. I was quite blessed to experience them.
All of the small choirs were showcasing some great soloists and Good Hope Church Sanctuary Choir was no exception. They sang “When The Saints Go To Worship” and what an awesome job they did! Such strength and again such a passionate and reverential performance. So far Memphis has been full of substance and it translated to a time of praise after their performance leaving Kurt Carr “ready to have some church!”
Juan (my husband) and I were on the big screen tonight after doing some Gospel Karaoke. So much fun. Other Memphis-ians were in the concourse performing as well and got some big screen time during the main event. Gospel Karaoke is just one of the attractions in the lobby that folks can enjoy before the show and during intermission. There’s also a Youth Gospel Showcase, and an art exhibit consisting of original pieces that Verizon Wireless has commissioned exclusively for How Sweet the Sound. Tonight’s painting entitled “Choir Director” by artist Morris Howard was gorgeous and will be donated to the YWCA of Memphis after the show.
After intermission and an extraordinary Marvin Sapp performance, it was time for the large choirs to take the stage. First Holy City Church of God In Christ got a huge response from the audience when introduced by Donald Lawrence. Possible fan favorite? Too early to tell, but they were definitely working hard singing “Souled Out” and gave a solid performance with tons of energy. I had so much fun watching them, it totally felt like Sister Act 2.
The crowd started screaming for the next choir before their intro just because they recognized their robes! Greater Community Temple Voices from Greater Community Temple Church of God In Christ opened to the roar of the audience and within 30 seconds of their selection, “My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord”, I knew what all the fuss was about. This choir was tight! They brought the southern fried funk to the FedExForum with their jazzy sound and insane choreography (they even did the Matrix slow-mo move). Every last audience member was on their feet and they were so good, all Pastor Sapp could say was “Sick. Sick. Sick! Just unbelievable!”
The previous choir was a tough act to follow but Mt. Morah East Baptist Church Choir wasn’t fazed. Singing “It Is Well With My Soul,” they came out in full effect with incredible dynamics, a beautiful arrangement that sounded symphonic, powerhouse vocals and tremendous control exhibited in their extensive call and response section. They made the crowd fall in love and they gained a lot of new fans.
I love that this event is all about the community, the choirs and a celebration of the hard work that they do. Even if a choir doesn’t win, they still win by getting to perform on this massive stage in front of thousands of people and our judges who are gospel superstars. They win by experiencing the royal treatment backstage and also by receiving a minimum of $3,000 from Verizon Wireless just for participating! I love it!
There was such anticipation all around as Donald brought the choir directors to the stage and we began to reveal the winners. Taking home a check for $5,000 was the V CAST People’s Choice Award Winner - Greater Community Temple Voices Choir! Winning in the small choir category was Hope Church Sanctuary Choir and they received a check for $10,000! The large choir winner was Greater Community Temple Voices Choir and they also received a check for $10,000. When Donald announced that they were the Overall Regional Winner the choir director dropped to his knees and all the choir members gathered around him and it felt like he’d scored the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl! So exciting!
The finale in Detroit on Nov 7th is going to be off the chain! All of the Regional Winners have been so incredible it is going to be an unbelievable show. Tickets are on sale now, so get yours, cause you don’t want to miss it! We’re headed to the West Coast next. October 8th we’ll be at The Forum in Los Angeles and I’m expecting some championship performances!
