Oakland Delivers
I had tons of pre-show jitters tonight! I mean, it’s the last show before the finale! I’ve enjoyed my time on the road so much and I’m so sad to see it end. I totally teared up as I walked through the hallways, making my way backstage. I had to try to hold it together though, you know, I didn’t want to ruin my makeup 
The house lights were on as I arrived at the side of the stage and the Oracle Arena was buzzing with excitement! It was packed and totally sold out! 12,163 people were clapping and singing as “Do Not Pass Me By” played on the loudspeakers. The song ended and the audience clapped like it was a live performance. I was like, ok, Oakland is ready to have a good time at Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet The Sound, “The Search For The Best Church Choir In America!”
As Donald took to the stage and performed “Let The Word Do The Work”, the energy in the arena was astounding. I couldn’t help but be moved as I listened to the words and applied them to myself. I’m running a marathon tomorrow and earlier today Donald encouraged me to speak positively and not negatively or “realistically” as I term it. So, I took his words to heart, jammed along to the song, enjoyed the remarkable performance and let his incredible energy encourage me as much as it did the audience.
It was time for the last regional competition and I was ready to hear the choirs. First was Sounds of Zion, from Mt. Zion Assemblies. This choir started it off with a song that I love to sing at my church, “Again I Say Rejoice.” I think a lot of the Bay Area sings this as well, because people got on their feet and it was like Sunday morning! Did I mention that the choir had 5 people? That’s including the lead vocalist! The judges commented on this with guest judge, Angel Taylor from Trin-i-tee 5:7 saying, “What you lacked in size, you made up for in attitude.” Resident judge Pastor Marvin Sapp said, “Gideon must be in the house, because you brought only what you needed.”
Another small but mighty choir, Voices of Victory, from Abundant Life Ministries WLAC was next. They had 9 singers, but had a huge sound! The choir took a very challenging song and performed their hearts out! The judges congratulated their fabulous band, their energy, and the sopranos got special mention.
The Pentecostals of Bay Area brought the Latin flavor to the How Sweet the Sound, singing “Psalms 68.” This choir brought great energy, enthusiasm and had a sassy vibe. They flipped the song and showcased their control for the audience. The crowd filled the Oracle Arena with a huge applause and a standing ovation. They killed it! Angel Taylor from Trin-i-tee 5:7 loved their choreography, energy and their spirit.
Ok, so Latinos were in the house tonight! I love it! I love the diversity that How Sweet The Sound promotes. This is what heaven will be like! From Apostolic Community Life Center came Apostolic Community Choir singing, “Nobody Like Jesus” They brought it too! Apostolic hair coverings and all. This choir was strong! The lead vocalist was so commanding and comfortable on the big stage. Oakland was in full support - clapping and stomping along. Oakland knows how to have church and that’s just what we did. The small choirs were fantastic!
I have been privy to the phenomenon that is the opening line of “Never Would’ve Made It” 11 times! This song and its singer, Pastor Marvin Sapp never cease to amaze me. I, along with the sold out arena, can relate to this song and when Marvin tells the audience to testify “I’m stronger, I’m wiser, I’m better, so much better”, you can literally feel the spirit of community and family as the audience repeats his words. It’s so awesome. I’ll miss hearing this song live, it’s one of the best parts of my day.
During the intermission audience members got to experience the festive atmosphere of the concourse. There is so much going on out there. We had 2 groups of young people perform at the Gospel Showcase- Joyful Praise Youth Choir and the Maranatha Ministries Praise Dancers, presented by George Bostic and West Coast Praise. There’s also Gospel Karaoke, highlights of which are shown during the show, and an art exhibit of original paintings commissioned by Verizon Wireless exclusively for How Sweet the Sound. Plenty to keep folks busy before the show and during intermission.
Trin-i-tee 5:7 opened Act 2 with an amazing performance of their classic hit “God’s Grace.” These judges know how to perform! Vocally, they are so on point and they looked lovely. Chanelle showed incredible range. Wow. From the basement to the attic! It was a great performance that the audience loved!
Opening up the large choir category was Genesis Worship Center Choir, singing “Emmanuel.” The choir looked great. Purple and white robes that looked really awesome against the purple lighting reflected on the How Sweet the Sound backdrop behind them. They had a powerful soloist and the choir really sounded good, with Donald congratulating them on their “great blend.” Adrian from Trin-i-tee 5:7 said “I adored the performance, it felt really good.”
The next choir from East Oakland Faith Deliverance Center, Angelic Voices of Deliverance Center Choir sang “Total Praise”, and it was an amazing worship experience. Their sound was massive, along with a great blend, power and anointing. The audience was on their feet as this choir sang the song we all know and love. They modulated on the last few choruses displaying their vocal prowess, and the Oracle Arena exploded when they were done!
The third choir was East Bay Church of Religious Science Int’l Mass Choir singing “I Need You To Survive.” A member from the choir shared her testimony of 30 years addicted to crack cocaine and two suicide attempts, but that because of Jesus she was standing here today. They really touched the audience and the judges with their cultural diversity, their distinct African apparel, and their spirit of community and harmony.
Just as beautiful as the music was the multiculturalism!! It’s great to see so many choirs that have members from many different nationalities and Jubilee Christian Center Choir was no exception. Their unity was reflected in the joyful smiles on their faces as they sang “Days of Elijah.” What an exuberant song and they sang it with fervor that it deserved. The judges loved it calling it “a joy to behold.”
After another fantastic Marvin Sapp performance, singing “Praise Him In Advance,” it was time to announce the winners. So soon! The tour is over, but the final spot in the finale was about to be filled by someone from the Bay Area. Taking home the V CAST people’s choice award was Angelic Voices of Deliverance Choir. They received a check for 5,000!! Winning best small choir was Apostolic Community Life Choir, taking home a check for $10,000!! The winner of best large choir was Angelic Voices and they also received a check for $10,000! Angelic Voices of Deliverance Choir also won Overall Regional Winner, and they are going to represent Detroit in the finale on November 7th!!
All of our choirs worked so hard and are all winners, so Verizon Wireless gave each choir that participated a minimum of $3,000! You could tell the choirs really appreciated being celebrated and recognized tonight. It was wonderful. We also had a HopeLine Winner; East Oakland Faith Deliverance Choir brought in the most phones tonight and won a check for $1,000. For those of you who don’t know, HopeLine is Verizon Wireless’ charity initiative that puts wireless services and equipment to work to assist victims of domestic violence. Don’t forget to take your old cell phones and accessories to any Verizon Wireless store, so that you too can be a blessing to someone in need. I know that this tour has been a blessing to all of the choirs, but it has also been a blessing to the thousand that have come to the shows, and to me. I made new friends, discovered new talent, and had an experience that I’ll take with me always. I will definitely remember to “Let the Word Do the Work!”
Finale tickets are going fast, so be sure and get your tickets. Plane, train or automobile, you will want to be there! It is going to be amazing!!! See you there!
