March 6, 2009 — This Sunday, BET’s hit gospel singing competition, Sunday Best, returns for its second season in search of the best talent gospel music has to offer.
Host Kirk Franklin will return along with judges Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary and BeBe Winans all of whom are also the show’s executive producers.
“The level of talent for the second season is going to show the world what we’ve been saying since the beginning of the series … only on Sunday Best will you find true, honest talent that hasn’t been compromised,” Franklin said.
Around 1.7 million viewers tuned in last year to see the often hilarious and rigorous singing competition, which concluded with Crystal Aikin, a nurse from Tacoma, Wash., taking home a national recording contract among other winnings.
For this season, which was taped in Atlanta, judges auditioned contestants in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.
“We’re so excited about this season! The level of talent we saw was so amazing; which made it really hard to say no to some folks,” Mary Mary said in a statement. “The viewing audience will be blessed, entertained and uplifted for sure!”
The 10-week competition is scheduled to begin airing on March 8 at 9 p.m. (EST).
The Gospel Music Channel also plans to debut its original comedy series this weekend. Ha!: Standing Up for Clean Comedy, which is scheduled to air March 7 at 8 p.m. (EST), will include stand-up, bits and sketches suitable for the entire family.
Cheri Fuller and Cindy Lamb Curry 
Marilyn Hickey 
