Sunday’s Best is back and better than ever.
New judges with ears of gold was evident in Sunday’s Best kick off episode. The words “Stop… Don’t sing another word.” was an echoed over and over for many. Kim Burrell, Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams were the purveyors of talent. When the season kicks into performance competition mode CeCe Winans will be one of the judges sitting at the table. Gone are the gospel sisters extraordinaire Mary Mary. The prize for becoming “Sundays Best 2012 winner” is a 2013 Ford Escape and a contract with Music World.
Here are just a few of the first entrants to cross over into the top 20 - Jeremy Hill - Joshua Rogers - Danetra Moore - Antwon Aubry Jr. - Kizzy Walker - Susan Hedgepeth - TeAndria Newsome - Ashford Sanders
Andrea Helms and Mama Sue made an appearance as nervous artists about to auditor. As usual they both blew the top off the house! The top 20 were picked and the show was filled with laughs and tons of banter. Make sure that you are following @Elev8official om Sunday’s nights for your Sunday’s best weekly hang!
Elev8 has reported popular gospel singer James Fortune is being sued for alleged child abuse.
According to an article and news video from My Fox Houston, popular Houston gospel music artist James Fortune and his wife Cheryl Fortune have been named in a five million dollar lawsuit related to the abuse of James Fortune’s stepson and Cheryl Fortune’s son. Statements in lawsuit documents, in 2001 James Fortune burned his 4-year-old step son, leaving the boy disfigured with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on nearly half of his body. His wife Cheryl was also named in the lawsuit.
The child is now 15-years old and the family has stated that the money from the lawsuit would be used to pay for plastic surgery to correct the disfigurement from the abuse. According to the civil lawsuit, James picked up his step son from pre-school and the teacher told James the boy had been acting up in class. Fortune then scolded the boy the entire ride home and continued to yell and be-raid the boy when they got home. He then prepared a scolding hot bath for the boy. The lawsuit also says James Fortune told the boy to take off his clothes and preceded to whip the boy before pushing the toddler in the scolding hot bath, holding him underwater causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns.
In 2003 James Fortune plead guilty to felony injury to a child and received 6 years deferred adjudication.
The toddlers biological father is responsible for the lawsuit and is suing for $5 Million in order to take care of the boy’s continued plastic surgery.
A statement issued from James Fortune below:
I recently became aware of a civil suit pending against my wife, Cheryl Fortune and I, for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving my stepson. There was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved in 2003. Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have continued with family traditions and always have a loving family environment. We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue claims, whether they contain merit or baseless matters. We are confident through this process, if it proceeds to a judge or jury, the ultimate decision maker will render a decision that is favorable to the circumstances and timing surrounding this situation. We believe in our American justice system and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans.
I love all my children, including my stepson, and I ask for your prayers as we deal with this matter privately. Thank you for your continued support for me, my family, and ministry
For better or for worse, reality TV has become a booming business, generating huge ratings and ad dollars. Among one of the more popular television franchises is the Real Housewives of Atlanta, which features model Cynthia Bailey, singer Kandi Burruss, attorney Phaedra Parks, among other Atlanta socialites. Rolling Outreportedly got access to the annual salaries of the cast mates and their male counterparts and most would be surprised as too how much a reality star can make. Here’s a rundown of each RHOA star’s speculated earning power per season.
NENE LEAKES
The distinction of being the series’ highest paid cast member goes to the controversial Leakes, who makes a reported $750,000 per season plus an additional $250,000 for the reunion special.
KIM ZOLCIAK
According to Rolling Out, Zolciak takes home a whopping $600,000 per season, and adds another $150,000 to her bank account for appearing on the reunion.
SHEREE WHITFIELD
Whitfield earns a reported $550,000 per season, with an additional earning of $150,000 for the reunion special.
KANDI BURRUSS
The singer/songwriter is said to have secured a $450,000 per season deal, plus $100,000 for appearing on the reunion show. The savvy businesswoman will unlikely pull in even more from Bravo with her spinoff show, Kandi Factory.
PHAEDRA PARKS
The Atlanta attorney/entrepreneur earns a reported $300,000 for her appearance, plus an additional $75,000 for the reunion show. (Image: Bravo)
CYNTHIA BAILEY
The model is said to has a similar deal, earning $300,000 per season with an end-of-season bonus of $75,000 for the reunion special, according to Rolling Out. (Image: Bravo)
Elev8 has always taken pride in going directly to the source for any story and telling the 100% truth.
Well, today we have a breaking news story that is straight from Le’Andria.
She says:
“In recent weeks, there have been numerous published reports stating that I am pregnant. I would like to take this time to confirm that I am pregnant and due in September. I have been feeling well and maintaining a healthy appetite. I have been busy traveling around the country with my music ministry. One can only
imagine that as a mother and mother-to-be, my plate is quite full—taking the kids
to school, doing homework, cooking—regular mother duties. I have been blessed
to have the love and support of my church, family, friends, label, management,
and fans. I have received so many beautiful and thoughtful notes and prayers
from people all over the country. I ask that you continue to pray for me and my
family. I cannot do this alone. I will continue to pray for God’s guidance and
protection over my life. I love you all very much and I will be in touch soon.”
There you have it folks. The 100% truth delivered to you.! Congratulations and Blessing Le’Andria!
Please quote Elev8.com if you share this happy news!
The new big screen musical “Sparkle” is due out on Aug. 17, but one of its stars will not be around to help promote it: Whitney Houston, who died at age 48 in February. TODAY aired an exclusive clip Monday of the upcoming film, which shows how Sparkle and her sisters try to make a go of it as an all-girl singing group, following in their mother’s (Houston’s) musical footsteps.
Reports on various sites are stating that Ray J has been so divinely inspired that he may become a preacher.
Could Ray J be contemplating a career shift that leads to the pulpit?
In the weeks following Whitney Houston’s sudden, tragic passing, sources close to Ray J told BlackMediaScoop.com that he’s given his life to God more completely.
But that’s not all! There are whispers that his new redemption has also triggered a desire to preach. While Ray has not spoken on the rumors just yet, he did hint that Whitney’s passing has had a profound affect on his soul.
Anything is possible right? He wouldn’t be the first to find God and want to serve. MTV is reporting that his sister Brandy has suggested that he start counseling, so that he may begin dealing with his grief over the loss of Whitney Houston. Grief moves people in different ways. Often grief allows people to open themselves to things that they never thought of. Sometimes things spiral out of control. Sometimes they may decide that the life they were leading no longer has meaning. They set the course right.
It definitely is something that happens to people when they have have a great loss. The voice of God becomes clearer and redirection of energy happens.
When you meet Andrea Helms you are struck by the light in her eyes. Her inner beauty and grace captures you with the joy of Christ. America was introduced to her via the gospel competition show “Sunday’s Best”. We could see the star potential as she sang her heart out each week. The lyrics were more than just words to her. They were a love letter to her Lord. That was and is crystal clear when you meet her. She has the love and joy that you dream about having each day. It radiates through her smile and words.
Watch the video below to see and hear for yourself:
Rihanna and Chris Brown have been the topic of conversation for domestic violence professionals and pastors who are speaking out about their alleged romantic reconciliation.
After the release of two songs on which Rihanna and Brown collaborated were released, rumors circulated about the musicians reconnecting romantically. However, a domestic violence incident in 2009 that resulted in legal trouble for Brown and a battered Rihanna has caused some domestic violence professionals to speak out about the possible reunion.
Rita Smith, executive director of National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, warned Rihanna that Brown’s violent temper may not have changed since he assaulted her three years ago. After winning a Grammy Award on Feb. 12, Brown tweeted, “Hate all you want because I got a Grammy now! That’s the ultimate **** Off!”
According to Smith, the tweet was an indication of Brown’s mental state. “The response was fairly belligerent and didn’t really indicate that he had changed much in the several years since the assault,” Smith said in a statement on NME.com.
Still, Smith said the two could possibly be friends if Brown treats Rihanna with respect.
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Legendary pop singer Whitney Houston was found dead Saturday at a Beverly Hills, California, hotel, officials said. She was 48.
The entertainer, whose incredible talent was discovered at an early age, was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. (6:55 p.m. ET) at the Beverly Hilton hotel despite resuscitation efforts, a police spokesman said.
Beverly Hills Police Lt. Mark Rosen said there were "no obvious signs of criminal intent" and that the cause of her death is being investigated.
Houston's bodyguard found her body, said Courtney Barnes, publicist for hip-hop artist Ray J, who was dating the pop diva.
According to her official website, Houston sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos. But she also struggled with addiction problems over the years.
Houston, whose hits included "The Greatest Love of All," died on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. She had performed as late as Thursday night at a pre-Grammy event in the area. A pre-Grammy party was scheduled Saturday night at the Beverly Hilton.
Music producer Jimmy Jam, after conversations with those heading up to Sunday's night show, told CNN that he believes the event will change significantly -- including a tribute to the singer.
The entertainer recently returned to a movie set for "Sparkle," a remake of the 1976 hit, which was loosely based on the story of The Supremes. It is scheduled be released nationwide in August, according to Sony Pictures. It was her first movie role since 1996's "The Preacher's Wife."
News of her death elicited a flood of reaction from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Singer Aretha Franklin said, "I just can't talk about it now. It's so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn't believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy (Houston's mother), her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby (Brown)."
Dolly Parton, who wrote "I Will Always Love You," said, "mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, 'Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.'"
Another entertainment legend, Quincy Jones, said he was "absolutely heartbroken" by the news. "She was a true original and a talent beyond compare," he said.
Houston's body of work included a string of Billboard No. 1 hits in the 1980s, including "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know," "The Greatest Love of All," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," and "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)."
Billboard put her soundtrack to the 1992 movie "The Bodyguard" as one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums of all time. She also starred in the film with Kevin Costner. The soundtrack included the hit,"I Will Always Love You."
Whitney Houston was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey.
Famed music producer Clive Davis reportedly spotted Houston 20 years later in a New York nightclub, signing her on the spot, according to her website. Davis steered Houston's career for more than 25 years, also serving as a mentor.
Just Thursday, Davis told CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight" that, with Houston, "I saw a depth and a range and soul ... that rarely ranks at the top level. And that's why we've been working together ever since."
The singer's rendition of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl, days into the first Persian Gulf War, earned raves and cemented her place in the American musical landscape.
After "The Bodyguard," Houston went on to appear in several more films in the 1990s, including "Waiting to Exhale."
In 2000, Houston earned her sixth Grammy for best female R&B performance and, a month later, she was named female artist of the decade at the "Soul Train" Music Awards.
Her career stalled, however, in subsequent years as she entered rehab for addiction problems.
Houston took a hiatus for several years before releasing her first album in seven years, "I Look to You," in 2009.
"I just took a break, which sometimes you have to," said Houston. "You have to know when to slow that train down and kind of just sit back and relax for a minute."
In May 2011, Houston got help for her much-publicized struggle with drugs and alcohol, her representative said at the time.
In a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Houston recalled how her mother arrived one day at her doorstep at her daughter's house with sheriff's officers and a court order in a drug intervention. She talked about doing cocaine and smoking marijuana.
"(My mother) says, 'I have a court (injunction) here,'" Houston said. "Either you do it my way, or we're just not going to do this at all. We are both going to go on TV, and you're going to retire.'"
Houston had a high-profile and tumultuous marriage to Bobby Brown, a former "New Edition" star who has had multiple brushes with the law.
The couple appeared together in the mid-2000s on the reality show "Being Bobby Brown." They had one child together, Bobbi Kristina.
Houston was the cousin of Dionne Warwick, another acclaimed performer.
Singer Lionel Richie told CNN that Houston was one of the best.
"She had that voice that could just turn a story, a melody into magical notes," Richie said.
CNN's Denise Quan and Alan Duke contributed to this report.
Lifetime’s newest series, “America’s Supernanny”, starring childcare expert Deborah Tillman may be airing it’s season finale tomorrow night, but Deborah wants you to know that the quest for raising inspired, balanced children is her quest in life.
She took a few moments to answer 8 questions withElev8 today.
Elev8: How did you choose your line of employment?
Deborah Tillman: I grew up in a balanced home. A first, I never thought I would be doing what I am doing but, you now when God put you on a path, well you are n that path.I had experience seeing what childcare was like with my children. it just moved me to really put a plan into action. It was personal. I was moved and motivted that childcare could be so much more so, that when I opened my school.
Elev8: What do you think is the major issue in most house today?
Deborah Tillman:“I think that parents have given up on parenting. Most households I go into I ask what the house rules are and no one knows. The child doesn’t know. How can you have expectation if behavior if the child does not have a rule to follow. That would be hard for anyone to do. Imagine if you had no expectation if what was right or wrong way to do something.”
Elev8: What are some great house-rules to start with?
Deborah Tillman:”Be consistent. The child will do what you want if you show consistency. Show that choices have consequences. Reinforce positivity not negativity. Be a living example of behavior you want the child to model.”
Elev8:What should older parents be aware of? Especially, since the census shows that the median age of first time parents had become older.
Deborah Tillman:“Obviously, if you have set your life plan in motion and chosen to be a parent at an older age you should prepare for the amount if time it will take to raise bakanced children. It is a 24hour and 7 days a week job.”
Elev8: What practices should families institute in their home?
Deborah Tillman:”I truly believe that adding back the family time. Eating dinner together, praying together and reading together establish a bind that is unbreakable with children. It helps them form into mature health responsible adults.”
Elev8: What do you think parents are missing the boat on?
Deborah Tillman:”I think role modeling at home is important. Model how to have integrity and morality. Remember that their eyes are always focused on you. When they see you behave in a certain way they come to accept that this is the way to behave.”
Elev8: What has changed in parents and children?
Deborah Tillman:“Over the years I’ve seen a real decline in respect. Respect for authority being one place that has definitely charged. I see parents go into full arguments with the teacher in front of thechild. How would you expect the child to respect the teacher after seeing you behave in this manner. Children are exposed to so much more than they ever were. They grow up a little faster.”
Elev8: What do you think parents should do when their child is out of control?Is it ever too late?
Deborah Tillman: “I don’t believe there is a point where a child can’t change. I believe it is never too late. I make sure with all my all my children I let them know that it takes a village. I want to know what their day was like before they get to me. I want to them to know that someone cares and loves them. That is the most important part.”
Tillman was chosen from a field of more than 400 candidates, Lifetime for “Supernanny”. She has also written a book, Stepping Out on Faith. Currently she is spinning Yolanda Adams and recommends that people should read “Super Rich” By Russell Simmons.
Deborah’s show “Supernanny” gives viewers an all-access look at troubled households as she visits the homes of parents throughout the U.S. seeking guidance and assistance on how to best raise their children. Diving straight into the chaos and heart of the matter, Tillman closely observes each family dynamic to pinpoint their complicated problems – ranging from extremely intense tantrums and constant timeouts to bad habits and misguided parenting – and help them follow through to resolve their issues and put families on the road to happiness.
Gawker Blogger Fired after Kanye West N-Word Article
by AFRO Staff
A writer for a popular Internet website was fired after using the N-word in an article about rapper Kanye West.
According to TheWrap.com, Seth Abramovitch of the gossip website Gawker.com was ousted from the publication after posting about Kanye West’s Twitter rant in early January.
West took to the social network to voice his plans about DONDA, a new design company he wants to open in the future. West said the planned corporation will “galvanize amazing thinkers” and borrows its name from his late mother, Dr. Donda West.
Abramovitch later poked fun at the rapper’s plans and created a DONDA acronym that used the n-word.
“DONDA will be your everything. Just you wait and see,” Abramovitch wrote. “And what is DONDA? It’s an acronym for Dis Original N---a Dresses Aight.”
After the post drew wide criticism, Abramovitch later added an apology to the original article.
“DONDA is actually the name of Kanye’s deceased mother, not the acronym above, which was meant to be the kind of thing Kanye would make up in a late-night creative writing fit, but has offended many people,” he wrote. “So sorry to everyone who was offended and for the confusion. Sorries all around!”
Following the incident, Gawker’s new editor, A.J. Daulerio, fired Abramovitch because he said he believed Abramovitch's apology didn’t sound sincere.
“I thought it was a half-*bleep*ed apology,” Daulerio told TheWrap. “I basically do not want people working for the site who do not care. I had a conversation with Seth and he told me he really didn’t care.”
Abramovitch objected to Daulerio’s claim. He said that in retrospect, he believed the article was a dumb joke that used an offensive term.
Following numerous news reports on the incident, Daulerio wrote on Gawker that Abramovitch’s firing was not just a result of his post but a “series of events” that had occurred in the past.
“To mitigate some of the damage done to his professional reputation as a result of my ill-timed public dismissal of him, I’d like to reiterate here that there were other factors before and after this DONDA mess which led to it,” he wrote. “I thought it was a *bleep* joke and some of the attempts to defuse the backlash were *bleep*ier, but that shouldn’t in any way tarnish his excellent body of work, which I’ve always admired.”
The 2012 Stellar Awards blessed many and inspired others!
Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole hosted the show, which celebrates gospel music and a “spirit-filled, hand-clapping, foot-stomping revival.” True to the description, the program was full of soaring performances from Kirk Franklin, Earnest Pugh, Fred Hammond, Ricky Dillard & New G, Richard Smallwood & Vision and other groups as well as choir performances that frequently had people up dancing or moved them to tears.
Gospel singer/composer VaShawn Mitchell swept six categories, more than any other artist, to become Saturday night’s big winner at the 27th annual Stellar Awards, which were held at the Grand Ole Opry House and will air on television in syndication Saturday through Feb. 26 on the GMC cable network.
Take a look at the list of winners at the Stellar Awards.
Artist of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell- Triumphant
Song of the Year: Kirk Frankllin, Smile – Hello Fear
Male Vocalist of Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Triumphant
Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year: Kim Burrell – The Love Album
Group/Duo of the Year: Mary Mary – Something Big
New Artist of the Year: Y’Anna Crawley, The Promise
CD of the year: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
Choir of the Year: Ricky Dillard & New G - Keep Living
Producers of the Year: Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
Comtemporary Group/Duo of the Year: Mary Mary – Something Big
Traditional Group/Duo of the Year: The Rance Allen Group – The Live Experience
Contemportary Male of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Triumphant
Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year: Smokie Norful – How I got Over Songs that Carried Us
Contemporary Female Vocalists of the Year: Kim Burrell – The Love Album
Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year: Beverly Crawford – Live from Los Angeles
Contemporary CD of the Year: Kirk Frankly – Hello Fear
Traditional CD of the Year: Smokie Norful – How I got Over Songs that Carried Us
Urban/Inspirational single or performance of the Year: Vashawn Mitchell – Noboby Greater
Music Video of the Year, Short Format: Vashawn Mitchell - Noboby Greater
Music Video of the Year, Long Format: Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon: Part one
Traditional Choir of the Year: Mississippi Mass Choir
Contemporary Choir of the Year: Shekinah Glory Ministy
Thomas A Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award Honoree: Vy Higginsen
Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Awards Honoree: Dorothy Norwood
James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree: John P. Kee
The Stellar Awards annually honor three of gospel music’s most celebrated veterans with specialty awards. This year a tearful John P. Kee was presented with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Vy Higginsen accepted the Thomas Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award. Dorothy Norwood, often called the world’s greatest gospel storyteller, was given the Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award.
Students at the University of Florida, Nicki’s ode to the boys with the booming systems has been re-imagined as “Super Grace,” a contemporary commentary “about the single Christian girl’s struggle to appreciate the wonderful Christian men in her life.”
In the clip, Manko dons a bright blue wig (a nod to Nicki’s eternally evolving hairstyles), preaches from the pulpit, checks out some like-minded guys whilst praying, spits lines like, “You know I really have a thing for Christ-centered guys/ I mean, sigh, I’m gonna cry” (you can read the full lyrics over on herblog) and, of course, inspires some rather zesty choreographed dance routines.
Marvin Sapp is looking for background singers to go on tour with him in 2012, and you could be one of the lucky six selected! The first step is to email your photo and bio to2012backgroundsingers@gmail.com. Audition will be held on January 3rd and January 5th from noon-5 pm on the Campus of Kingdom Square, located at 600 Burton Street S.E. in Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Pastor Sapp says he’s looking for six “saved and vocally skilled individuals who have a passion to minister to the masses with me as I spread the gospel musically in 2012.” Find out more info here.
Oprah Winfrey, speaking openly about the spiritual aspects that help drive her career, told Dr. Mehmet Oz during a recent appearance on his show that she has found that, at the current stage in her life, “everything is about moving closer to that which is God.” In the last few weeks Oprah has been seen at Joel Osteen’s church and her school’s graduation.
In his introduction of Winfrey, Oz told excited audience members: “Oprah has transformed the lives of millions, and now faces a transformation of her own. Today she says that you have the power to transform your life…she says the answers are all inside of you.”
Asked by Oz, during the Dec. 7 airing of “The Dr. Oz Show,” what her “big plan” was and how she remains inspired throughout her career, Winfrey responded:
“For me at this particular time in my life I recognize that everything is about moving closer to that which is God. And without a full, spiritual center — and I’m not talking about religion — I’m talking about without understanding the fullness from which you’ve come, you can’t really fulfill your supreme moment of destiny. And I think everybody has a supreme moment of destiny.”
“I think being connected to that which is greater than yourself, for me, at this particular time in my life, is the most important thing,” she added.
cast mates and their male counterparts and most would be surprised as too how much a reality star can make. Here’s a rundown of each RHOA star’s speculated earning power per season.
