Returning to BET Network’s for season 10 is America’s most inspirational singing competition, “Sunday Best.” The well-established gospel show welcomes back Grammy Award®-winning music legend Kirk Franklin as host. Returning for the second consecutive year as judges are gospel songstress and host of “Get Up Mornings,” Erica Campbell, and Grammy-Award® nominated artists Kelly Price and Jonathan McReynolds. Season 10 open call auditions will be held Saturday, February 15th in Atlanta, GA at The House of Hope (4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034; registration 6am-11am). Atlanta auditions will be filmed for television. Aspiring contestants should be age 18+ and should prepare to sing a song from the list below:
1. Amazing Grace 2. Blessed Assurance 3. Have Thine Own Way, Lord 4. His Eye is On The Sparrow 5. I Need Thee Every Hour 6. I Surrender All 7. It Is Well With My Soul 8. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee 9. Love Lifted Me 10. Mary, Don’t You Weep 11. Nothing But the Blood of Jesus 12. O Come, All Ye Faithful (O Come Let Us Adore Him) 13. Oh, How I Love Jesus 14. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior 15. Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus 16. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Aspiring contestants from around the country are encouraged to submit their audition online and get additional audition information at BET.com/SundayBest. The final day for online submissions is February 10, 2020, at 5:00 pm EST.
Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment (BET Awards, The New Edition Story), and Dionne Harmon (The Bobby Brown Story, Hip Hop Squares) serve as executive producers of season ten of Sunday Best along with executive producer and showrunner Jeannae Rouzan-Clay (Dear Mama, Black Girls Rock!), and Torrence Glenn (Celebration Of Gospel, Trumpet Awards) is co-executive producer.
For updates and more information about “Sunday Best”, please visit BET.com/SundayBest. Join the conversation on social media by logging on to our social media platforms using the hashtag: #BETSundayBest.
“A THOUSAND WORDS WITH MICHELLE OBAMA” Premieres on Wednesday, December 5 AT 9PM ET
“Q85:A MUSICAL CELEBRATION FOR QUINCY JONES” Premieres on Sunday, December 9 AT 8PM ET
BET Networks is set to premiere two powerful specials in December, embracing the holiday spirit that uplifts and celebrates black excellence. “A THOUSAND WORDS WITH MICHELLE OBAMA” premieres on Wednesday, December 5 at 9PM ET and “Q85:A MUSICAL CELEBRATION FOR QUINCY JONES” will air on Sunday, December 9 at 8PM ET.
“A THOUSAND WORDS WITH MICHELLE OBAMA” is an empowering new one-hour special featuring former First LadyMichelle Obama in candid conversation with former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama Valerie Jarrett at the Leading Women Defined symposium at the St. Regis hotel in Miami, FL. The women discuss a range of topics as Michelle Obama shares words of uplift, stories of sisterhood, the importance of self-care and her marked growth through her husband’s eight years in office.
Tune in to the captivating conversation with the Former First Lady as she shares anecdotes and salient advice from her worldwide bestselling autobiography, Becoming. “A THOUSAND WORDS WITH MICHELLE OBAMA” premieres Wednesday, December 5 at 9 PM ET/PT on BET.
Michelle Obama on confidence and identity, “I always laugh when people ask, ‘how did you figure out how to be the First Lady?’”:
…On sisterhood, “When I meet good women, hold on to them and don’t compete with them”:
…On “sharing your shine”
…On self-care, “You’re worthy of a quality of life…why do you think you deserve to live a grind…to only leave yourself the crumbs of your day?”:
“Q85: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION FOR QUINCY JONES” is a star-studded evening that celebrates the life and legacy of the icon. Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Brian McKnight, John Legend, Gloria Estefan, Emily Estefan,Fantasia, Charlie Wilson, Jennifer Hudson, Ne-Yo, Meghan Trainor, Patti Austin, Yolanda Adams, Ledisi, Cynthia Erivo, and Gregory Porter all hit the stage to pay tribute to Mr. Jones performing his classic works in this nostalgic musical special. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Danny Glover, Usher Raymond, Dave Chappelle, LL Cool J, Rashida Jones, Ludacris, and Aloe Blacc share their personal stories of how Quincy has impacted them throughout the years.
ABOUT BET NETWORKS: BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks – BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.
In an exclusive, The Hollywood Reporter has revealed a report on BET (Black Entertainment Television)’s move away from its home in Washington, D.C. Apparently there is a place like home…Los Angeles. Leaving no detail behind, THR has even reported that BET head Debra Lee has even listed her D.C. home. As Lee lists her home, numerous employees have been sent scouring job listings. At present, many employees are facing a future without the major network as many won’t be relocating with the company. For those that will, some will make the move to Los Angeles and others will move the New York office. BET has been a network of change, since being sold to Viacom in 2001.
From there, viewers saw much of the programming shift to rival that of MTV and VH1, other Viacom brands. Viacom has indicated the BET is in fact a viable brand, naming it one of its six core brands. You can expect a much more mainstream programming structure as the corporate heads seek to align its brands to its corporate vision.
What in Sam, er Stephen Hill is going on at BET? Earlier this year, the first black owned television network parted ways with its President of Programming, Stephen G. Hill as well as Executive Vice President and Head of Original Programming, Zola Mashariki. The move surprised everyone and the started the incessant chatter.
The shocking move came on the heels of the highly successful “New Edition” biopic that sent viewers to iTunes and Youtube to either relive past glorious moments with the boy band or for new fans to get to know the teen heartthrobs for the first time.
Along with the move away from the nation’s capitol, BET is leaving behind “Joyful Noise” and had already canned BET Honors- both of which were filmed in their D.C. studio. Joyful Noise failed to rein in the audience numbers of its predecessor “Bobby Jones Gospel” and was the lowest viewed show in the lineup.
BET is not what it used to be, let’s face it. Still, it’s a top viewed network among black viewers. Given the recent rise of Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network and Cathy Hughes’ TV One, the options are there and black viewers are taking note.
BET could never truly alienate its black audience though many felt betrayed by the 2001 sell to Viacom. Viewers have been vocal about some of the recent programming that excludes any type of news and social engagement and focuses solely on well…entertainment, much like the other brands in the conglomerate.
It remains to be seen how the move affects the company, its leadership and its programming. Of all the potential changes the network faces, let’s just a name change isn’t one of them. In the meantime, comment below and share your thoughts on the move.
Annual Celebration Will Take Place On Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, At The Beverly Hilton Hotel On The Eve Of The 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®
Clive Davis and The Recording Academy® will present the annual Pre-GRAMMY® Gala on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., the evening preceding the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. As part of the celebration, BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee will be recognized as the 2017 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons® honoree for her significant contributions to the music industry.
Sponsored by Hilton, Mastercard, JBL by HARMAN, and Delta Airlines, the invitation-only Pre-GRAMMY Gala has long been one of the music industry’s most prestigious events, having hosted the industry’s top leaders and welcomed the world’s most talented artists on its stage. For nearly 10 years, the gala has also included a presentation to honor industry luminaries through The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award. Past recipients include Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, Irving Azoff, Martin Bandier, Sir Richard Branson, Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, David Geffen, Berry Gordy, Lucian Grainge, Doug Morris, Mo Ostin, and Antonio “L.A.” Reid.
“For this year’s GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award, The Recording Academy is proud to honor the extraordinary Debra L. Lee, a groundbreaking figure whose innovative vision, commitment to entertainment, and philanthropic work have had a profound impact on the industry as well as our broader culture,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “Debra has elevated BET to the remarkable platform it is today, and we look forward to celebrating our first, and definitely not the last, female honoree as our industry continues to recognize the significant contributions of female leaders.”
“I am thrilled that The Recording Academy is presenting BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee with this year’s GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award,” said Clive Davis, co-host of the Pre-GRAMMY Gala. “Debra’s many years of wonderful work and dedication to the network, as well as raising the profile of businesswomen in the African-American community, has been remarkable and she truly deserves this great honor.”
“It is such a tremendous honor to receive this year’s GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Award. Music is a part of BET’s DNA and it’s always been my goal to touch people by educating, inspiring, providing opportunity, and affecting real change through the powerful medium of entertainment,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks. “I am proud and thrilled to be the first woman to join this dynamic group of industry trailblazers.”
Recently inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, Lee is one of this country’s most respected business executives. As Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, the leading media and entertainment company for African-Americans and lovers of black culture, she is one of the highest ranking African-American women in the media industry. A graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and Harvard Law School, Lee has led BET’s successful reinvigorated brand approach, creating quality programming that respects, reflects and elevates its audience, including hit shows “Being Mary Jane,” “Real Husbands Of Hollywood,” the biggest celebration of Black music and achievement, the “BET Awards” and the upcoming three-night epic miniseries “The New Edition Story” airing in January. Prior to her appointment as CEO in March 1996, Lee served as the network’s executive vice president of strategic business development. In 2003 Lee was given the Distinguished Vanguard Award for Leadership from the NCTA — The Internet & Television Association, making her the first African-American female executive to receive the honor. Under her leadership, BET continues to bring quality programming to an audience of over 90 million households domestically and over 38 million homes internationally.
About The Recording Academy Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and recording professionals dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Recording Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, “like” Recording Academy / GRAMMYs on Facebook, and join The Recording Academy’s social communities on Google+, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube.
About Clive Davis Clive Davis began his career at Columbia Records where he was appointed president in 1967 and signed such legendary rock artists as Janis Joplin, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Earth, Wind & Fire. In 1974 Davis co-founded Arista Records where he signed Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and Whitney Houston and further developed the careers of the Kinks, the Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. His business ventures include forming LaFace Records in 1989 with Babyface and L.A. Reid, and creating Bad Boy Records in 1994 with Sean “Diddy” Combs. In 2000 J Records was born (in partnership with BMG) and emerged as a dominant force, producing the works of Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. Davis was then appointed chairman/CEO of BMG U.S. Label Group where he oversaw an expanded RCA Music Group, including J Records, RCA Records and Arista Records. After BMG and Sony Music merged, in 2008 Davis was appointed chief creative officer, Sony Music Worldwide, where he continues to nurture and develop talent. In 2000 Davis received the Trustees Award from The Recording Academy and was recognized with the President’s Merit Award at the 2009 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons. As a humanitarian, Davis has made tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS, spearheading donations of millions of dollars for AIDS research. In 2002 the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music was created at his undergraduate alma mater, New York University. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School. His autobiography, The Soundtrack Of My Life, published in 2013, has become the largest-selling book involving music in history.
