February 19, 2009

By By Gail Mitchell, L.A.

-BET?s ?Sunday Best? gospel singing competition begins its second season on March 8 (9 p.m. ET/PT). The weekly competition is hosted by Kirk Franklin, with BeBe Winans and Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary serving as judges.

First season winner was Crystal Aikin of Tacoma, Washington. Her self-titled album was released Jan. 13 by Zomba Gospel.

-The Gospel Music Channel will broadcast the world premiere of the 2009 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel special (Feb. 22, 8 p.m. ET). Co-hosted by Kirk
Franklin and BMI VP Catherine Brewton, the invitation-only luncheon event will honor singers Elbernita ?Twinkie? Clark (The Clark Sisters), Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans. Performers include Israel Houghton, Kim Burrell, Lalah Hathaway and Kierra Sheard.

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