Armed with an abundance of unpretentious Southern charm and laser sharp wit, Chonda Pierce is packed and headed for co-hosting chores on the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards to be telecast nationally on April 24 at 8:00 PM on GMC-TV.

Dubbed the “Queen of Clean Comedy” Chonda is thrilled with the opportunity to check-off yet another important box on her ever growing list of career “to do’s.”

“I’ve had hosting the Dove Awards on my bucket list for years-so this check mark is especially meaningful for me,” she noted in a recent interview. “Because I’m a big fan of Gospel Music, I’m as excited as the viewers will be to know who wins-even though I’m devasted there’s no category for ‘Best Christian Comedy DVD’-hint, hint. Can I say that?”

As the nationally acclaimed darling of laughs to a legion of fans, there’s little that Chonda Pierce can’t say.

Her highly-anticipated latest comedy DVD, “I’m Kind Of A Big Deal” releases on April 10. Formatted as a zany 90 minute “audio tabloid,” Chonda registers a solid 10 on the Rickter Scale of laughs with funnybone topics such as striking fear in the heart of the Taliban on her trip to Afghanistan to entertain the troops, the wonder working miracle of lard, her memoirs as a Hollywood star, and tips on how not to get caught dead in a hand basket. As always, her material laces fun through both the relevant and the ridiculous moments in life, expertly tying the laughter with a perky bow of Godly wisdom and pew friendly commentary.

Chonda’s fresh approach to ‘clean’ has birthed a unique franchise. Her DVDs are consistently strong sellers, both on tour and at retail. Four titles have already been certified gold, with three platinum certifications for sales of over 100,000 to her credit. With an increasingly busy booking event schedule at major churches across the U.S., Chonda is the author of a half dozen best selling books-including her latest-Laughing In The Dark (Simon & Schuster) and winner of the 2009 ‘Comedian of the Year’ Visionary Award. With her own CMT-TV comedy special This Ain’t Prettyville and regular guestings on XM and Sirius satellite radio, Chonda’s visibility has ushering in high-profile mainstream media stops such as The View, and a recent multi-project connectivity with Hollywood based movie productions.

Co-hosting with Chonda on the Dove Awards telecast to be filmed at the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta, will be fellow comedian David Mann-best known for creating the character of Leroy S. Brown, star of Tyler Perry’s popular Meet The Browns television series as well as a familair face in the Madea movie series. “David Mann is a wonderful Christian who has learned to navigate through mainstream waters and still maintain both his Christian faith and excellence in his comedy craft-I’m thrilled to share the stage with him,” notes Chonda.

Amidst the promise on the Dove Awards telecast of musical performances by both major and emerging new Christian music artists such as Natalie Grant, Mandisa, Jason Crabb, Lecrae, Kari Jobe, Danny Gokey, Donnie McClurkin, and the Isaacs-Chonda Pierce is a co-host with a mission: Her latest check-off on the all-important ‘bucket list’ of laughs.

Resource Chonda Pierce online: www.chonda.org

For more information on the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards: www.doveawards.com

This week, Maranatha! Music continues to rise on the CMTA SoundScan charts with Top 25 Praise Songs 2012 Edition landing at #1 on 3 sales charts – Billboard’s Christian/Gospel Albums chart, Contemporary Christian Albums chart, and Praise & Worship Albums chart. Top 25 Gospel Songs 2012 Edition gained momentum claiming the #5 spot on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Top 25 Cantos De Alabanza 2012 Edition landed at #9 on the Latin Albums chart.

“Maranatha! Music is passionate about connecting the song of faith with today’s church, and the overwhelming support of the Top 25 series at retail is helping us achieve this goal,” said Randy Alward, president and chief executive officer of Maranatha! Music. “We hope these projects will continue to help equip music ministers and worship teams to lead their congregations in worship and bless those who listen to these collections.”

Top 25 Praise Songs 2012 is a double-disc set showcasing the top worship songs being sung in churches across America in 2011-2012, as determined by CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International.) The album features 25 recordings of the most popular songs in worship music, recorded in a contemporary congregational worship style. The collection is produced by songwriter/producer, Phil Sillas.

Top 25 Gospel Songs 2012 is a must-have double-disc collection packed with the year’s top Gospel songs for the church from many of the biggest names and voices in Gospel music including Andrae’ Crouch, Canton Jones, Donald Lawrence, Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, Brian Courtney Wilson, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Micah Stampley, Nicole C. Mullen, Jonathan Butler, and record-breaking new artists Le’Andria Johnson, Isaac Carree’ and Committed.

Top 25 Cantos De Alabanza 2012 Edition is a 2-CD collection of the most popular worship songs sung in Spanish churches in the United States and Latin America today. The project features 25 tracks recorded in a contemporary congregational worship style, and is produced by songwriter/producer, Phil Sillas.

ABOUT MARANATHA! MUSIC The Top 25 brand is Maranatha! Music’s best-selling original series. The series features titles in multiple genres including Worship, Gospel, Kids and Spanish. Maranatha! Music is a pioneer in praise and worship music resource publishing. Best known for the Praise Series, Praise Band Series, The Invitation CD and Top 25 Series; Maranatha! Music has sold more than 30 million records worldwide. For more information, visit www.maranathamusic.com.

Marvin Sapp sits down for an enlightening interview on-board the One Love Cruise.

Marvin speaks about the change in the dating scene over the last 20 years since he last dated. Sapp has been single for 2 years after loosing his wife Malinda Sapp to Cancer.

When talking about the dating scene Sapp says, “Women have let the standard down, “The chase is gone.” Sapp talks about women being so aggressive these days, which is different then when the man was required to make the first move.

“I don’t want a first lady at this point in my life.” My church is on auto pilot.” Sapp said he just wants a good woman.

Sapp even lists some requirements for a woman. Get ready to write this down ladies! =)

1. Unbelievably stunningly gorgeous
2. Have their own thing going
3. Have to sign a pre-nup 

Check the full interview in the video below.

CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL 2012 went on without a hitch.  If you missed it, we got the complete show on PATH.  Celebration of Gospel was taped at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, the two-hour show was once again hosted by veteran comedian, actor and radiopersonality, Steve Harvey. The #1 gospel telecast since its inception brings mainstream artists and gospel greats together on one amazing stage.

Ricky Dillard and New G Choir joined R&B sensation Johnny Gill to open theshow with a sensational performance of “He Turned It.” Original Dream Girl Jennifer Holliday and “Glee” star Amber Riley joined gospel legends Pastor Shirley Caesar and Yolanda Adams to pay tribute to Mahalia Jackson, the “Mother of Gospel Music,” four-time Grammy award winner, civil rights activist and vocal powerhouse. The artists performed an anointed gospel medley including “Precious Lord,” “Move on up A Little Higher,” “His Eye ison the Sparrow,” and “How I Got Over” accompanied by organist Moses Tyson,Jr.  Whitney Houston, whose singing gift was anchored in her gospel roots, was remembered with a poignant moment by Kelly Price who sang an emotionally charged rendition of “Jesus Loves Me.”

Additional highlights from the soulful celebration include Grammy-awardwinner Kirk Franklin and Mali Music coming together to perform their newhit, “Give Me”; James Fortune & FIYA featuring Zacardi Cortez & Le’Andria Johnson blazed the stage with “It Could Be Worse”;  Isaac Carree, former backup singer for Kirk Franklin took center stage for the first time with his old-school inspired performance featuring a surprise guest appearancefrom Fonzworth Bentley; Ledisi left audience members speechless singing”Holy One”; Ending the night was an awe-inspiring performance from MauretteBrown Clark singing “I Hear the Sound of Victory.”

In addition to musical performances, Dr. Bobby Jones, of BET’s long-running gospel show “BOBBY JONES GOSPEL” and actress Wendy Raquel Robinson of BET’s#1 sitcom “THE GAME” delivered beautiful spoken word selections.

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is thenation’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 seenin the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand witha diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks – BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the homeenvironment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and liveevents spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games andvideo content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

Donnie McClurkin sits down for an intimate interview on-board the One Love Cruise.

The Gospel Star talks about his struggle with diabetes, that has cost him to loose 30 pounds in 30 days. The slimmed-down Donnie McClurkin talks about his struggle with food, and eating right. He relates health to God and faith.

“Ya”ll stop being stupid.” McClurkin says, “God gave us doctors. Medicine is not a demonic alter-ego to faith.” McClurkin makes the statement when talking about loosing his sister to breast cancer. “If she had listened to doctors should could have been here today.”

Watch the video below to hear the complete interview.

The death of slain 17 year old Trayvon Martin continues to be among the nations top stories. The case has sparked emotions and has focused the world on equality and racial profiling. Nation-wide demonstrations of solidarity have been common-place since the teen was shot for reportedly looking suspicious wearing a hoodie.

With the FBI and local courts opening investigations, the shooter George Zimmerman is free, and one organization is taking upon itself to get justice. What appears to be a negative turn down the wrong path is being spearheaded by the New Black Panthers.
 
During a recent protest in Sanford, Florida, the New Black Panthers announced that they are offering a $10,000 reward for the capture of George Zimmerman.  
 
New Black Panther leader Mikhail Muhammad revealed the details of the bounty and announced that the group is seeking to mobilize thousands of black men who can assist in the capture of Zimmerman.  
 
Muhammad also said that several black entertainers and athletes would be donating $1 million to the group’s effort by next week. However, Muhammad would not reveal names or documentation to prove that athletes and entertainers would assist with their plans to make a citizens arrest on Zimmerman.  

Sanford Police are condemning the New Black Panthers’ bounty on Zimmerman and are warning the group to not pursue vigilante justice.  

Are the New Black Panthers taking things too far by issuing a bounty on Zimmerman, or should they pursue justice because an inadequate police department failed to do so?

Gospel star Donald Lawrence made a stunning announcement in front of a national audience. Lawrence was performing at a post game concert for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies when he announced that he’s battling cancer.

The Gospel Newsroom has the scoop that explained why Donald Lawrence has been out of the public eye for some-time.

During the hour long concert, Donald Lawrence introduced the audience to some of his beloved singers. In attendance was recently signed EMI recording artist Anita Wilson, along with Memphis’ own Sheri Jones-Moffet who is best known as the voice of the hit song “encourage yourself.”

While singing the song ‘Not Making Sense, Making Faith,’ Donald Lawrence revealed more about his cancer treatment. Lawrence explained that this was the first time in 3 months that he has performed, because he is currently seeking cancer treatment in Los Angeles. Lawrence said that he disconnected from everybody, and put his faith in God testifying that today there is no sign of cancer in his body.  It isn’t known what type of cancer Lawrence is battling.  

The Game Show Network, or GSN, has signed on stand-up comedian Jeff Foxworthy to host its new game show, “The American Bible Challenge,” which will test contestants’ knowledge of the Bible.

“I am excited to be hosting a show about the bestselling book of all time. It will be interesting to find out what people really know, and an opportunity to present the Bible in a fun and entertaining way,” said Foxworthy, who has also hosted Fox quiz show “Are You Smarter than A Fifth Grader?”

The one-hour game show is still in development, but its format will be straight-forward and recognizable to most viewers – contestants will be asked questions designed to acknowledge and celebrate the Bible’s continuing importance in contemporary life and culture. Contestants will be split into different teams, with each playing for “a worthy faith-based organization,” the GSN statement revealed.

“The American Bible Challenge” is being produced alongside RelativityREAL, and counts Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks as consulting producers. The Odyssey Networks describes itself as the nation’s largest multi-faith coalition dedicated to producing and distributing media that creates understanding among people of different beliefs and perspectives and enriches spiritual life.

Foxworthy, who will also be a producer on the show, is described by GSN as one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country.

“Widely known for his redneck jokes, his act goes well beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature, a style that has been compared to Mark Twain’s,” the GSN statement elaborates.

According to Access Atlanta, the pilot for “The American Bible Challenge” will shoot in Los Angeles next week. GSN’s commitment to put up money for a pilot means that the odds are very good it will become a series, Access Atlanta suggests.

Foxworthy’s “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” show ran on Fox from 2007 to 2010, and GSN says it hopes to replicate a similar run of its Bible challenge program.

In between movies, Brely travels and speaks encouraging others to LIVE YOUR DREAMS which focuses on two points: LIVE BY YOUR GIFT: An empowering heart centered talk on getting to know yourself, coupled with an action plan for living your best life based on your gifts and talents; and DREAM BIG: A stimulating session targeted to younger audiences that encourages the new generation to know that theirDREAMS are REAL and ATTAINABLE.

Although Brely has developed a national platform in motivational speaking, her compassion for people and commitment to ministry dwells firm within her local community. Brely is a disciple from Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA where Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer is Senior Pastor. She serves there in the One Voice Choir and in the Drama Ministry. Brely takes pleasure in serving communally byvolunteering every week with My Friends House LA, an organization that feeds thedisplaced on L.A.’s Downtown Skid Row. Brely is also a spokesperson for The Sharon Randolph Foundation which offers programs and support for breast cancer patients.

Brely truly believes Hollywood is an awesome place for Christians. “Hollywood is a WORLD platform,” she states. “We can affect millions of people with just one film and be WORLD CHANGERS!”

Prolific songwriter and nationally acclaimed gospel recording artist Freda Battle hit song “For All You’ve Done” will be featured on the season premiere of BEVERLY’S FULL HOUSE on the OWN Network. The new hour long reality TV series premieres on Saturday, March 31st at 10pm est./9pm cst., which stars supermodel and business woman Beverly Johnson.

“For All You’ve Done”, written by Freda Battle was originally recorded and released in 1998 independently by her city wide recording aggregation Freda Battle and The Temple Worshippers. The song was recorded in a live setting at the then New Covenant Christian Church (now Jubilee Christian Church) in Boston for the group’s debut project FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME.

“It was only supposed to be a one time thing”, said Battle in an earlier interview with Stellar Award nominated gospel radio announcer Liz Black, “however we’ve been together since 1997”. It was “For All You’ve Done” that garnered the group national notoriety, which resulted in the group becoming mainstays within the gospel music industry.

In 2006, “For All You’ve Done” was re-recorded by Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers and produced by Grammy®, Dove and Stellar Award winning recording artist/producer Israel Houghton. The song was the 2nd radio single off of the group’s 3rd project HERE IS OUR PRAISE on Axiom Records. “For All You’ve Done” is considered among gospel music lovers and fans of Battle a favorite among her extensive song catalog. To date, it is still sung in Sunday morning worship church services around the country.

A third generation choir director, Battle has written over 200 songs and hold songwriting credits for her group’s 3 currently released albums FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME (1998-Independent), SERIOUS PRAISE (2002- Axiom Records) and HERE IS OUR PRAISE (2006- Axiom Records).

Additionally, Battle secured national songwriting placements for the Thomas Dorsey (known as the father of Gospel Music) National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses (If God Be For Us), Gospel Music Workshop of America: Live In Milwaukee (Here Is Our Praise), Grammy®-nominated and Stellar Award winning legendary female group Witness (It Will Be Alright), Stellar Award nominated project Daryl Coley presents: Here II Praise (Don’t Be Afraid & He Is The Way), Rodney Posey ( He’s Worthy), Patrick Lundy & the Minister’s of Music (Oh How I Love ), AS ONE (God Will Take Care of You), Leonard Burks & the Voices of Praise (Because of You), Heaven Sent (Tell It), King James Version ( Love Song & God Will See You Through), and majority of her protege Clarence Powell debut project MADE IT AFTER ALL on Axiom Records, among many others.

After a 6 year hiatus from recording, Battle is currently preparing to release her long-awaited 4th project with The Temple Worshippers this year (10th overall) entitled, HOW GLORIOUS & EXCELLENT IS OUR GOD featuring special guest appearances from Dove Award -nominated and Stellar Award winning artist Stephen Hurd, Bobby Perry (of Bobby Perry & RAIN), Rodney Posey, among others.

About Beverly’s Full House: The show follows the family life of supermodel Beverly Johnson as she tries to bring three generations of her fragmented family together under one roof: her own. The show is produced for OWN by Good Clean Fun and executive produced by Jason Carbone, Nick Lee, and Johnson herself. Regular cast members include Beverly, her daughter Anansa (a model herself) and granddaughter Ava, Anansa’s husband David, and Beverly’s longtime friend and house manager Robert.