Season five Sunday Best hopefuls prepare to audition beginning this month, and we are learning more about this years show.

Gospel star CeCe Winans has been added to the show along with Yolanda Adams. Coming back will be Donnie McClurkin.

This is CeCe Winans first time as a judge on the show, and Yolanda Adams second time in the shows short history.

With the edition of CeCe Winans we’ve learned that the sisterly duo Mary Mary will not be judging this year for the show. It will be interesting to see if the show has the same dynamic without the very blunt Tina Campbell of Mary Mary.

After-all, it was Mary Mary that was largely responsible for bringing back season 4, after the show was reportedly dropped from the BET line-up. Shortly after social networks blew up with disappointment, BET announced that the show had been picked back up.

Now in 2012 we will see Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams look for another Sunday Best on the heels of last years winner Amber Bullock. Bullock was in an epic battle for the title of Sunday Best with Andrea Helms.

Both Bullock and Helms received record deals with Music World Gospel. Amber Bullock’s album ‘Thank You’ rested on Billboards Top 10, and Andrea Helms just released her debut CD March 6th.

Click Here to see audition schedules for Sunday Best season 5.

This week, Music World Gospel continues its rise on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart with two albums in the Top 10, three titles in the Top 15, five titles in the Top 20, and six albums in the Top 25. GRAMMY® Award winner, Le’Andria Johnson remains in the Top 10 with two titles: The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson and The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition at #2 and #6 respectively. Brian Courtney Wilson’s So Proud lands at #14 and Amber Bullock’s Thank You moves up to #16 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Also, Juanita Bynum’s Diary of Juanita Bynum 2 moves up to #19 and Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s Timeless moves up to #24.

To date, Music World Gospel has released four CD projects on Le’Andria Johnson including two recent releases: The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, an EP and The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition. The deluxe edition contains the seven songs released on her debut CD plus seven new songs. The seven new songs were released on the EP.

In September 2011, Music World Gospel also released the first installment of The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson which entered at #1 on multiple music charts, including both the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The CD also debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Current Gospel Overall chart. It spent nine weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Three months later, the label released Le’Andria’s first holiday CD, Christmas Best.

Brian Courtney Wilson’s new CD project, So Proud, released on February 7, debuted at #1 on both Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart. Amber Bullock’s Thank You debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and the CD has remained in the Top 20 for over 10 weeks.

Israel Theme Tours is proud to announce that actress, radio personality and award-winning recording artist Jaci Velasquez and her husband Nic Gonzales, frontman for the award-winning band Salvador, will be taking fans to Israel October 21-30, 2012. The 10-day, VIP style tour of the Holy Land will offer fans a vacation experience unlike any other. 

Travelers will follow in the footsteps of Jesus, cruise the Sea of Galilee, explore the ruins of the ancient port city built by King Herod, experience the Western Wall and the ancient city of Jerusalem, float in the Dead Sea, visit Yad Vashem (Holocaust Museum), roam the beaches of Tel Aviv, experience baptism in the Jordan River and much more.

Two of Christian music’s best-loved artists, Jaci and Nic will join the tour group each day for a variety of activities, including exclusive fan access and some once-in-a-lifetime performances.

The tour is limited to 50 travelers, and registrations are being accepted now. Fans can reserve their spot by visiting www.israelthemetours.com/jaciandnic.

About Jaci Velasquez
With over 3.5 million albums sold, and 16 #1 radio hits, Inpop Records released Jaci’s latest album, Diamond, in February. Jaci stars in the upcoming films The Encounter and Jerusalem Countdown, and can be heard each day on Salem Broadcasting’s syndicated network show, “Your Family Friendly Morning Show With Doug & Jaci Velasquez,” which reaches more than 1.5 million listeners nationwide. For more information, visit www.jacivelasquez.com. 

About Nic Gonzales
Nic is best known as the frontman for the nation’s premier Latin jam band, Salvador, which has landed numerous Top 10 hits including the smash “Shine” which was named ASCAP’s Song of the Year in 2006. The Dove Award winning and 4-time Billboard Latin Award nominees have toured with Shoutfest, Jaci Velasquez, Rachael Lampa, Third Day and many others. For more information, visit www.salvadorlive.com.

It looks like we could have to wait longer to find out what the Mega-church Pastor Zachery Tims died from. A decision made by the New York City appeals court could delay a ruling until 2013.

Zachery Tims’ mother won a temporary victory Tuesday when the court ruled in favor of her request to keep medical officials from making public the Florida pastor’s cause of death.  

In a decision filed Tuesday, the five-panel New York County Appellate court granted Madeline Tims’ request to prevent the City of New York and the city medical examiner’s office from revealing what killed Tims, who was found dead in the W Hotel in Times Square on Aug. 12, 2011. 

The case was transferred from the NY County Supreme Court in December, when Judge Cynthia S. Kern ruled after about a month of deliberation that there were no laws strictly prohibiting the medical examiner’s office from publicly disclosing Tims’ cause of death, as it does with other high-profile cases. 

The New York City Law Department, representing New York City and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), had agreed to keep the cause and manner of Tims’ death private until Judge Kern had made her decision. However, Madeline Tims filed an appeal on Jan. 11, with the effect of temporarily preventing the City from making that information public. The law department responded with its own claim on Jan. 27, challenging the request and insisting that it was unlikely Tims would be successful in her appeal.

According to court papers filed March 6, 2012, Tims’ motion for an injunction against NYC was granted on the condition that her appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision is filed by July 9.    

Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for Sept. 4, and a ruling is expected sometime in 2013, Madeline Tims’ attorney, Ricardo E. Oquendo, told the Orlando Sentinel. 

Oquendo had argued before Judge Kern late last year that since New York City has no right to publicly disclose autopsy reports in full, neither should it be allowed to disclose information contained in those reports – such as the cause and manner of death. Judge Kern decided on the side of the OCME.

The court’s interim decision allows Oquendo to once again argue why NYC must keep Tims’ cause of death quiet, however NYC officials have expressed confidence that Kern’s decision will be upheld.  “We are confident the appellate court will ultimately uphold the previous decision,” Ave Maria Brennan, Senior Counsel with the NYC Law Department, said in an emailed statement. 

Zachery Tims, who founded New Destiny Christian Center in Apopka, Fla., was succeeded by Paula White as senior pastor of the church he led for 15 years. Although no official cause of death has been provided, Madeline Tims initially told the court that disclosing her 42-year-old son’s cause of death would be an embarrassment to her, his children, and his NDCC congregation.

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the first talent line-up of leading music artists that will appear and perform at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards: Lecrae, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Jason Crabb, Jamie-Grace, Kim Burrell, Kari Jobe, Danny Gokey, Ruben Studdard, Mandisa, Jason Castro and The Isaacs will electrify the audience with live inspirational performances.  This announcement marks the first round of musical performers for the awards ceremony, with additional performers to be revealed as the show date approaches. 

The GMA revealed today that the co-hosts for the legendary awards ceremony will be David Mann and Chonda Pierce.  David Mann is best known for creating the famous comic character Leroy S. Brown who stars in Tyler Perry’s popular Meet the Browns television series. Mann’s “Leroy S. Brown” has kept audiences across the nation laughing in the blockbuster Madea movies. 

Daytime EMMY nominated comedian Chonda Pierce is known for her sharp Southern wit starred in her own live national television special This Ain’t Prettyville! on CMT (Country Music Television). Pierce is the author of six books, including her most recent Laughing In the Dark (Simon&Schuster /Howard) and she ranked among Pollstar’s top-selling live performers. Her comedy is regularly featured on XM and Sirius satellite radio.

The 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.  The award show is produced by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) to offer the most comprehensive platform celebrating Christian and Gospel music.  The awards ceremony will be nationally televised on GMC TV on April 24 at 8:00PM ET.

“The GMA Dove Awards represent Gospel and Christian music’s biggest night of the year and there is no better place for the broadcast of this event than GMC TV, America’s home for the best in uplifting music and entertainment,” said Charles Humbard, President and CEO of GMC.  “We are proud to host this celebration at the Fox Theatre, one of America’s premiere venues here in our home town, Atlanta.”

The public is invited to purchase tickets to see and experience all of the performances and awards ceremony live at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 19 atwww.ticketmaster.com.  Last year, the popular event sold-out and was one of the hottest tickets in Atlanta.

For the complete list of nominated artists click here

About GMA:

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community membership consists of agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376. www.facebook.com/gospelmusicassociation

About the Fox Theatre:

The historic Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox’s 4,678 seat theatre is booked more than 300 performances a year ranging from Broadway to rock to comedy to movies. In December 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as “The #1 non-residency venue worldwide for the decade (5,000 seats or less).” The Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in the middle of the city. Not only is it on the National Historic Register, but it is one of the most beloved landmarks in the city because it is a real memory maker for the citizens of Atlanta. They may have come here to see their first performance or Broadway show; they had their first date here, and maybe even had their first kiss in the balcony. Our ballrooms are spectacular and have hosted everything from Sweet 16s to weddings and corporate events.

About GMC:

GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ has twice awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC is the only television network brand to be so honored.  In 2011, GMC was the second fastest growing ad supported cable network in total day households and A18-49. GMC can be seen in more than 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DISH Network on channel 188, DIRECTV on channel 338 and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter athttp://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

BEC Recordings’ is thrilled to announce the release of the LP, The Rescue, from freshman artist Adam Cappa. Cappa will release this full-length label debut on March 13th following the release of his EP in 2011. This budding artist can be seen touring with his label-mate, mentor and co-producer Jeremy Camp on the “We Cry Out” tour currently on the road.

“Recording The Rescue was the most amazing experience of my life,” shares Cappa about recording with Jeremy Camp. “Being able to just hang out talking about life and what the Lord was teaching us, and then to translate that all into words and melodies was an unbelievable experience. There was this unity in excitement and joy that surrounded us in knowing that this is God at work through us.”

The Rescue is his label debut, but his third career album. Cappa enlisted producer Andy Dodd as well as the aforementioned Camp, who has been involved in Cappa’s career from the beginning. A vocalist, guitarist, performer, young songwriter and communicator through and through, Adam Cappa is ready to share his heart. It all started when Adam got involved with Young Life after accepting Christ as a sophomore in high school. Fast-forward a few years and two independent records later, Cappa is focused on his passion for ministry.

The media have already climbed on the bandwagon for Adam Cappa with the release of the EP in the fall. In addition, Cappa has been the roving tour correspondent for HearItFirst.com as he did interviews in the fall with the David Crowder Band, Gunger, Switchfoot, Kutless, Jamie Grace, Newsong, and many more.

“Adam is a genuinely great guy, and this is an equally great album. It is a collection of exciting and encouraging pop-rock tracks, and his sincere and authentic voice makes it easy to get behind the message of these songs.” – HearItFirst on the full-length debut

“There’s a tenderness and authenticity that accompanies Adam Cappa’s label debut that prevents the adult contemporary pop sound from becoming too familiar.” – CCM Magazine on the full-length debut

Cappa has been visiting radio stations across the nation the past few months performing his single and title track, which is currently at No. 22 on CHR and charting on the National Audience chart.

Anthony Evans, gospel artist and son of megachurch Pastor Dr. Tony Evans, was pitted against gospel artist Jesse Campbell in the battle round on the television show “The Voice” Monday night. However, Evans was sent home by mentor Christina Aguilera, causing many to speak about the impact that the performance had on them.

Evans and Campbell, both gospel singers, sang the Alicia Key’s song, “If I Ain’t Got You,” in the battle round of the competition that would eliminate one singer. The two men with similar styles both put on a performance that made even the song’s originator proud.

“Amazing performance,” Keys tweeted after the two men performed, hitting high notes and extravagant runs. “That was so fun to watch.”

Despite judges Cee Lo Green, Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine complimenting both performers, only one gospel singer from the female judge’s team was allowed to move past the battle round. Although Aguilera did not choose Evans, the pastor’s son managed to bless many people who witnessed his performance.

“Your son blessed me last night on ‘The Voice,'” one person wrote on the pastor’s Facebook wall.

Another said they were now just as inspired by Anthony as they were by his father, who serves as the chaplain for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.

“You have always been an inspiration to me,” another person wrote on the pastor’s Facebook wall. “Now your son is inspiring me as well! God bless the Evans family!”

The younger Evans took to his own social media page to thank fans who watched him during the competition, and joke about his feelings of regret.

“Thanks for all the love you guys…did my best,” Evans tweeted after the competition. “(I) Don’t have any regrets (except for Christina not saying ‘Anthony’) lol.” Aguilera took to her own Twitter page to speak about the hard decision of sending people home.

“Incredible performances in the Battles tonight,” Aguilera tweeted. “I had tough choices, so hard to send great singers home. They are forever team Xtina.”

Today marks the release date for singer/songwriter Sarah Macintosh’s Integrity Music label debut Current, which was produced by her husband, Jonny Macintosh, and J.T. Daly of Nashville’s famed indie rock outfit, Paper Route. Current is available to Christian retail stores within the U.S. through Provident Music Distribution and to mainstream retailers through Sony Music Distribution. It is also available through all major digital service providers including Amazon and iTunes. Click here to purchase at iTunes.

Out of the gate, Macintosh’s Current is receiving stunning reviews and mentions from top media outlets such as Path MEGAzine, CCM Magazine, NewReleaseTuesday, JesusFreakHideout and more. In addition Sarah has performed for the Relevant Magazine Podcast (videos can be viewed here) as well as at HearItFirst.com, and she will be featured next week on the NewReleaseTuesday podcast. Her song “We Should Run” is also available now as a free download at GMCtv. Click here to get this amazing song.

Here is a taste of what the media are saying about Sarah Macintosh’s Current:

“Her honest lyrics portray the every day Christian walk through life with a percussive yet ambient, ethereal sound; making for a worshipful album that renews its energy in every song. The melodramatic near-glam electro beauty of Current sets Macintosh apart from most Christian and Pop artists out there. From the downbeat of the first song, she grabs your attention with an intense and beautiful wall of sound that develops throughout the album. – Worship Leader Magazine (March/April)

“This is a very cool, outside-of-the-box album that features a lot of foreign sounds that really grab and hold your attention. There’s a lot of unique instrumentation and cool chord progressions that make it seem as though the musical fabric of the orient played a part in the writing of these songs….This is such a fresh sounding album, and I can’t recommend it enough. I loved it!” – HearItFirst.com, Ryan Mitchell reviewer

“From the first moments of Sarah Macintosh’s new album Current, you know that you are hearing something that stands apart. The entire album is punctuated by chamber-pop elements and instrumentation. For sure, this is the ultimate “gourmet” release of 2012. Do yourself a favor and buy this album immediately.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com 5 Star Review

“Likely to be one of 2012’s more accomplished pop efforts, its distinctive factors really make the record stand apart in bold fashion and they breathe new life into another great singer’s career.”
– JesusFreakHideout.com 4.5 Star Review

“Macintosh makes fervent, worshipful music, and the best songs here combine shuffling, trip-hop beats, and personal lyrics-or in the case of the title song, carry the listener along in a wave of pure, gleeful abandon. She deserves credit for making electronic-based music sound so warm and inviting.” – Christianity Today

“Sarah Macintosh has a bold and brave sound of her own that blasts through her peers with a sound all her own, deep and beautiful with a music that would make her friends with fans of Coldplay and Adele while displaying a worshipful heart through her lyrics.” – ChristianMusicZine.com

“After listening to Sarah Macintosh’s Integrity Records debut Current, Sarah is one of my new favorite worship leaders. Her musical creativity and willingness to write about the hope we can find in Jesus during any time of our life makes her both an artist that struggling Christians can play during the storms of life, and those experiencing triumph can celebrate to as well. Plus, you can’t go wrong with her amazing vocals!” – Jays Musik Blog

For more information, visit sarahmacintosh.com and be sure to follow her on Twitter.

ABOUT SARAH MACINTOSH:
Known for her work with progressive rock band Chasing Furies, Macintosh now has three solo projects to her credit including the critically acclaimed The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me. In addition to touring and collaborating with artists such David Crowder, Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Vicky Beeching and Jars of Clay, she speaks and leads worship at churches around the country.

Until recently, her family made their home in San Diego, California, where Macintosh led worship for her father-in-law’s church, Horizon Christian Fellowship. Now, this Texas native is now waking up in cities around the country for speaking/singing engagements as her family relocates temporarily, working with churches to impact local communities. Rather than simply making a cameo in the lives of the people they’re ministering to, they are loving getting to know the Body of Christ on a more personal level.

ABOUT INTEGRITY MUSIC:
Kingsway and Integrity Music are the music divisions of David C Cook, a nonprofit global resource provider serving the Church with life-transforming materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kingsway’s and Integrity’s resources are distributed in more than 160 countries and sold worldwide. Additional information can be found at integritymusic.com.

Clear Sight Music released FLAME’s sixth full-length album today, appropriately titled The 6th, via Central South and Infinity Music Distribution. The highly anticipated follow-up to the 2010 release, Captured, shot straight to #1 on iTunes’ Hip-Hop Chart, and debuted at #9 on the Top Albums Chart, sharing the Top 10 with albums from such chart-topping artists as Adele, Big Time Rush and Bruce Springsteen. 

The 6th has debuted to glowing reviews from a wide variety of media outlets, including TheChristianManifesto.com (“The album itself is a benchmark in Christian hip-hop”) and JesusFreakHideout.com (“FLAME has returned with a spiritually relevant message and a solid sound behind it”). 

“He’s been nominated for a Grammy, two Doves, and two Stellars, but somehow FLAME is still one of rap’s best-kept secrets,” wrote Andy Argyrakis for Christianity Today. “That’s all about to change on this sixth album, which benefits from his rapid rhymes, stellar production, and a slew of guest collaborators (including DecembeRadio, LeCrae, Thi’sl, Young Noah, and V.Rose).” 

“Wow,” said FLAME, reacting to the album’s strong start. “Being #1 on iTunes is evidence of God’s grace. I’m praying that it translates into lives impacted.” 

For more information on FLAME, please visit www.clearsightmusic.com.