House of Blues, the renowned music venue and supporter of traditional American sounds, and Warner Brothers have partnered for a gospel singing competition in conjunction with Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures highly anticipated film Joyful Noise opening nationwide on January 13, 2012.

Written and directed by Todd Graff, -Joyful Noise stars Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal. The musically driven story also brings together the sounds of gospel, pop, country, rock and R & B with memorable songs, performed by the cast, from a wide range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. Dolly Parton also wrote original songs for the film which also features an original score by award-winning composer Mervyn Warren.

Gospel music has been an integral part of House of Blues since the clubs first opened in 1992, said David Fortin, VP Marketing House of Blues. -One of our signature events is Gospel Brunch® on Sundays which combines our soulful cuisine with amazing live gospel acts, so this partnership and competition was a natural for us.

Nicole Sedita, VP Promotions Warner Bros. added, -We’re excited to tie this amazing and inspirational story into the opportunity of a lifetime for someone to sing these wonderful songs at one of the most famous music venues in the world.

Contestants who wish to enter can go to www.houseofblues/joyfulnoise.com, where they can upload a video of a solo performance or a group of up to four people singing either -Amazing Grace or -This Little Light of Mine a-capella. Peers will vote on these videos and the top ten will advance to another round where they will be judged by a panel, including five-time Grammy Award winner Mervyn Warren.

Submission dates are December 7-December 22, 2011 (submissions end at 11:50 pm). The voting period will be from December 23-December, 29, 2011 at 4:59 pm.

The winner(s) will be flown out to Los Angeles from January 7-10, 2012 to attend the -Joyful Noise movie premiere as well as perform their winning song at Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Sunset Strip.

Urban Soul Café (USC) is best known for consistently bringing the hottest Gospel talent to the stage and this year’s “Access Granted” weekend promises to be the three biggest parties of the Stellar Gospel Music Award weekend, January 12-14, 2012. The weekend will host the coveted USC awards with honors going to Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole, the Rance Allen Group and Kim Burrell; a host of performances by Canton Jones, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Myron Butler, Shirley Murdock, Regina Belle, and so many more; and several special guest appearances including Stellar co-host Marvin Sapp. Tickets and a complete schedule can be found at www.UrbanSoulCafe.com.

The “Rose of Gospel,” Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole is a musical evangelist who uses her gift of voice to testify about the perfect love of Christ. The second oldest sister in a family of Gospel legends, Clark-Cole’s fiery, penetrating vocals open vessels for praise. It is the Grace that saved her at the brink of death which saturates each note revealing a soul which only desires to bring others closer to Him.

It is the soul, which also responds to the unmatched sound of The Rance Allen Group (RAG). This year finds them celebrating a music ministry which has allowed them to bring forward a message of faith and fellowship for four decades. Creating music with a mass appeal that is as dynamic as Rance’s signature falsetto, RAG enjoys their own trailblazing space by bridging Gospel and R&B.

Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole and the Rance Allen Group’s timeless contributions to Gospel are the reason they will be presented with the Urban Soul Café “2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.” During this event, Pastor Kim Burrell, will be also honored as USC’s “2012 Artist of the Year,” in recognition of her most recent effort, “The Love Album” which has been nominated for both Grammy and Stellar awards. Pastor Burrell’s unique and vibrant voice is captivating while revealing an undying passion for music as well as ministry.

All of the honors will be bestowed on Thursday, January 12 at the Cannery Ballroom. The event will begin at 7 pm and doors open at 6 pm. USC’s Access Granted will also welcome special guest Marvin Sapp and a number of other artists are scheduled to appear.

On Saturday, January 14 the Mid-Day Mixer will take place at the all-new Jazz & Jokes Lounge where the hottest acts in contemporary Gospel music will perform. Urban worship will fill the building when the doors open at 10 a.m. Everyone is free for the first hour.

After the Stellar Awards, Urban Soul Café’s Thank God I’m Fresh affair will undoubtedly be the most talked about event of the year! The hottest Urban hip hop Gospel stars will appear with music by One Accord DJ’s, and it all happens at the Limelight Entertainment Complex, doors open at 7:30 PM.

Please note that Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted weekend is expected to sell out! Tickets are on sale now at urbansoulcafe.com for $10 in advance online and $15 at the door. VIP passes providing access to ALL three events are on sale now for $50 (VIP access includes backstage passes and more).

Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted Weekend is sponsored by Crazy 1 Productions, Chamelon Entertainment, Judah Media Group, INC, Records, Ten 2 One Entertainment, Coram Deo Mgmt, American Family Insurance, 760 AM The Gospel, EMI Gospel, Light Records, Tyscot Records, The Lee Nathan Group, Soultowne, The Belle Report, DaSouth.com, One EnTiTy, The Fly Chick Entertainment, DW Promotions, 92Q FM, Clipper City, Happy People Network, and One Accord DJ’s.

About Urban Soul Café: Urban Soul Café has been showcasing the best talent in music since April 2005. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, USC has hosted events in Memphis, Huntsville, Houston, Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, and Atlanta, providing a platform for the freshest acts in Gospel music. Urban Soul Café has worked with over 200 artists in the entertainment industry, both novice and established, including Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Canton Jones, DeWayne Woods, Lisa McClendon, and the list goes on. For more information about upcoming Urban Soul Café events go to www.urbansoulcafe.com.

Today, there are many singing competitions, but none that is quite like this. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, GMC TV, Roland and Light Records launch the Most Powerful Voices online singing competition that may save a life!

• Opportunity to perform at the American Heart Association’s Power Weekend at a prominent location in New York
• $5,000 worth of music equipment from Roland manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments
• $2,500 from Light Records
• $2,500 travel stipend
• A digital single produced and distributed by Light Records
• Personal coaching session with a renowned Light Records artist
• National recognition on GMC TV
• And more!

Jason Ingram, who most recently received his fifth SESAC Christian Music Songwriter of the Year Award for his overwhelming impact on artists and songs spanning a variety of musical styles, was honored this week with a second career GRAMMY Award® nomination. Adding to his already impressive list of accolades, which also includes making Gospel Music Association history by receiving 11 GMA Dove Award nominations in one season, the nod comes in the category of Best Contemporary Christian Music Song for his contribution as co-writer on “Your Love” with Brandon Heath.

This is the second time Ingram and Heath have been recognized by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for their collaborative efforts. The first was in 2009 for Heath’s breakthrough radio hit “Give Me Your Eyes.” Similarly, “Your Love,” Heath’s first single from the GRAMMY nominated Leaving Eden (1/18/2011), saw rampant radio success, holding the No. 1 spot for eight consecutive weeks earlier this year.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® ceremony will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sunday, February 12, 2012. For a complete list of nominees, visit www.grammy.com.

About Jason Ingram: Jason Ingram has one of the most diverse and accomplished resumes in Christian music. Born in West Virginia, he spent part of his childhood in Dallas and later moved to Santa Cruz, Calif. Jason’s father, Chip Ingram, is a prominent speaker/author, but the young Ingram knew early on that music would be his vehicle for sharing his passion. In 1999, he relocated to Nashville, Tenn., and his self-titled debut album was released in 2002 on Resonate/INO Records. The following year he became frontman for the critically acclaimed band The Longing.

In the past few years, Ingram has become one of Christian music’s most successful and respected songwriters and producers. He’s produced Tenth Avenue North, Chris Tomlin, Sanctus Real, Meredith Andrews, Mikeschair, Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown, Jason Gray, and Bebo Norman, among others, while being instrumental in the vetting and development of CCM newcomers Lindsay McCaul and Andy Cherry.

A prolific lyricist, Ingram’s songwriting credits include, Brandon Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes,” Hillsong and One Sonic Society’s “Forever Reign,” Sanctus Real’s “Lead Me,” Chris Tomlin’s “I Will Follow,” Matt Maher’s “Alive Again” and two Tenth Avenue North songs, “Love is Here” and “By Your Side.” The latter was named Song of the Year at the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards and was the No. 3 played Christian song of the decade (2000-2010) according to Billboard Magazine. Ingram also picked up the Producer of the Year Dove Award, was Billboard Magazine’s 2009 and 2010 Christian Songwriter of the Year.

Further, Ingram is co-writer of back-to-back GMA Dove Award-winning Songs of the Year (2009’s “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath and 2010’s “By Your Side” recorded by Tenth Avenue North), SESAC’s Co-writer of The Year for the last two years (for his work on “Give Me Your Eyes” and “By Your Side”) and recently received his fifth consecutive SESAC Christian Music Award for Songwriter of the Year.

While Ingram’s presence is most immediately felt in the Christian and Worship music arenas, this GRAMMY nominee is also gaining momentum internationally. Most recently his song “Just One Kiss,” recorded by Nick Carter, climbed into the Top 10 in Japan.

Amidst an unprecedented run of award shows, nominations, non-stop travel for holiday performances and a television series taping underway, the star sister duo, Mary Mary’s Erica and Tina Campbell, is regretfully forced to cancel their much anticipated first ever “Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour” as Erica’s February due date draws near.

The singer has been advised by doctors that she cannot continue working at her current pace without risk of potential premature delivery. After careful consideration, the ladies have determined it is best to cancel the entire tour at this time, including their New Year’s Eve show. Up to now, the ladies have been on an exhaustive cross-country schedule of promotional activities, and, given the medical opinion, recognize what the priorities must be.

A dizzyingly packed year of high-profile national television appearances, including performances on the NAACP Image Awards, The Talk, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno twice, The Mo’Nique Show, BET’s “Black Girls Rock,” The Soul Train Music Awards, ABC’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and Macy’s Atlanta Thankgsiving Day Great Tree Lighting as well as an interview on Good Morning America, underscores their massive star power, and their ongoing commitment to hard work. Associations with the American Red Cross, Pillsbury and the just announced WE tv series–scheduled to begin airing March 2012, are examples of their widespread appeal. Mary Mary’s list of awards and acknowledgements for the acclaimed March 2011 cd release, “Something Big,” includes double Grammy Award Nominations, a Soul Train Award, an ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, six 2012 Stellar Awards, among others. And, as all of the magic continues to unfold, through it all, the ladies remain devoted mothers and wives.

As Tina Campbell notes, “Our commitment to our passion of music and our fans is without question, but allowing wisdom, common sense, and our commitment to family to take the lead at this point is necessary. We fully intend to return to our passion and our commitment to music in late spring and look forward to rescheduling the ‘Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour’ in 2012.”

Erica Campbell admitted, “This was a very hard decision for me. I’m accustomed to pushing myself beyond my doctor recommendations during my pregnancies, but after having seen my sister, Tina, deal with a premature birth as a direct result of an exhaustive pace, I recognize how real this is. Although my passion told me to push on as usual in these past months, my wisdom, as of my last week’s doctor’s visit, told me to take care of myself and my new baby-to-be. Just know that I have the greatest passion for whom I sing about and a great love and respect for whom I sing to, so I’ll be back to what I live for as soon as I take care of mommy business.”

Arise: The Live Worship Experience from William McDowell celebrates its fourth week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also enters at #20 on the Independent Albums Charts. Le’Andria Johnson‘s The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson holds to the #2 position on this week’s charts. Uncommon Me from Isaac Carree moves two places to the #3 spot followed by Hello Fear from Kirk Franklin which enters at the #4 position. From The Heart from Jessica Reedy rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Le’Andria Johnson‘s Christmas release Christmas Best jumps sixteen places to #10 while YRM: Your Righteous Mind from Donald Lawrence & Company jumps five places to #14.

In the world of radio, “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh spends its tenth consecutive week at the top of the radio charts. Isaac Carree‘s “In The Middle” holds to the #2 spot while “Spiritual” from Donald Lawrence & Company maintains the #3 position. “Be Still” from Yolanda Adams moves to the #4 spot while Kirk Franklin‘s “I Smile” rounds out the week’s top five songs.

The Christian Post spoke to New Destiny officials, who tell the online publication that New Destiny plans to have a replacement for Pastor Zachery Tims in time for the new year.

New Destiny Christian Center, the congregation founded and led by the late Zachery Tims for 15 years, announced on Monday that a new senior pastor would be revealed on New Year’s Eve. And that pastor will take on his or her new leadership duties beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

In a notice sent to supporters, NDCC, based in Apopka, Fla., revealed the service line-up for the holiday season, specifically highlighting that on Sunday, Jan. 1: “WE WILL HAVE OUR NEW YEAR’S Church Service ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 w/ our New Pastor.”

However, Minister Samuel Anderson, an executive administrator with NDCC, told The Christian Post that the board of bishops was still in the process of choosing a new pastor. It appears that the board is confident a candidate will be decided upon by the end of December.

Minister Anderson did not provide any further details, but has told CP previously that the primary requirement for NDCC’s new lead pastor is that he or she has to be married. Some observers interpreted that basic requirement to mean that Tims’ ex-wife, Riva Tims, was immediately disqualified from leading the church.

The couple started NDCC in a hotel ballroom in Orlando in 1996, which eventually grew to a membership of more than 7,500. The Tims, who have four children, divorced in 2009.

On Sept. 26, Riva Tims published a statement on her Facebook page in response to the many calls for her to return to NDCC.

On Sept. 26, Riva Tims published a statement on her Facebook page in response to the many calls for her to return to NDCC.

“I have gotten an overwhelming response from my New Destiny Family to come home and/or at least minister to them. However, I have not been contacted by NDCC staff to return or to assist in the transition. I will continue to pray and cover NDCC, that the vision Zack and I birthed will continue! Thanks for all of your love and prayers,” she wrote.

Tims was found dead on Aug. 12 in his room at the W Hotel in Times Square in New York City. He was reportedly in town for a speaking engagement.

Tims’ mother, Madeline Tims, filed an injunction against a handful of New York City agencies, including the medical examiner’s office, to prohibit them from revealing to the public the cause and manner of death for the late pastor.

The motion, filed in early October, resulted in a temporary restraining order against the medical examiner’s office until Justice Cynthia S. Kern could hear arguments from the plaintiff and the defendants, which she did on Nov. 23 in Manhattan Supreme Court.

Kern deferred making a decision on whether the medical examiner’s office has the authority to publicly disclose the cause of death for individuals, as it had planned to do for Tims with a press release on Oct. 7. Until the justice makes a decision, the medical examiner’s office has agreed to refrain from publicly disclosing Tims’ cause of death.

It was not immediately clear when a decision would be made regarding Madeline Tims’ case.

In the meantime, NDCC is turning members toward their new pastor, who will be revealed by year’s end.

Super Bowl Gospel Celebration team made the official announcement before a standing room only crowd that the 2012 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will be held on Friday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University. Celebrating 13 years of inspiration, the NFL sanctioned event transcends the traditional Super Bowl Weekend activity, bringing together top NFL players and Grammy Award-winning artists together on one stage, for one night on one accord.

“We are thrilled to bring the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration to Indianapolis, a city with a long history of high level sports activities and a rich gospel culture,” said Melanie Few-Harrison, president of Results Marketing & Media and event producer. “This is our first time in Indy and we are planning some exciting firsts for Super Bowl Gospel along with another dynamic, diverse line-up.”

Named by USA Today as “One of the best Super Bowl events to attend,” and the only inspirational concert to air on ESPN, the event has featured marquee players including Donovan McNabb, Ray Lewis, Darrell Green, Cris Carter, Kurt Warner, John Elway, Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders, and Coaches Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. Also, numerous other NFL players and their families attend the event each year.

In 2008, the NFL Players Choir became a part of the annual event. More than 40 active and former players garbed in choir robes showed off their vocal talents under the direction of gospel icon Donnie McClurkin. “We are accustomed to seeing the rough and rugged side of these guys, but this event allows them to express their spiritual side, which is very important to them, and share it with their fans, said Few-Harrison.” The choir will celebrate its five-year anniversary in 2012.

Music icons that have performed include Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Jaci Velasquez, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, and many others. This year’s line-up will be announced at a later date.

The event also serves as a fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds benefiting national and local charities. To date, more than $400,000 and 5,000 tickets have been donated over the last twelve years.

Sponsors to-date include Verizon Wireless, the official wireless service of the NFL; and American Family Insurance.

For event updates on the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, visit www.superbowlgospel.com or follow the event on www.twitter.com/SuperBowlGospel and facebook.com/SuperBowlGospel.

Evangelist Billy Graham is keeping a positive attitude during his hospitalization for respiratory problems.

A. Larry Ross, a spokesman for the 93-year-old evangelist, tweeted early this morning that Graham “remains in good spirits after a time of Bible reading and prayer with daughter, Gigi, last nite.”

Graham currently remains at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., where he was admitted late Wednesday morning “suffering from congestion, a cough and a slight fever,” according to AP. He is being tested for pneumonia, which he was previously treated for in May.

The hospital said that he was “alert, smiling and waving at hospital staff” when he was admitted and that “while no date has been set for discharge, Mr. Graham is looking forward to returning home to spend the upcoming Christmas holidays with his family.”

Many Christians took to Twitter to express their well wishes.

“Praying for Dr. Billy Graham, taken into hospital in Asheville, NC for evaluation and lung treatment,” tweeted Sheila Walsh. “What a hero of the faith.”

Founding pastor of the Fellowship Church Ed Young tweeted, “Praying for Billy Graham as he’s in the hospital. One of the greatest men God has used to reach millions! Get well, Dr, Graham!!”

Graham is one of the most renowned Christian preachers of the century who, according to the Cincinnati Post, has personally preached the Gospel to more people than anyone else in history. Graham rose to fame during the post-World War II period during which he spoke out against communism and helped unite the country by bringing Christianity back to the forefront. He is most well-known for his heartfelt and compelling sermons. Graham’s 30th book, Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well, in which he shares personal reflections and wisdom on growing old, was released in October. “All my life I was taught how to die as a Christian, but no one ever taught me how I ought to live in my latter years,” the greatly admired evangelist wrote. “I wanted to share some of the things I have learned about this stage in life with others, as the aging process is something most of us will experience.”

One of the best-selling artists in Christian music since her self-titled debut album released in 2009, Kari Jobe returns with Where I Find You Jan. 24, 2012. This will be Jobe’s first album with Sparrow Records, a division of EMI CMG Label Group, which will distribute the album from the two-time Dove Award winning, Gateway Church (Southlake, TX) worship leader into worldwide markets.

Produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Chris August), who also produced her breakout self-titled debut, and acclaimed producer Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, Josh Wilson), Where I Find You is an engaging project that stretches Jobe both sonically and thematically. In addition to emphasizing the beauty found in God’s presence, Where I Find You is a clarion call for listeners to actually experience it to the fullest, even in the midst of personal storms.

“I think there are times as believers when we feel entitled and that life shouldn’t be hard. We live in this culture of convenience that says we can do everything ourselves and find all the answers on Google,” Kari says. “But if we can learn to fall more in love with the Lord and trust Him in the middle of every storm, we build our endurance to keep running the race.”

The message is clearly hitting home with listeners as Jobe’s first-ever radio hit, “We Are,” has spent multiple weeks as Billboard’s Most Added Christian single and is not only a Top 15 and climbing single on the National Audience chart, but also quickly soared to top of the iTunes Christian and Gospel chart.

“‘We Are’ is a song of commission for us as believers,” says Kari, “to be reminded of what we’ve been called to, and that is to impact people’s lives in everything we do.”

Taking the new music and message of Where I Find You to audiences coast-to-coast, Jobe is featured on Christian music’s biggest tour, Winter Jam, which begins Jan. 6 and travels to over 45 cities before wrapping up in April. One of the most respected female worship leaders in the country, Jobe also leads worship at Gateway Church, which she has done for the last nine-years. She further leads worship at conferences across the country and around the world.

Releasing her self-titled debut album in February 2009, the album went on to sell well over 250,000 copies and led to a New Artist of The Year Dove Award nomination. Taking home two Doves from the ceremony, Jobe later joined Rick Warren (Saddleback Church) to lead worship for more than 45,000 at Angel Stadium (Anaheim, CA). Having studied at Oral Roberts University, Christ For The Nations and Dallas Baptist University, where she finished her psychology and Pastoral Ministries degree, Jobe also partners with the A21 Campaign, an organization dedicated to abolishing human trafficking.

“Whether I’m participating in an effort like the A21 Campaign or leading worship, it’s all about making a difference,” Kari says. “It’s all about seeing God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children.”

For more information on Kari Jobe, visit www.karijobe.com, www.twitter.com/karijobe and www.facebook.com/karijobe.