Hello Fear, the brand new release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates its seventh week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also sits at #5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #22 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Mary Mary‘s latest release Something Big holds to the #2 position this week. The album also sits at #13 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #47 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. The WOW Gospel 2011 compilation moves to the #3 position, while the latest from Lonnie Hunter featuring Structure, titled I’m Back, enters at the #4 position. Keep Living, from Ricky Dillard & New G, rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Take The High Road, the new release from The Blind Boys of Alabama debuts at #17, while Tonya Baker‘s new effort The Live Encounter debuts at #23. 

In the world of radio, “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin celebrates its fifth week at the top of the radio charts. Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” holds to the #2 spot while “Walking” from Mary Mary moves to the #3 position. “Well Done” from Deitrick Haddon moves to the #4 spot while “My Heart Says Yes” from Troy Sneed rounds out the week’s top five songs.

Two prime time dramas with African American males in the lead have just been given the axe.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that NBC is passing on picking up its sci-fi action-drama “The Event” for another season. Blair Underwood starred in the show as the US president.

Though the series about aliens covertly living among us started strongly for the network, it faded gradually in the ratings and, after its winter hiatus, fell below the line. “Event” averaged 7.4 million viewers and a 2.5 adults 18-49 rating once DVR use is added in, which just wasn’t enough for a costly and serialized show.

Meanwhile, Dick Wolf’s attempt to move his franchise to the City of Angels failed, too: NBC has dropped Law & Order: Los Angeles, which starred Terrence Howard as Deputy District Attorney Jonah “Joe” Dekker.

Coming off the success of his hit film “Jumping the Broom,” Bishop T. D. Jakes appears on TV One’s “Washington Week with Roland Martin” Sunday at 11am Eastern.

On the show, taped on Friday, host Roland Martin asked Bishop Jakes to respond to comments made by conservative preacher Franklin Graham:

Roland Martin: Rev. Franklin Graham has made some comments on several occasions as recently as three weeks ago really questioning, if you will, the faith of the President. He said the President has told him he’s a Christian, but he basically said that going to church does not make you a Christian. But the President is on record as saying that he walked down that aisle, he gave his life to Christ, so what do you say to folks like Rev. Graham who, frankly, are muddying the water but other people who are questioning the Christianity of this President?

Bishop T.D. Jakes: I find it insulting. We didn’t question the Christianity of President Bush when he said he accepted Christ, and I’m disappointed in Rev. Franklin Graham in that regard. I wish he had the diplomacy of his father, who brought the gospel to people without being nuanced by politics because when you do those things you offend people that you are actually called to save and to serve. And I would hope that he would see the rationale in apologizing for such statements – because if the President’s faith is suspect then all of our faiths are suspect, because the Bible is quite clear about what it takes to be saved and the President has been quite open about his accepting Christ and him openly confessing it before men. And if it’s good enough for the Bible it ought to be good enough for the rest of us.

Also Read:  ‘Heaven Is for Real’ Headed for Hollywood With T.D. Jakes as Co-Producer

Action News 2 in Atlanta is reporting that it appears the parties in the Bishop Eddie Long sexual misconduct lawsuit are no longer close to settling the case. The judge in the case now says he is preparing for a trial in the fall. Channel 2’s Tom Jones talked to an expert mediator who said this is not unusual. “Sometimes when you think you got something resolved, something will come up,” Mediator Elmer Gobel said.

It was Easter week when the judge in the case said the parties engaged in a marathon mediation session and came out of it close to a settlement. Judge Johnny Panos said back then: “They’ve resolved a lot of major issues and there’s a few fine details that need to be worked out.” Now Panos said he is preparing for a trial in August or September. He wouldn’t say why he no longer believes the two sides are close to a settlement.

Four former New Birth Missionary Baptist Church members filed lawsuits against Long, his church and youth academy, after they said he used his power and influence to entice them into sexual relationships. Long has denied the claims.

Gobel, who has no connection to the Long case, said mediations are often contentious and drawn out affairs. “It’s not the kind of thing that you sit down at a table and 10 minutes later everybody’s agreeing,” he said. Gobel also trains mediators. He says mediation can be grueling and emotionally charged. “It’s kind of like putting a piece of a puzzle together,” Gobel said. Gobel said one day you can have an agreement and then the next day it’s gone. “Sometimes you think you got an agreement that’s airtight and as attorneys or others will sit down and look at words. Words mean different things to different people,” he said.

Bishop Long’s spokesperson would only say there is nothing to report when asked about a settlement in the case. Attorneys for both sides did not return phone calls seeking a comment.  Watch the exclusive video report by clicking player below.

The Word Network, the largest African-American urban religious television network on the globe, is excited to announce the addition of multi-Grammy Award nominated gospel music legend Vickie Winans to its television family. Winans’ new weekly variety and magazine program, “The Vickie Winans Show”, is in development and scheduled for an autumn premiere.

Amongst the changes at The Word Network, Juanita Bynum II was hired as well. You can read that story by clicking here: Juanita Bynum in New Partnership with The Word Network  

“I am sooooooo excited,” Winans beams. “Somebody has finally given me the opportunity to do the shows I’ve been carrying around in my heart for years. We’re going to do a little bit of everything: fashion shows, cooking shows, children’s shows, celebrity interviews, musical performances an d videos, comedy shows, etc. You name it and we’re going to do it.”

The self-managed artist is also a successful businesswoman who owns a jewelry store and wig shop, Accents by Vickie Winans. Winans burst on the gospel music scene in 1985 with her signature smash “We Shall Behold Him.” She’s remained one of gospel music’s Top 10 artists with appearances on NBC Today and Oprah. She has appeared on the cover of Jet magazine, served as celebrity spokesperson for Daimler-Chrysler and Quaker Oats. Other hits include #1 songs “As Long As I Got King Jesus”, “Shake Yourself Loose” and “How I Got Over.” Winans is also preparing to star in a drama/comedy feature film entitled, “Amazing Grace!”

ESSENCE proudly announces the day-by-day line-up for the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, taking place July 1-3 in New Orleans at the 17th annual ESSENCE Music Festival. Having already announced participation by Steve Harvey, Iyanla Vanzant, Terry McMillan, Soledad O’Brien, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tavis Smiley, Dr. Cornel West, CeCe Winans and Marvin Sapp, the dynamic ESSENCE Empowerment Experience “Weekend of Transformation” has added CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, The View hostess and actress Sherri Shepherd, “Jumping the Broom” star Laz Alonso, commentator Sophia Nelson and an array of others.

“The ESSENCE Music Festival’s unique offering of world-class music, arts and culture also features one-of-a-kind enrichment opportunities within the Empowerment Experience,” states Michelle Ebanks, President of ESSENCE Communications Inc. “This year’s theme of ‘transformation’ is perfectly aligned with the ESSENCE brand mission to uplift and inspire, which we accomplish via critical information and dialogue from our nation’s top thinkers and innovators over three full days.”

The 2011 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience is free and open to the public. The day-by-day line-up (as of 5/12) is as follows:

Friday, July 1: “Transforming Your Life” – Sponsored by My Black is Beautiful

“Family Feud” auditions with show producers and live segments hosted by Steve Harvey “Conversation with Sherri Shepherd and Demetria L. Lucas,” led by an ESSENCE editor Keynote address: Iyanla Vanzant Keynote address: “Choose Love” by Phill Wilson “Terry McMillan Presents,” featuring authors Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Danielle Evans and Tayari Jones “Reel Men on Real Love,” featuring Laz Alonso, Terrence J., Lamman Rucker and Thompson Young

Saturday, July 2: “Transforming Your Community” – Sponsored by U.S. Army

“Conversation with Steve Harvey,” led by Soledad O’Brien “America I Am: The African-American Imprint,” hosted by Tavis Smiley, featuring Dr. Cornel West, Iyanla Vanzant, Tom Burrell and Jeff Henderson “Conversation With Terry McMillan,” led by Soledad O’Brien Keynote Address – Rev. Al Sharpton “Black in America: Historically Black College and University Discussion”, moderated by Soledad O’Brien “State of Black Women,” moderated by ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Constance White, featuring Dr. C. Nicole Mason, Sophia Nelson, Louisiana State Senator Karen Carson Peterson “Women of Reality TV,” moderated by Anderson Cooper, featuring the leading women of reality television including: NeNe Leakes, Cynthia Bailey, Shaunie O’Neal, Evelyn Lozada and Tami Roman

Sunday, July 3: “Transforming Your Soul” – Sponsored by Verizon

“All-Star Gospel Salute” featuring CeCe Winans and Marvin Sapp A full-day of praise and worship, with performances by Kierra Sheard, Deitrick Haddon and Dr. Juanita Bynum, Kelly Price, Tyronne Foster and the Arc Singers, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Fred Hammond Opening/Closing Prayer by Bishop Lester Love

7x Stellar Award Winner, Grammy and Dove Award nominated Songwriter & Producer Stan Jones officially debuts his single “Love Somebody” today.

Jones’ anticipated single “Love Somebody” is from the forthcoming album More 2 Me tentatively scheduled for a September 2011 release. 

Stan Jones has continued presence on Billboard charts having penned the powerful worship tune “He Has His Hands on You” by Marvin Sapp, currently the #9 Gospel song in the country according to Billboard’s Hot Gospel Song Chart.

Jones is predicted to have a standout year of much deserved success and new innovative material that is sure to inspire fans and peers alike.

For radio servicing and interviews contact CCA at 914/560-3735.

About Stan Jones: Stan began demonstrating his range of artistic gifts at age 12. Born into a musically inclined family, Stan grew up listening to an array of artists but early favorites included Commissioned and The Winans. Leaving home after High School to handle production duties and play drums for The Bolton Brothers laid the foundation for his career path as well as mentorship by The Williams Brothers which led to his first album placement: “What’s Wrong With Right” on Doug Williams’ 2003 solo debut. Today the 2x Grammy nominee, 4x Dove Award nominee, 7x Stellar Award winner and 13x Mississippi Music Award winning Producer/Songwriter/Singer resides in Jackson, MS where he is co-owner of the Terminal Studios recording facility.

The Stellar Awards will introduce two new categories for its 27th Annual presentation. The committee has added “Spoken Word CD Recording of the Year” while revamping the “Music Video of the Year” category into “Long Form Video of the Year” and “Short Form Video of the Year.” Nomination submissions for the 27th annual Stellar Awards are open through June 30, 2011 at the Stellar awards website.

For an example of a long-form music video, take a look at Deitrick Haddon’s new video ‘Church on the Moon Part I’ below.

Shirley Murdock’s musical journey recently brought her to uncharted territory as she recorded her first Live CD & DVD for her upcoming release appropriately titled, The Journey. Based on audience response and early buzz surrounding the recording, it was hard to believe that it was the first live album for the veteran artist. Grammy Award winning producer, Cedric Thompson was tapped to produce the project.

Held at The Broadcast Group Complex in Fort Mill, SC, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation from those involved with the recording as well as the crowd. Many of Shirley’s industry friends were also in attendance including: Pastor Donnie McClurkin, actress /filmmaker Terri Vaughn (The Steve Harvey Show), Tom Joyner Morning show contributor Jawn Murray, and Bet.com’s Torrence Glenn.

Charlotte’s own Praise 100.9 radio personality, Melanie Clark guided the crowd through the night as Shirley graced the stage with her signature style and vocals.

The crowd rose to its feet as Shirley opened up the recording with the jubilant, pulsating praise song, “He is God” before smoothly transitioning to the jazzy “Upward Way” featuring R&B great, Regina Belle. Longtime friends, you could feel their instant connection between the two legendary singers.

Shirley surprised the audience as she went ‘straight-to-church’ with Gospel powerhouse Beverly Crawford on the foot-stomping song, “He Is the Rock”. The excitement remained on the catchy and grooved song “Rejoice Come On” which showcased the precise blended of the background vocalists, which also included Gospel singer Lejuene Thompson.

As one who typically takes the opportunity to reverence the Lord in her live appearances, Shirley wrapped up the first set with the worship song, “Lord You Reign”. Even after Murdock exited the stage to prepare for the next set, the song clearly struck a chord in the hearts of the audience as they continued to worship God.

The latter half of the recording was just as thrilling as the first. Attendees received yet another surprise guest appearance as R&B/Gospel sensation Kelly Price joined Murdock on the cherished song, “Lovin’ Me”, melodically singing of God’s sweet love.

There were other great songs that spoke of destiny, hope, encouragement, and unity including the finale song, “Someday”, which featured all of the illustrious guest singers.

As the crowd exited the building, positive comments regarding the night filled the corridors and spilled out into the parking lot. One person even sent Shirley a personal message via Facebook about her experience: “Several of my sisters and I attended this recording and I must say it was absolutely wonderful. I was tremendously blessed and would like to say that this is an experience that I will never forget.”

The individual went on to compliment Ms. Murdock on her ministry: “Shirley, the one thing that will make me follow you is your realness. Your personality is that of a true woman of God who know[s] who she is in Christ. I can’t wait to get the CD and look forward to another live recording! May God continue to bless you in all that you do”.

Shirley Murdock’s first live CD/DVD recording was a great expression of praise, worship, love and Shirley’s heart and personal journey.

The Journey will be released on Tyscot Music & Entertainment in October 2011. This will be Murdock’s second CD and first DVD with the label.

Trailing on the heels of a recent box office success, Bishop T.D. Jakes is looking to produce another hit, this time with the help of a veteran Hollywood producer. Set to co-produce with Joe Roth, former chairman of 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney Studios, Jakes ventures to tackle next the current New York Times #1 Bestseller, Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.

Written by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent, the true story chronicles Burpo’s now 11-year-old son’s near-death experience during an emergency appendectomy operation when he was 3-years-old.

Son of a small town Nebraska pastor, Colton survived to tell his at-first skeptical parents about his experience in heaven, sharing details that he would have never known about – like meeting his miscarried sister and his long-dead grandfather.

He also describes the horse that only Jesus could ride, the bloody wounds on Jesus’ palms, about how the Holy Spirit shot down power from heaven to help believers, and how “reaaaally big” God and His chair are.

Though the story is told through Colton’s eyes, the book is narrated by his father who decided to turn his son’s spiritual encounter into a 163-page inspirational book with a simple message – heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

The Jake and Roth combination is sure to propel much interest already, with Roth’s “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Three Musketeers,” just to name a few, and Jakes’ recent “Jumping the Broom” in between the two.

Roth, having a wide range of films under his belt, shared his surprise that nobody in Hollywood had called before he had about the book, as sales were surpassing every expectation of the publisher –Thomas Nelson, Inc – and breaking company sales records in the millions.

The film executive told Deadline he became curious about the book, which reminded him of “The Sixth Sense,” after seeing it on The New York Times Bestseller Lists, about six weeks ago.

And just as the book made its way into mainstream audiences, Roth jumped on the chance to produce, predicting that it would sell 10 million copies before the year was over.

Deadline reported that Roth will soon meet with the Burpo family. Roth stated that he doesn’t believe the film will be limited to a faith-based audience.

“There isn’t anyone in the world who wouldn’t like to know what is waiting for them,” Roth shared with Deadline. “When you consider this little boy came back and knew 9 or 10 things that he shouldn’t have, to me, this is about hope. From that standpoint, it’s non-secular.”

Speculations that Sony Pictures has acquired the screen rights to the book are circulating, though Sony spokesperson Steve Elzer – senior vice president of Media Relations told The Christian Post he could not confirm that the book was acquired “quite yet.”

An announcement from Sony is likely to be made in the coming days.

Heaven Is for Real was purportedly brought in by Sony Pictures executive DeVon Franklin, a Christian minister who recently published a book entitled, Produced By Faith: Navigating the Road to Success Without Compromising Your True Self, according to Deadline.

Widely acclaimed already in the literary world, with the three millionth copy recently printed, the book is expected to achieve nothing less on the big screen.

So how does 11-year-old Colton feel about all of the newborn success?

“People are getting blessed, and they’re going to have healing from their hurts,” he said. “I’m happy for that.”