The show's a lot of fun--there's a piece about it on NPR, here--worth a listen
All Things Considered, November 12, 2007 - The Black Entertainment Television network has fielded its share of news coverage for shows like one originally titled Hot Ghetto Mess, as well as other programming that critics have found offensive. But a new show may help rehabilitate BET's reputation.
Sunday Best is a gospel version of American Idol, and it's one of BET's top-rated shows. Which raises the question: How is it possible to judge a performance that's part of someone's spiritual journey?
Sunday Best airs on Tuesdays, and it's about halfway through its first season. The idea is to meld a search for the best church singers in the African-American gospel tradition with one of the most successful reality shows ever.
The host is Kirk Franklin; judges include Bebe Winans. The show's official website is here. Although it shares an executive producer with it's better-known model, it lacks the mean-spiritedness of American Idol--no talentless hacks being led on and ridiculed. Eliminated contestants are dismissed with respect and care...
Not everone is happy with the show, and I have to admit the raunchy commercials were really inappropriate. TiVo this one.