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Credit: Kauwuane BurtonOn Sunday, Grammy-Award winning singer Kirk Franklin officially returns as the host of the hit BET gospel-inspired music competition series, Sunday’s Best.
The show, which last aired in 2015, comes back for a ninth season with new judges Erica Campbell of Mary Mary and eight-time Stellar Award winner Jonathan McReynolds. Franklin, who also serves as a mentor on the show in addition to hosting it, tells ABC Radio that this season will be bigger and better than previous years.
“I just think that this season, the production level is just off the rip,” Franklin says. “You know, it’s crazy because now it is a competitor to every music competition show. Well, it always was. But now the production really shows you how big the genre is like. Like, you can feel the weight of the impact of gospel music — not only on African-American music but on popular music.”
According to Franklin, gospel music has been an inspiration for not only the genre’s fans, but other artists who tap the talent for their own projects and tours.
“When you look at pop stars and you go see them live, everyone of their musicians are church musicians,” he says. “You look to the sides to the background singers. Those are church guys and girls, you what I mean?”
“And I’m talking about all the big stars, from Ariana [Grande] to Justin [Timberlake],” he continues. “Everybody in their band — church people, you know. That’s how impactful black gospel music has been to American culture.” (AUDIO IS ABC 1-ON-1)
Sunday’s Best premieres Sunday, June 30 at 8 p.m. ET on BET.
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