St. Louis’ gospel idols

Better Family Life hosts new competition

By Dana King For the St. Louis American

“It’s not American Idol. No, it’s better!” declared contestant Nekisha Rhodes at the kick-off of the Diamond Gospel Idol competition, held during Family Week and hosted by Better Family Life with gospel legend Merdean Gales serving as host.

The first of its kind, the competition drew crowds for all three rounds at locations in St. Louis and East St. Louis, concluding at Harris-Stowe State University on Saturday night.

It’s a high compliment when Merdean Gales, a National Gospel Hall of Fame inductee, says you have what it takes to be a gospel artist. That is what she told finalists at the second round Thursday night: “You are all talented; the only thing standing between you and success is a contract!”

Crowds were amazed at the diverse backgrounds and interpretations of gospel music, from Theresa San Luis of the Philippines, who played “Amazing Grace” on the viola, to Gino, a gospel rap artist, whose poetic verses rang with messages praising the Lord. The performances were spirited and uplifting.

“Every gospel competition has to have a preacher,” said Gales. The contest had its own, Minister Clarence Purham of East St. Louis. The palpable spirit of his ministry came through in his performance.

Diamond Gospel Idol indeed had its own Mahalia Jackson. That is how Gales referred to Carolina Stuckey-Parchman, who placed fourth for her soulful rendition of “Trouble of the World.” She mesmerized the audience and called to mind the rich contralto voice of the legendary singer.

Young artists included Jeffrey Mitchell (15 years) and Robert Earl Johnson (14 years). They held their own with the older contestants by showing maturity and talent beyond their years. Yet even more significant than the strength of their performance, they demonstrated that teens can enjoy performing music which inspires goodness.

Choirs and groups also competed. A mime group, Silent Praise of Bait Ministries, placed second for their strong and stirring performance depicting the sacrifice of Christ.

Contestants and groups represented the diversity of Christian churches, including Apostolic Church of God and Christ, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon).

James Clark, community-outreach director for Better Family Life, sees the Diamond Gospel Idol competition as a platform to strengthen families: “The origin of gospel music is in the African-American family. One of the focuses of churches is family. We want as many components of Family Week as we can to establish and maintain family. Churches are an important part.”

Clark said the competition was a timely addition to this year’s Family Week, as hip-hop culture increasingly glamorizes sex and drugs and devalues women. Clark said, “Gospel music is wholesome, clean, spiritual motivational music, and that is what our community needs right now.”

Nekisha Rhodes, who won for spirit and placed in the top five, said, “It is great to have a competition where you can have fun and praise God at the same time.” Rhodes drew applause for her spirited and powerful performance of “In the Midst of it All” by Yolanda Adams.

Rounding out the event was a surprise grand finale performance by R&B artist Howard Hewitt whose father was a preacher. As a nod to his gospel roots, he typically ends his performances with the song “Say Amen” as he did Saturday night.

Taking the grand prize was Tru Lyric, featuring Helen White, Jequeta Brown, Andrea Norman. Their style is reminiscent of groups like Trinity Five Seven and Envoge. The trio has only been together for three months and clearly are off to a great start with a unique harmonious sound and a big win.

First prize went to Carol Saxton, second prize to Silent Praise (Bait Ministries), third prize to Nekisha Rhodes, fourth prize to Carolina Stuckey-Parchman and fifth prize to Geno Williams.

Prizes for the top winners included cash and touring opportunities with Merdean Gales.

Gales said, “This is another step for them, they should continue. Anything God puts his hands on has to move.”