D.C. Singers to Advance to Grand Finale in Atlanta

Oh how sweet was the sound of the gospel choirs that came to sing and rejoice at the recemt “How Sweet the Sound” gospel choir competition the Verizon Wireless Center in Washington. Various choirs performed and competed against other choirs from 11 cities, including St. Louis, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles.

Southern Baptist Church Praise and Worship was named winner and the overall best church choir in Washington. The choir will advance to the next round to compete in the grand finale on Nov. 8 in Atlanta, for a grand prize of up to $50,000 and the title of the best choir in America.

The purpose of the nationwide search is to celebrate and enjoy the art of gospel music. The program, which began in October 2007, is open to any choir that is affiliated with a tax-exempt church or church organization. Each choir must have between 6 and 100 members performing on stage, and all of the participants must be 18 years of age or older.

Gospel stars such as Marvin Sapp and Hezekiah Walker served as the judges of the competition. Former gospel choir leader Donald and the Tri-City singers opened the show with their classic “The Best Is Yet to Come.” Sapp performed his No.1 hit “Never Would’ve Made It.” Other guest celebrities such as CeCe Winans and Hezekiah Walker also made appearances at the competition.

All the fans who attended were encouraged to bring used wireless phones that were to be donated to the Verizon Wireless HopeLine Program to benefit victims of domestic violence. Proceeds from the HopeLine program will be used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.