The Christian version of reality talent shows like 'The X Factor' or 'American Idol' aired yesterday on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) in the US, succeeding in finding the winner of the night.
Da'Quela Payne of "Holy Redeemer Church of God In Christ" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin walked away with the top prize, a major recording contract with EMI Christian Music Group, as well as the admiration of millions of viewers who tuned into TBN to watched who would be crowned the 2007 most "Gifted" Christian singer in America.
Brian Littrell, member of the multi-platinum selling pop group Backstreet Boys and award-winning Christian solo artist, hosted the event, which featured 16,000 contestants, 8 finalists, and 3 judges.
Littrell has previously commented that most popular singers such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Whitney Houston started in gospel music, and expects plenty of interest from the new talent.
Judges chosen to sit on the panel for the competition included Michael Sweet, lead singer of legendary Christian rock band Stryper, Eddie DeGarmo, founding member of multi-award winning Christian duo DeGarmo & Key and now president of EMI CMG Publishing, and multi-Grammy and Dove Award winning artist, Andrae Crouch.
The two-hour prime time TBN television special culminated months of nationwide searching to find and present the brightest new talent in Christian music.
Following the show, Gifted, Season One on CD/DVD from EMI/Sparrow Records will release on 20 February. In addition to the CD featuring performances by the eight top finalists on the telecast, the companion three hour DVD will contain the entire two hour televised special with bonus behind the scenes, 'all access' content.
The "Gifted" website launched following the grand finale. To learn more visit, www.giftedshow.com.
