Brian Littrell to Host Christian Reality Show 'Gifted' This Week
A US-based Christian reality TV show 'Gifted' will air this week on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).
by Kevin Donovan
Posted: Tuesday, January 23, 2007, 9:50 (GMT)
As the demand for popular reality talent shows like The X Factor and American Idol continues to rise, Christians in the US have taken a lead on a similar show called 'Gifted', which will air this week on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).
Brian Littrell, member of the multi-platinum selling pop group Backstreet Boys and award-winning Christian solo artist, will host the show, which will feature 16,000 contestants, 8 finalists, 3 judges, and 1 winner.
Littrell commented that most popular singers such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Whitney Houston started in gospel music, and expects plenty of interest from America's churches.
The two-hour prime time TBN television special, which will launch 26 January, culminates months of nationwide searching to find and present the brightest new talent in Christian music, according to a media release obtained by ANS.
According to a release, those tuning in that evening "will share the excitement of 'reality based TV' with the nationwide viewing audience witnessing one contestant being awarded the top prize of a major recording contract with the EMI Christian Music Group."
The television special will be followed by a February 20 release of Gifted, Season One, on CD/DVD from EMI/Sparrow Records. 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.
Judges chosen to sit on the panel for the competition include 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 release says : "For the debut telecast itself the field of more than 16,000 contestants will be already narrowed for viewers to the eight top finalists, whose performances range from praise & worship, gospel and contemporary Christian music's top hits of today."
It adds : "National auditions for the Gifted talent competition were held
over a year long period in churches situation in major markets throughout the United States. Unique to the competition was the emphasis to create a nationwide talent search for Christian solo artists with a desire to display the gifts that God gave them and to give back that gift by sharing with the world through their music the message of hope in Christ."
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Have your say on this article
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Sunday, February 11, 2007, 22:28 (GMT)
I thought "Gifted" was absolutely wonderful! I was truly blessed to see young
Christians all over the country so energetic for Jesus Christ. I listen to Christian music all the time and was very impressed with your show. Thanks so much for making it all possible.
Alana Scott, Hubbard NE USA
Added: Thursday, February 8, 2007, 17:57 (GMT)
I am so thrilled to hear about Gifted, a Christian talent show. I would love to hear from someone about when and where the next audition will be. Could you please share this information with me or direct me to someone to contact about this? You can contact me at the e-mail address above. Thank you. God Bless You.
rebekah , Henderson, TX United States
Added: Thursday, February 8, 2007, 13:23 (GMT)
This is a wonderful thing you are doing. My daughter has a gift that that Lord has given her and she would very much like to use that gift. We dont have the money to go to a studio, but I know that God will make a way because He was the one who gave her that gift. God Bless
E. Daley, orlando u.s.a.
Added: Sunday, January 28, 2007, 6:05 (GMT)
I am glad to hear that Christian vocalists have a opportunity to showcase
their talent. As a Christian vocalist I would have liked an opportunity to try out but never heard about it until the show aired.
Blessings to all
Victoria, Roanoke Virginia
Added: Thursday, January 25, 2007, 1:30 (GMT)
I am very excited about a Christian reality show that will show people talent for the Lord. I myself am a singer who would like one day to be able to get into the music ministry, (I'm not looking for fame, though) but I am unable to afford recording time in any studio. I have been saved for about 8 years and am a single mom with 2 children. I would welcome any suggestions on what I could do and how I can get into some kind of audition. Thank-you for any help.
Shannon Barnard, Roseburg, OR USA
Added: Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 21:17 (GMT)
This is awesome! This is what we needed! I was just wondering when and where auditions were held, I never heard anything about it until now.
Ashley, Midland, USA
