OHHHHH “How Sweet the Sound” Donald Lawrence does it again!

Tha Afterparty Radio had the joyous pleasure of being a part of the media team at the 6th annual “How Sweet the Sound” gospel choir competition held at the Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie,TX. This competition gives 6 local choirs an opportunity to compete for a grand prize of $10,000.00 and a chance to participate in the grand finale competition in Los Angeles,CA.

Created and hosted by Grammy award winning gospel artist Donald Lawrence and co-hosted by Houston native Yolanda Adams, this competition was composed of all of the ingredients that left the crowd entertained, empowered and full of joy. The panel of judges consisted of several duly noted major gospel artists: Tamela Mann, Isreal Houghton, Vashawn Mitchell and Bishop Hezekiah Walker. When The panel was posed with the question “Why do they continue to bring this competition to Dallas” , Donald Lawrence stated “They say everything is bigger in Texas. DFW is known for having some of the best choirs in the United States” That statement was not idle for the competition was phenomenal!

Each choir brought a unique presentation and their ultimate goal was to bring the presence of God in the building, and they all delivered! St Mark Sanctuary choir, however took home the grand prize  as well as the Peoples Choice Award and was the only choir to get the judges out of their seats! Their performance was so moving that all of the judges ran on stage and participated in the performance. The crowd was on their feet, hands lifted in praise and hearts engulfed in worship.

Runner’s up God’s Tabernacle of Deliverance directed by Ivan Pickles were not to be overlooked! It was such a close competition between the 2 choirs that the crowd was on pins and needles while waiting on the results to be read. The crowd was moved by GTOD’s impeccable and flawless performance. When the judges asked what their red ribbons on their robes represented Dir. Ivan Pickles stated “We are representing for our Bishop Cardell Booker Sr. who is currently hospitalized. We are believing God for a miracle” Although they were not the grand prize winners they represented Dallas,TX and served a very anointed well poised performance.

All of the judges performed song hit songs from their latest albums. The gospel artists were pleasant and delivered great information during the media segment. When asked by Tha Afterparty Radio’s own Program director and owner Montanna “Grupieluv” Micthem “What would your present self tell you past self as it relates to your journey” The panel was blown away! They all stated that they wouldn’t erase from their journey. Yolanda Adams chimed in with Tamela Mann “Don’t give up! Never give up…no matter what” Donald Lawrence added “Be careful what you label as peaks and valleys…your valleys could just be lessons specifically designed by God to teach you about your journey” and the church said AMEN!

The Afterparty Radio would like to thank Verizon Theater and HSTS for allowing us to be a part of this event! We look forward to seeing you next year!

Check out footage from the top 2 performing choirs and the panel discussion during the media segment