Kellogg's Gospel Sing Off Youth Choir Competition Announces Winners
The cereal company’s tribute to gospel music and its impact on society – announced on winners, with the Assemblies of God taking home the grand prize.
Kellogg’s Gospel Sing Off Youth Choir Competition – the cereal company’s tribute to gospel music and its impact on society – announced on Monday its winners, with the Evangel Assemblies of God taking home the grand prize.
“We congratulate Evangel Assemblies of God and all of the youth choirs and churches throughout the region who took part in the Kellogg’s Gospel Sing Off Youth Choir Competition,” said Jenny Enochson, Kellogg Company senior director marketing communications. “All of us at Kellogg celebrate these talented youth who through their dedication to the performing arts have helped sustain and enrich the legacy and history of gospel music.”
The Evangel Assemblies of God performed renditions of Edwin Hawkins’ “Oh Happy Day,” and the gospel classic “Lift Him Up” at their regional final, which was held at the historic Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, to secure the grand prize, which included a $10,000 check and a vacation to the Walt Disney Resort, where the choir will perform alongside top Christian artists at the Night of Joy at Walt Disney World from Sept. 9-10.
“We are thankful to Kellogg for giving us this wonderful opportunity,” said Sharon Duncan, co-director for the Evangel Assemblies of God Choir. “Our choir is so excited to visit Walt Disney World and sing with some of our favorite gospel artists. The funds we received will help us expand and improve our youth choir program.”
A total of 28 gospel youth choirs from around the country participated in the regional semi-finals, which were held in Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Dallas. Judging the contestants were a panel of experts in gospel music that included producer and songwriter Gary D. Hines, assistant dean of the academic division of Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), Dr. Herbert V. Jones, and executive director of The Heritage Music Foundation, Dr. Margaret Pleasant Douroux.
“Youth gospel choir programs ensure that the rich tradition of gospel music will flourish for generations,” said Gary D. Hines. “All of the choirs did a tremendous job in their musical presentations; we are so pleased they shared their phenomenal talent with us.”
