From July 13 through September 14, the Bay Area was set ablaze with spirit and song as the Best in Gospel Bay Area Competition brought together a powerhouse lineup of local gospel artists for an unforgettable series of performances. The competition culminated in an electrifying finals event on Sunday, September 14 at 6 PM at the historic Beebe Memorial Cathedral in Oakland.
After weeks of spirited competition, the finals did not disappoint. The stage was graced by finalists Chantel Seymore, Ikeysha Green, Renona Wesley, Donnell Garrett, and Artemis Lee, who brought the house down with her performance and was ultimately crowned 1st Place Winner.
Beebe Memorial’s own Donnell Garrett earned Second Place, taking home $5,000 with a score of 91 points, while Artemis Lee, delivered a standout performance, was also honored during the evening. The grand prize? A professionally recorded single for the top winner — a career-changing opportunity for any up and coming artist.
The event was more than a talent showcase — it was a celebration of gospel culture, community, and ministry. Each night the production consisted of community choirs that filled the sanctuary with a frenzy of praise and worship with powerful harmonies from the New Revelation Chorale (NRC) under the direction of Minister LC Davis, and featured performances by Power In The Blood Praise Dance Ministry (Grace & Shakeria), Bay Area Mass Choir (BAYMC) – Dr. Rachelle Rogers-Ard, Rise with Purpose Youth Ministry, Jerrell Mason and The Elevation Chorale, and the combination of Anthony Washington & Levitical Movement & Kris Scott & Adult Voices of Citadel Chorale. The spirit-filled show was co-hosted by Ashling Cole and JaCoree Prothro, both bringing energy, humor, vocals, and heartfelt encouragement to the stage.
A panel of respected gospel music leaders and professionals brought their expertise to the judging table: Lawrence Matthews, Rusty Watson, Adam “Adamology” Rogers, Kevan Peabody and April Wright. Their feedback, rooted in years of experience and ministry, uplifted and challenged each contestant to reach new levels in their craft.
Dr. Gregory Cole, the visionary behind the competition, shared the spiritual genesis of the event:
“Oh man, this came about five months ago. The Lord spoke to me… three o’clock in the morning, this vision came to put together this kind of program. My expectations? I had none. I just went with the flow. You saw how He ended it — and what happened tonight — I expect it to double or triple next year.”
Judge Lawrence Matthews emphasized the importance of unity and legacy in gospel music:
“There was something going around saying gospel music is dead. That’s a lie. That is not true… just seeing tonight — the praise dance, the rappers, the variety — shows that gospel is alive and evolving. I want to see the next generation take it even further.”
Co-host Ashling Cole left a word of encouragement for young gospel artists:
“Stay focused. Surround yourself with people who know the Word… We’re fun, we love the Lord, and you can still be yourself. But surround yourself with wise counsel that won’t steer you wrong.”
As the curtains closed and voices echoed in celebration, one thing was clear: gospel music is not only alive — it’s thriving in the Bay Area. Through this competition, local talent was given a platform to shine, and audiences were reminded of the powerful, transformative nature of gospel music.
With plans already brewing for next year, “Best in Gospel” has set a new standard for excellence, authenticity, and community engagement in local music events.