BET ‘Sunday Best’ Live Finale, Tuesday, December 4th

Los Angeles, CA— The road to SUNDAY BEST is winding to the home-stretch! During last night’s episode, Joliet, Illinois native Jermaine Sellers learned that his quest for the title SUNDAY BEST had come to an end. That’s when the two finalists Shari Addison (Chicago, Illinois) and Crystal Aikin (Tacoma, Washington) went back to work as they proceeded to give their all in hopes of earning the title SUNDAY BEST. Both were given the opportunity to perform two “Judges’ Choice” songs. Shari performed “Ain’t No Need to Worry,” originally performed by The Winans and Anita Baker and “We Need a Word From the Lord” originally performed by Thomas Whitfield. Crystal answered with “Optimistic” originally performed by Sounds of Blackness and her version of Yolanda Adams’ “Even Me.”

As an added bonus the two finalists were mentored by Grammy Award winner and Broadway star Stephanie Mills who also gave rousing performances of “Sweepin’ Through the City” and crowd favorite “Home.” Kirk Franklin also took the stage for an exclusive performance of “Declaration,” the first single from his forthcoming album, “The Fight of My life.”

At the conclusion of last night’s episode, the judges’ job was over and the fate of the final two contestants was placed in the hands of the viewers. Phone lines will be open until 12:00 Noon ET/9:00 a.m. PT Monday, December 3rd for America to cast their vote to decide the winner of SUNDAY BEST. To vote for Shari Addison, call (866) 940-9981. To vote for Crystal Aikin, call (866) 940-9982.

At stake is a national recording contract, a 2008 Toyota Camry and a $300,000 Tide "Loads of Hope" prize package to support the winner’s community. Viewers can watch Crystal, Shari and all the contestant’s performances from the beginning during a SUNDAY BEST marathon, Sunday, December 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, then go behind the scenes to see what it takes to receive the crown SUNDAY BEST on the special “ROAD TO SUNDAY BEST PART 2” at 10:00 p.n. ET/PT. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit BET's press-only Web site at www.bet.com/pr.