Allstate Gospel Superfest Dodges Hurricane Ike to Complete St. Louis & Dallas Auditions!

Vocalists Cecelia Beasley (St. Louis) and Stephanie Summers (Colorado Springs, CA) Take the St. Louis and Dallas Regional Slots.

Cincinnati, OH - United Television, the producers of The Allstate Gospel Superfest traveled to St. Louis, MO and Dallas, TX this past weekend for the second leg of its three week national tour! The show witnessed some very talented singers, rappers and comedians in the heartland of America and held sessions for the first time in the states of Missouri and Texas.

The Allstate Gospel Superfest Opening Act contest, sponsored in part by Pampers and American Airlines, has auditioned hundreds of hopefuls.This past weekend despite challenging weather the show’s production team made it safely to Dallas in front of Hurricane Ike. This past weekend was truly challenging and the production team found itself dodging the storm, changing flight arrangements, ditching flights, making last minute auto rentals, leaving cars at different airports, repacking video gear to fit in different cars and vans, all in efforts to make it to Dallas in front of Ike! “It was the spirit of determination and a “lets get it done” and not cancel attitude that made this weekend a huge success”, states show creator and Executive Producer Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr. “And I am so glad we pressed our way forward to Dallas as we met several Houston area evacuees, contestants from the west coast, and not to mention the Dallas regional finalist who came from Colorado Springs, CO. “They were just as determined as we were! Even Mr. Clifton Davis (show co-host) flew back from Brazil, to MC the Dallas regional competition! It was truly a special audition session”, Cartwright continues.

St. Louis, MO & Dallas, TX auditions yield two vocal category winners!

On Friday, September 12th the production team traveled to St. Louis, MO (Power of Change Christian Center) and yielded its third regional finalist, Ms. Cecelia Beasley. And then on Saturday, September 13th after an eleven hour drive to Dallas, TX. The auditions continued at The Hamilton Park United Methodist Church. The Dallas Regional yielded Ms. Stephanie Summers of Colorado Springs, CO who truly brought the house down with her powerful voice. Judges for both St. Louis and Dallas included some very heavy hitters in the industry as BET/ Bobby Jones regular co-host Merdean Gales /GMWA Board Member and Rejoice Radio Program Director Willie Mae McIver, along with Bishop Elect, Henry Phillips, and GMWA /GAG Dallas Chapter President Carmina Barnett and national recording artists Oscar Williams also pressed their way to the auditions.

When and where can you view the Auditions?

The Allstate Gospel Superfest cameras have captured hundreds of contestants thus far in four top US cities. The competition will conclude this weekend in Memphis, TN Saturday (9/20/08) and in Birmingham, AL Monday (9/22/08). After this weekend one grand prizewinner will be selected from the six semi-finalists. Video snippets from the six audition sessions will be posted on www.gospelsuperfest.com after the competition has concluded. And many of the auditions will also be incorporated in Gospel Superfest TV productions throughout season-nine, which will air in national syndication and on TBN and The Word Network.

Where Will The Grand Prizewinner Appear?

The Grand Prizewinner will fly compliments of American Airlines, from their city of origin and appear at The Allstate Gospel Superfest in Atlanta, GA. The Allstate Gospel Superfest will be held at the Atlanta Civic Center on Saturday, November 1, 2008. The Doors open at 5:00 PM and the show begins promptly at 6:00 PM. The Opening Act Contest Winner will appear on stage with renowned artists, Mary Mary, John P. Kee, Walter Hawkins, Beverly Crawford, The Williams Brothers, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Deleon, Paul Porter, Byron Cage, Ashmont Hill, Pastor Gregg Patrick, Hezekiah Walker and a host of other prominent performers. Hosts for the event include Flex Alexander, Clifton Davis and Lexi!

Media Sponsors for The Allstate Gospel Superfest Opening Act Contest are The Word Network, Gospel City.com, The Belle Report and Rejoice Musical Soul Food.

The Allstate Gospel Superfest is a production of United Television of Ohio and is Executive Produced by Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr. Tickets for the Finale Concert and international TV taping to be held November 1, 2008 in Atlanta at The Atlanta Civic Center can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.