BET Sunday Best First Runner-Up Shari Addison To Release Self-Titled Debut Cd In Stores January 13

"I am so excited about this project. I honestly believe that this CD is so relevant; it's a project that will meet people wherever they are," says Addison. "All of the songs are me, but it's a multi-faceted me and exposes many different layers of my faith. It's uplifting and encouraging and I believe that no matter what's going on during your day, there's something that will minister to you," she explains. During Addison's Sunday Best appearances she received unanimous praises from recording artists Pastor Shirley Caesar, Tye Tribbett, Stephanie Mills, Martha Munizzi and others.

On Sunday, January 18, 2009, Addison will perform at two events during Inauguration Week -- the African American Church Inaugural Ball and at the Souls of My Sisters event on Capitol Hill. In addition to the Inaugural activities, Addison's promo tour kicks off this month as well (see below for details).

Addison began singing at the tender age of three; assisted by her mother Mary J. Jenkins-minister of music for Calvary Baptist Church in Chicago. An accomplished vocalist and theatre actress, Addison is no stranger to the stage having performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as in South Africa, Russia and Brazil. But it was her appearance on BET's Sunday Best that put her on the path to fame. Hosted by gospel icon Kirk Franklin, with guest judges Mary Maryand BeBe Winans, the show's participants were chosen at nationwide auditions as the network searched for the best undiscovered talent in America. BET's first gospel talent competition, an apparent hit with audiences, garnered the highest ratings for a gospel show in its history with a voting audience of more than 1.5 million viewers.

Since then, doors have literally flung open for the married mother of four, with appearances on both BET's Celebration of Gospel, Bobby Jones Gospel, Trinity Broadcast Network's Praise The Lord, the Chicago Gospel Fest and the Bobby Jones Gospel Industry Retreat. She's been blessed to sing with Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Patti LaBelle, Dottie Peoples, Martha Munizzi, BeBe Winans, Mary Mary, Michael McDonald, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp and Stephanie Mills.