EMI Gospel hosted a pre-nominee reception on Friday, January 9, 2004.

The elegant ballroom at the Magnolia Hotel in Houston slowly filled with the who's who list of invited guests, all aiming to hear the vocal stretch of pipes of Kierra Sheard, the label's newest signee.

Though smack-dab in the middle of teendom, Kierra "KiKi" Sheard's voice is aged and cured beyond her years. After an opening first selection, she then asked her mom, Karen Clark Sheard to join her in singing Martha Munizzi's now familiar "Glorious". In keeping with the tone of transparency that pervaded the showcase, the younger Sheard shared some heartfelt sentiments.

Vicki Yohe stepped to the stage to deliver songs from her recent solo project, and raised the awareness of the crowd to the power of her vocal ministry.

Following Donald Lawrence and Tri-City's "Restoring the Years", host Darwin Hobbs broke the entertainment tone of most showcases, by sharing his disappointment in some of the nominations. Hobbs shared that it was particularly painful to not have his work acknowledged, reflecting what most of us know but hide —we can all use a pat on the back or an accolade or two in acknowledgment of our labor. We're human.

Lawrence's tune rides out on the vamp "He's healing you…", and it is that healing that Hobbs decided to focus on. Another highlight was Hobbs' inviting Dorothy Norwood to the front to add her vocals to his own, on his hit, "Everyday".

EMI Gospel also announce the signing of Bishop Eddie Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Choir, New Birth Total Praise Choir. Producer Kevin Bond gave the formal intro of the partnership, and cued a brief video presentation. The May 2004 release of this choir of 250 plus members is already on the calendars of avid Gospel fans.

Also in the house were other New Birth members, Li'l iROCC Williams, Lisa McClendon, Dottie Peoples, Elder William Murphy and loads of media representatives.


Check out more photos from the 'EMI Gospel Showcase' below.