Sunday Best's Leandria Johnson Asks for Prayers

By Mona Austin

Last February Leandria Johnson auditioned for BET's Sunday Best and emerged as the season 3 winner.  Her story alone captured viewers' attention (she'd lost her home and auditioned in New Orleans wearing jeans and flip flops) and her undeniably gifted voice gained fans who have been anticipating her first professional CD. 

Until she performed on Celebration of Gospel last December and at a King Day event in Atlanta this January, the buzz about Johnson had fizzled. 

Recently, a video was posted on You Tube that offers insight as to why we have not seen nor heard much from the Florida-bred singer. 

In the clip Johnson testifies at New Life Cathedral in Brooklyn, New York  that after winning Sunday Best she she didn't want any parts of this (apparently referring to a career in entertainment.)

"Pray that my mind stays focused on Jesus. . . Even after Sunday Best I found myself going back to where I had came from. . .I didn't think I'd minister again," she confessed.

"I've been holding this in for a long time and I didn't know how to express myself," Johnson continued with tears streaming down her face, " I'm tired of turning my back on God. . .That's why I ask for your prayers.  Please keep me in prayer. . ."

As several women begin to encircle Johnson  and pray, another unidentified woman takes the microphone and prophesies:

"The enemy is after our musicians. . .and the enemy knows how to send people that just wanna get in to the fame and into the lime light and they'll let you do what and say what you want.  But thank God for some leaders that don't mind telling you the truth and when it's all sad and done. . .we're going to pray until something happens."

Fortunately, Leandria Johnson is back on track as she is in the process of recording her first album.

Hear Leandria Johnson prayer request here:

In this clip Leandria Johnson whistles her praise. 

Watch Leandria Johnson perform and usher in praise and worship during an engagement in Toronto, CA.

  

SEASON FOUR SUNDAY BEST AUDITION DETIALS

Auditions for Season 4 of BET'S Sunday Best are underway.
Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, this season welcomes back judges Pastor Donnie McClurkin and award-winning siblings Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary.

  Thousands of hopefuls showed up in Dallas where auditions kicked off February 19. Next, hopefuls in Los Angeles will have their chance to shine at West Angeles Cathedral on March 5.  Auditions conclude in Atlanta on March 12.  SUNDAY BEST season four auditions will be open to contestants age 18 and older who have government issued forms of identification.  Doors to the venue will open at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 1:00 p.m.

SUNDAY BEST season four will tape the stage portion of the show in Atlanta.

2011 SUNDAY BEST AUDITION INFORMATION FOR LOS ANGELES:

LOS ANGELESWhen: March 5, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where:  West Angeles Cathedral

  3600 Crenshaw Blvd.

  Los Angeles, CA 90016

For more information  go to www.bet.com/sundaybest or call 1-855-879-5978, Ext. 101!