0:00:02 > 0:00:04Last week, five choirs took the stage
0:00:04 > 0:00:06here at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10and moved us all with the sweet sound of gospel.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12This week, they are back to sing again,
0:00:12 > 0:00:16but today, one of them will leave holding this magnificent trophy.
0:00:16 > 0:00:21Welcome to the Songs Of Praise Gospel Choir Of The Year 2017.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27APPLAUSE
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Hello, and welcome to Central Hall, Westminster, in the heart of London,
0:00:30 > 0:00:33for the climax of our competition.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34At the end of today's show,
0:00:34 > 0:00:39our panel of judges will choose the choir they think merits the title
0:00:39 > 0:00:43Songs Of Praise Gospel Choir Of The Year 2017.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Our five competing choirs are all standing by,
0:00:46 > 0:00:50ready to sing with passion, faith and flair.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52So, let's welcome them.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54The BIG Sing: Gospel Voices.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01Community choir, Oxford Gospel Events Choir.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06From university, LCCM Choir.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10We have the church choir, Royal Voices.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13And from all across London, Singology.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Let's not forget the important people
0:01:19 > 0:01:23who are making the big decision today - our expert judges.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26They are singer, songwriter and broadcaster,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30a man who is always on message, Muyiwa Olarewaju.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34One of the country's top gospel choir leaders,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38this lady knows all about harmony - Karen Gibson.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44And a man who always hits the right note - singing sensation Seal.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Judges, what advice would you give to the choirs today
0:01:52 > 0:01:57as they sing their final song to try and win the trophy? Seal?
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Well, I would say this is your moment,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02so leave everything out there on the floor.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Go hard or go home.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05Karen?
0:02:05 > 0:02:08You are all doing a brilliant job
0:02:08 > 0:02:10and performing to a very high standard,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13so, just keep doing what you're doing, blessing hearts,
0:02:13 > 0:02:17touching lives and singing the gospel.
0:02:17 > 0:02:23- Muyiwa?- Enjoy every single moment, every note, every move.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25Make sure you enjoy yourself.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Thank you, judges. Time for our first choir to perform.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33They're students from the London College of Creative Media, LCCM Choir,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37and here's a reminder of how they got on last week.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42# I lift my hands
0:02:42 > 0:02:50# In total praise to you. #
0:02:51 > 0:02:54I'm really excited. I'm really excited to hear what we're going to come out with.
0:02:54 > 0:02:55It's going to be special.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59As a child I always grew up in the church, and the more I kept
0:02:59 > 0:03:03coming to church, the more I realised who Jesus was, how he meant to me.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06So, the song Hosanna, that's pretty much praise for me.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09It's not just a performance, it's just for me to lift it up.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22# The angels bow down at the thought of you
0:03:22 > 0:03:26# The darkness gives way to the light for you
0:03:26 > 0:03:30# The price that you pay gives us life brand-new
0:03:30 > 0:03:34# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:03:34 > 0:03:38# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:03:38 > 0:03:42# For you are the joy that my soul lives for
0:03:42 > 0:03:45# The lamb that was slain for my sins
0:03:45 > 0:03:46# And the one I adore
0:03:46 > 0:03:50# King of Kings, ruler of everything
0:03:50 > 0:03:54# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:03:54 > 0:03:58# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:03:58 > 0:04:02# For your patience and kindness and favour and mercy
0:04:02 > 0:04:06# And honour and glory Because you are worthy
0:04:06 > 0:04:09# We can't live without you We can't breathe without you
0:04:09 > 0:04:14# We can't sing without you Hosanna, hosanna
0:04:14 > 0:04:18# No greater love in this world but you
0:04:18 > 0:04:22# No-one can compare to the things you do
0:04:22 > 0:04:25# Wherever you go, I will follow you
0:04:25 > 0:04:30# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:04:30 > 0:04:33# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:04:33 > 0:04:38# Someday every tongue shall confess your name
0:04:38 > 0:04:42# This house made of clay, too shall pass away
0:04:42 > 0:04:46# Whatever the test you will bring us through
0:04:46 > 0:04:50# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:04:50 > 0:04:54# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:04:54 > 0:04:58# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:04:58 > 0:05:01# Hosanna, forever we worship you
0:05:01 > 0:05:03# What's his name?
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- # Hosanna - For ever
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- #- Hosanna - Hosanna
0:05:08 > 0:05:12# For ever and ever and ever Hosanna
0:05:12 > 0:05:13- # We praise you - We praise you
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- #- Hosanna - Hosanna
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- # Forever and ever - Take it up
0:05:17 > 0:05:19# And ever and ever
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- # Hosanna - For ever
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- # For ever - Hosanna
0:05:23 > 0:05:26# Hosanna, for ever and ever and ever
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- # Hosanna - We praise you
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- # We praise you - Whoa!
0:05:31 > 0:05:36# Hosanna for ever and ever and ever
0:05:36 > 0:05:39# And ever and ever and ever
0:05:39 > 0:05:40# Hosanna
0:05:40 > 0:05:42# Come on, y'all, put your hands together
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- # For ever - for ever
0:05:44 > 0:05:47# Hosanna forever and ever And ever
0:05:47 > 0:05:48- # Hosanna - Hosanna
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- # For ever - For ever
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- # Hosanna - Hosanna
0:05:52 > 0:05:56# For ever and ever and ever got to have it
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- # Got to have you - Got to have you
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- # Got to have you - Got to have you
0:06:00 > 0:06:01- # Got to have you - Got to have you
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- # Got to have you - Got to have you
0:06:03 > 0:06:08# Gotta, gotta, I gotta have you Gotta, gotta, I gotta have you
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- # Gotta, gotta, I gotta have you - Gotta have you. #
0:06:12 > 0:06:16CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:06:20 > 0:06:26Muyiwa, a modern classic by Kirk Franklin. How do you think they did?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28These babies had it.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31I mean, I'm loving them, not just for the hair they have, because
0:06:31 > 0:06:36I want some myself, you know, but for the passion, the performance.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37Got to have you.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40And the choir director, you got your thing going,
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I feel like, "Yeah, yeah, yeah!"
0:06:42 > 0:06:45APPLAUSE
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Karen, Kirk Franklin is known for passion in performance,
0:06:49 > 0:06:53and precision in delivery. Did they get both sides?
0:06:53 > 0:06:54I think they did.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56I mean, this is a very well loved song,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00and it's not at all easy to do, so there were some parts that
0:07:00 > 0:07:03I was listening out to, like those staccato notes
0:07:03 > 0:07:07on "sin" and "ONE I adore", and you nailed it perfectly.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11- You really did. - APPLAUSE
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Seal, we want to hear from you.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18Three words - love, love, loved it. I thought it was fantastic tonight.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25There's a vitality, and you can feel that youth, and you can see that
0:07:25 > 0:07:29you guys are just willing to have a go and take chances and be daring.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32It was just sensational, I can't say enough good things about you.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37LCCM!
0:07:37 > 0:07:41CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Literally given all the energy tonight,
0:07:44 > 0:07:45as if it was our last ever performance.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Seal said, in three words...
0:07:48 > 0:07:50..love...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- love...- Don't forget the other one.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- ALL:- ..Love!
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Next up, it's the turn of the church choir, Royal Voices.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07# Somebody say yeah
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- # Yeah - Yeah
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- #- Yeah, take me - Take me to the Lord. #
0:08:16 > 0:08:19This is an opportunity for us to express what God has given to us
0:08:19 > 0:08:21and just show the world that actually we have joy,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24and we are really happy people, and want to share that good news.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30We'll be doing a song called Glory To Glory, that is really our story.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32We started writing from the Scripture,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35which talks about being transformed from one level to another,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37so that's where the inspiration of the song came in.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39And then we sat down in church one day
0:08:39 > 0:08:42and tried to arrange a tune around it, and then some verses.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45And, yeah, it was a team effort, and in the end we love the fact
0:08:45 > 0:08:49that it came out really good, and that's what we'll be doing today.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01# Going from glory to glory
0:09:03 > 0:09:08# We're going from glory to glory
0:09:09 > 0:09:15# We are with open faces
0:09:16 > 0:09:22# We are beholding his glory
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- # We are transformed - We are transformed
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- # We have been changed - By the spirit of the Lord
0:09:29 > 0:09:30# By the spirit of the Lord
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- # We're going, we're going - From glory to glory
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- # We're going - By the spirit of the Lord
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- # We're going, we're going - From glory to glory
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- # We're going - By the spirit of the Lord
0:09:43 > 0:09:48- # Going from glory to glory - Lord...
0:09:48 > 0:09:54- # By the spirit of the Lord - Going from glory to glory
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- # I tell you, nothing can stop us - Nothing can stop us
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- # We are unstoppable - Unstoppable
0:10:02 > 0:10:10- # Nothing can stand against us - We are invincible
0:10:10 > 0:10:19- # Well, do you believe it? - Yeah
0:10:19 > 0:10:25- # Do you believe it? - Yeah
0:10:25 > 0:10:31- # Can you feel it? - Yeah
0:10:31 > 0:10:38- # I say, can you feel it? - Yeah
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- # I tell you, we're unstoppable - Yeah
0:10:41 > 0:10:42- # Immovable - Yeah
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- # Unshakeable - Yeah
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- # Invincible - Yeah
0:10:46 > 0:10:49# We cannot be stopped No, we cannot be moved
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- # We can't be defeated - Yeah
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- # Unstoppable - Yeah
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- # Invincible - Yeah
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- # Unshakeable - Yeah
0:10:58 > 0:11:05- # Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah - Yeah
0:11:06 > 0:11:11# Going from glory to glory
0:11:11 > 0:11:18- # Let me hear you say - Going from glory to glory
0:11:18 > 0:11:29- # One more time, say - Going from glory to glory. #
0:11:29 > 0:11:33CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Seal, I want to start with you. That was a self-written song.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45You are an award-winning songwriter. What did you think of it as a song?
0:11:45 > 0:11:48I thought it was a wonderfully dynamic choice.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Overall, a very measured performance,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54perhaps a little too measured in some places,
0:11:54 > 0:12:00but your experience showing through, I really congratulate you for that.
0:12:00 > 0:12:06- Karen?- I could feel that you meant every word that you sung.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07In your movement, in your eyes.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10What you say here is really important,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and you had it all going on.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15The lead singer was fabulous, by the way, I loved your attitude.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17I loved your voice.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21But we must also pay attention to what the choir do,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25so, as an ensemble, you must be very careful to carry your notes
0:12:25 > 0:12:28all the way to the end of the phrase.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33But as a performance, I absolutely loved it, and I love the song.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38Muyiwa. The faith and the worship element of it, did that come across to you?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40It was such a scintillating experience for me,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43that I thought, OK, whatever they are drinking, I want some of it,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46because I want to shine like that.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48We want to come to your church.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51APPLAUSE
0:12:51 > 0:12:52Thank you, Royal Voices.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57They saw the other side of us.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00They thought that we are maybe boring,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02but now they want some of what we have been drinking,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06so, it's very exciting for me, it's really good.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10We wanted them to feel that, look, we're not just a church choir,
0:13:10 > 0:13:12we are a church choir with understanding, with meaning,
0:13:12 > 0:13:16and with energy and with joy, so we got that across.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Our next choir is from the city of dreaming spires.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26It's Oxford Gospel Events Choir.
0:13:27 > 0:13:33# Glory, glory, hallelujah
0:13:33 > 0:13:39# Glory, glory, hallelujah Sing that song. #
0:13:41 > 0:13:44The next song is Faith, and I'm doing the solo this time.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45A bit nervous, bit nervous.
0:13:47 > 0:13:48I came to faith.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51I became a Christian through singing in the Oxford Gospel Choir,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53that's why it means so much.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Faith is really a call-out to the audience to say
0:13:56 > 0:13:59faith is all we need. Trust in God.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02It's a great song for us to get the audience involved,
0:14:02 > 0:14:04to feel like we are all singing together
0:14:04 > 0:14:07and bringing our message to the hall, so we're really excited.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12# Hey, come on and listen
0:14:12 > 0:14:15# Cos I'm gonna tell you what we need
0:14:15 > 0:14:16# We need faith
0:14:16 > 0:14:18# Oh, just have faith and you'll believe
0:14:18 > 0:14:20# Faith is what we need
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- # Oh, faith- Faith - Faith- Faith
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- # Faith- Faith - Faith, yeah
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- # Faith- Faith - Faith, faith, oh
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- # Faith is what we need - Faith is what we need
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- # If we just believe - If we just believe
0:14:37 > 0:14:41# Faith is what we need We need faith
0:14:41 > 0:14:43# Faith
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- # Faith can move - Faith can move a mountain
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- # It can - Move a mountain
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- # It can open any door - Open any door
0:14:53 > 0:14:58# Can open any time Give you peace of mind
0:14:58 > 0:15:01# Just believe in Jesus And it's gonna be all right
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- # Cos he'll give you faith - Faith- Faith- Faith
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- # Faith- Faith - Faith, yeah
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- # Faith- Faith- Faith, oh
0:15:10 > 0:15:15# Faith is what we need We need faith
0:15:15 > 0:15:20# Oh, and if you have a problem, problem
0:15:20 > 0:15:23# Faith in God will solve them
0:15:23 > 0:15:28# Yeah, in your darkest hour
0:15:28 > 0:15:32# Faith will give you power, power
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- # Faith - Faith
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- # Faith - Faith
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- # Faith - Faith
0:15:39 > 0:15:40- # Faith - Faith
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- # Have faith - Faith
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- # Oh, faith - Faith
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- # Faith - Faith
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- # Faith- Faith - Faith- Faith
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- # Faith, yeah, faith - Faith- Faith
0:15:55 > 0:16:00- # Faith, oh - Oh, faith is what we need
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- # We need faith - Yeah
0:16:03 > 0:16:07# Faith is what we need Trust in God and you will see
0:16:07 > 0:16:11# Faith is what we need Trust in God and you will see
0:16:11 > 0:16:15# Faith is what we need Trust in God and you will see
0:16:15 > 0:16:17# I know that faith is what we need
0:16:17 > 0:16:20# Put your trust in God and you believe
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- # F-A-I-T-H - F-A-I-T-H
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- # Little bit of faith - Little bit of faith
0:16:25 > 0:16:27# Can move the highest mountain
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- # F-A-I-T-H - F-A-I-T-H
0:16:31 > 0:16:32# A little bit of faith
0:16:32 > 0:16:36# A little bit of faith A little bit of faith
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- # Faith is what we need - Faith is what we need
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- # If we just believe - If we just believe
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- # Faith is what we need - We need...
0:16:48 > 0:16:54- # We need... - We need Jesus
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- # And we got to have faith - Faith
0:16:57 > 0:17:03# Faith is the key Believe in him, set you free. #
0:17:03 > 0:17:09CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Karen, can you tell us what you thought about it?
0:17:11 > 0:17:17First of all, I really have to give full props to your lead singer, who was amazing.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Love that top note at the end.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25The choir, the chorale, on the whole, were just as energetic,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29just as passionate, it was amazing. Well done.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35Muyiwa, they sang about faith. Were you feeling it?
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Absolutely. Substance of things hoped for,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40evidence of things not seen,
0:17:40 > 0:17:45but let me tell you, I truly believed that you had faith
0:17:45 > 0:17:50and I felt the energy from you
0:17:50 > 0:17:54for me also to increase in my faith. Thank you.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57APPLAUSE
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Seal, did they take a step up from last week for you?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03You were just great tonight. You were fantastic.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06A really bold choice of song,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10and I cannot say enough about you, the lead singer.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13And I thought overall, you were all so connected,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15it was such a powerful performance.
0:18:15 > 0:18:21Oxford Gospel Events Choir! APPLAUSE
0:18:23 > 0:18:25To receive those comments is really amazing.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29I think we did it to the best of our ability and we just threw everything into it.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- And to get his... his- seal- of approval...
0:18:32 > 0:18:34LAUGHTER
0:18:36 > 0:18:41There are just two choirs left to sing in our Gospel Choir Of The Year competition,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43and it's not getting any easier for the judges.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Next up, a choir with members from all over London.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52Singology.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54# Steal away Steal away
0:18:54 > 0:18:57# Steal away Steal away
0:18:57 > 0:19:02# Steal away Steal away to Jesus. #
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Born To Die is completely different to Steal Away, worlds apart,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09and that's why we chose it.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14So, we've got a bit of choreography, loads of lights and darks, we've got a soloist.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17So it's just a completely different version of what we do.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20We chose it for that reason, and also the choir just love it,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22it's one of their favourites.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25I'll be singing a solo for part of Born To Die.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27I'm just really looking forward to putting our message across,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29over the nerves, hopefully!
0:19:31 > 0:19:35THEY WHOOP AND CHEER
0:19:40 > 0:19:44# There was a baby boy Born in this world of sin
0:19:44 > 0:19:48# Born just to die for us So that we could live
0:19:48 > 0:19:51# Yeah
0:19:57 > 0:20:01# There was a baby boy Born in this world of sin
0:20:01 > 0:20:05# Born just to die for us So that we can live
0:20:05 > 0:20:08# Yeah
0:20:13 > 0:20:18# I'm glad that he died for me
0:20:18 > 0:20:22# And he gave his life Just to set me free
0:20:22 > 0:20:26# I'm glad that he died for me
0:20:26 > 0:20:31# Born just to die for me
0:20:34 > 0:20:38# There was a baby boy Born in this world of sin
0:20:38 > 0:20:42# Born just to die for us So that we could live
0:20:42 > 0:20:45# Yeah
0:20:50 > 0:20:54# I'm glad that he died for me
0:20:54 > 0:20:59# And he gave his life Just to set me free
0:20:59 > 0:21:03# I'm glad that he died for me
0:21:03 > 0:21:08# Born just to die for me
0:21:11 > 0:21:15# Born just to die
0:21:15 > 0:21:19# Now he, and now he lives inside of me
0:21:19 > 0:21:23# Born just to die
0:21:23 > 0:21:28# Now he, and now he lives inside of me
0:21:28 > 0:21:32# Born just to die
0:21:32 > 0:21:37# Now he, and now he lives inside of me
0:21:37 > 0:21:41# Born just to die
0:21:41 > 0:21:45# Now he, and now he lives inside of me
0:21:45 > 0:21:49# Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
0:21:49 > 0:21:51# Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
0:21:51 > 0:21:55# And now he lives inside of me Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
0:21:55 > 0:21:58# Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
0:21:58 > 0:22:02# Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh And now he lives inside of me
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- # Born just - Born just
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- # Just to die - To die
0:22:06 > 0:22:11- # Born just to die for you and I - And now he lives inside of me
0:22:11 > 0:22:12- # Born just - Born just
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- # Just to die - To die
0:22:15 > 0:22:18# Born just And now he lives inside
0:22:18 > 0:22:19# And now he lives inside of me
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- # Born just - Born just
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- # Just to die - To die
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- # Born just to die for you and I - To die
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- # Born just - Born just
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- # Just to die - To die
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- # Now he - Now he
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- # And now he lives inside - And now he lives inside of me. #
0:22:39 > 0:22:43APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Karen, you raved about them last week.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Did they live up to your expectations?
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Yeah, this is a Christmas classic, and it's not at all easy,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01especially when you get to those staggered entries.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04I think that you did that brilliantly.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Great conducting, I have to just give it to you. Really energetic.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13Communicated very well. Lead singer, also great.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16I would just say, lead singer, just connect a little bit
0:23:16 > 0:23:18with the audience, just look at them, connect with people,
0:23:18 > 0:23:22that would really help. Overall, well done, everybody.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24APPLAUSE
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Muyiwa, a song about the birth of Jesus, which is kind of appropriate
0:23:27 > 0:23:31with Christmas approaching, but was it the right song?
0:23:31 > 0:23:34Choir, you can be proud of yourselves for what you've managed to achieve.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38For so many of us coming from different places,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40and to be able to create that one sound.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41And I felt the love,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45I felt the celebratory nature of what you were saying.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49He was born to die for me, I feel so special, so thank you.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51APPLAUSE
0:23:51 > 0:23:55Seal, you know everything there is to know about owning the stage
0:23:55 > 0:23:59and connecting with your audience. Do you feel they managed to do that?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02It was a great intro, first of all, pretty spectacular.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Loved the song, wasn't too crazy about the arrangement,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08I thought that you could have perhaps shortened the gaps
0:24:08 > 0:24:10where there was no singing.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16But congratulations on a really strong ending, and I love the fight that you showed.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Ladies and gentlemen, Singology.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23APPLAUSE
0:24:23 > 0:24:25We were nervous, but hopefully we channelled it in the right way.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27It was such a buzz out there, it's brilliant.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30I'm so proud of them all, it was amazing.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33We wanted to just bring the party, and I think we absolutely did.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Our final choir is a community choir from central London.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44The BIG Sing: Gospel Voices.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50# Praise the Lord
0:24:50 > 0:24:54# Everybody
0:24:54 > 0:24:58# Praise the Lord Everybody. #
0:24:58 > 0:25:01We're going to be singing Souled Out.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Last week went so well that we are really ready for this one.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Literally, we have to have soul,
0:25:07 > 0:25:12we have to have that spirit in us, all that passion and all that love, you know?
0:25:12 > 0:25:16And just let it flow out through us to the audience, to everybody watching.
0:25:16 > 0:25:17I think it will come out.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26THEY WHOOP AND CHEER
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Here we go. One, two, three...
0:25:29 > 0:25:36# I am souled out My mind is made up
0:25:38 > 0:25:44# I am souled out My mind is made up
0:25:44 > 0:25:47# My mind is made up
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- # I am souled out - I am souled out
0:25:51 > 0:25:56- # My mind is made up - My mind, my mind
0:25:56 > 0:26:01# I am souled out My mind is made up
0:26:05 > 0:26:08# Who can separate us from the love of Jesus?
0:26:09 > 0:26:13# Not death, nor life
0:26:13 > 0:26:17# Jesus paid the price Now I'm free from sin
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- # I am souled out - Souled, I got soul
0:26:21 > 0:26:26- # My mind is made up - I've made up my mind
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- # I am souled out - He has got into my soul
0:26:30 > 0:26:33# My mind is made up
0:26:35 > 0:26:39# I've come through the fire I've come through the rain
0:26:39 > 0:26:43# But God, He never left my side
0:26:43 > 0:26:46# He's my comfort Through all hurt and pain
0:26:46 > 0:26:53# I am souled out I am souled out
0:26:53 > 0:26:56# My mind is made up
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- # I am souled out - He's never left my side
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- # I am souled out - I am souled out
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- # I am souled out - I am souled out
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- # I am souled out - I'm souled out
0:27:12 > 0:27:17- # I am souled out - Oooh
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- # I am souled out - My heart, my heart
0:27:21 > 0:27:25# My heart is fixed My mind's made up
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- # No room, no - No room, no vacancies
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- # I'm all filled up - His Spirit
0:27:31 > 0:27:35# His spirit lives in me and that's the reason I'm souled out
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- # Say yeah - Yeah
0:27:38 > 0:27:40- # My heart is fixed - My heart is fixed
0:27:40 > 0:27:42- # My mind - My mind's made up
0:27:42 > 0:27:43# No room, no
0:27:43 > 0:27:46# No room, no vacancies I'm all filled up
0:27:46 > 0:27:49- # His spirit - His Spirit lives in me
0:27:49 > 0:27:52# And that's the reason I'm souled out
0:27:53 > 0:27:55# Yeah, yeah
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- # Say yeah - Yeah
0:27:59 > 0:28:04- # Say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah - Yeah
0:28:04 > 0:28:08- # Say yeah - Yeah
0:28:08 > 0:28:13- # Say yeah - Yeah
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- # Say yeah - Yeah
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- # My heart is fixed - My heart is fixed
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- # My mind - My mind's made up
0:28:21 > 0:28:22# No room, no
0:28:22 > 0:28:25# No room, no vacancies I'm all filled up
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- # His spirit - His Spirit lives in me
0:28:27 > 0:28:30# And that's the reason I'm souled out. #
0:28:30 > 0:28:37CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Seal, how was that for a finale?
0:28:42 > 0:28:47Man, they had me going from the get-go. That was a fabulous performance.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Talk about connected, you were all so connected on the stage tonight,
0:28:50 > 0:28:54and I really love the variety and the choice of leads,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57that really hit a chord with me. Congratulations on that.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03Karen, technically, how good was that?
0:29:03 > 0:29:08First, I want to say that this is one of my favourite choir songs of all time.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13I love it so much. And I think you did a brilliant job. It's not easy.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Those syncopated rhythms, that percussiveness,
0:29:16 > 0:29:18I think that you did that brilliantly.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I loved your energy, loved your passion.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I have to also just say, before you leave the stage,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27I love your blue and bling - beautiful.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Lovely. Sorry!
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Muyiwa, Karen said that was one of her favourite choir songs.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39It's a Hezekiah Walker classic. You know Hezekiah Walker.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41What do you think he would have made of that?
0:29:41 > 0:29:45You know, it is not just Bishop Hezekiah Walker that's in the mix of this.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48The other person, who is pretty massive in gospel,
0:29:48 > 0:29:51it's Donald Lawrence, he produced this.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54And I think if he heard what you did, he would be so proud,
0:29:54 > 0:29:59because for me, there was unity, there was passion, there was exuberance,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03and there was UK Gospel, baby! Whoop, whoop, whoop!
0:30:03 > 0:30:05CHEERING
0:30:05 > 0:30:10BIG Sing: Gospel Voices! APPLAUSE
0:30:10 > 0:30:12It was so amazing.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15I used to be nervous of solos, but with this family behind me,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17it's just so easy.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19I thought when she said it's a favourite, I thought
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- she had a long list of things that we had to... - LAUGHTER
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Honestly! She sounded like she was going to say, "Right..."
0:30:25 > 0:30:28But actually, she absolutely loved it, and for all three judges
0:30:28 > 0:30:31to love it, I've got to say I've never been prouder of these guys.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36They sounded incredible. So, guys...
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Well, the choirs have done all they can, and while the judges deliberate,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46we have a very special guest to perform for you.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50She's appeared in the West End in Memphis and The Bodyguard,
0:30:50 > 0:30:55and in just a few days' time, she opens in the new production of the musical Hamilton.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59We're delighted to welcome Rachel John.
0:30:59 > 0:31:04CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:31:12 > 0:31:15# As I lay me down
0:31:16 > 0:31:21# Heaven hear me now
0:31:21 > 0:31:25# I'm lost without a cause
0:31:25 > 0:31:30# After giving it my all
0:31:30 > 0:31:34# Winter storms have come
0:31:35 > 0:31:39# And darkened my sun
0:31:39 > 0:31:42# After all that I've been through
0:31:44 > 0:31:48# Who on earth can I turn to?
0:31:48 > 0:31:55# I look to you I look to you
0:31:58 > 0:32:03# And when all my strength is gone
0:32:03 > 0:32:11# In you I can be strong I look to you
0:32:11 > 0:32:15# I look to you
0:32:17 > 0:32:26# And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song
0:32:26 > 0:32:29# I look to you
0:32:36 > 0:32:41# About to lose my breath
0:32:41 > 0:32:45# There's no more fighting left
0:32:45 > 0:32:48# Sinking to rise no more
0:32:50 > 0:32:54# Searching for that open door
0:32:54 > 0:32:59# And every road that I've taken
0:32:59 > 0:33:04# Led to my regret
0:33:04 > 0:33:09# And I don't know if I'm gonna make it
0:33:09 > 0:33:12# Nothing to do but lift my hands
0:33:12 > 0:33:16# And look to you
0:33:17 > 0:33:22# I look to you
0:33:22 > 0:33:27# After all my strength is gone
0:33:27 > 0:33:31# In you I can be strong
0:33:31 > 0:33:36# I look to you
0:33:36 > 0:33:40# I look to you
0:33:42 > 0:33:46# And when melodies are gone
0:33:46 > 0:33:53# In you I hear a song I look to you
0:33:53 > 0:34:00# My levees are broken My walls are coming down on me
0:34:02 > 0:34:07# The rain is falling Defeat is calling
0:34:07 > 0:34:11# I need you to set me free
0:34:11 > 0:34:15# So take me far away from the battle
0:34:15 > 0:34:21# Cos I need you to shine on me
0:34:21 > 0:34:25# And I look to you
0:34:28 > 0:34:35# Lord, I look to you
0:34:35 > 0:34:40# Where all of my help comes from
0:34:40 > 0:34:48# I look to you. #
0:34:53 > 0:34:58CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:35:02 > 0:35:06Time now to eavesdrop on the judges' deliberations.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Each choir made the job so hard.
0:35:09 > 0:35:15LCCM. They took risks in that they did big gospel anthems.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19# No greater love in this world but you. #
0:35:19 > 0:35:22I think they probably need a bit more time to grow into it.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Who would I pay to go and see right now?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I could only choose one, it would be LCCM,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31because I would really enjoy myself.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Oxford Gospel Events Choir.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37# Faith is what we need. #
0:35:37 > 0:35:41I loved... I loved their commitment. I love the work they did.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44This week they blew it out the park for me.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47And I think that they are not to be disregarded.
0:35:47 > 0:35:53# Do you believe it? Yeah! #
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Royal Voices, honestly, whether they win or not,
0:35:56 > 0:36:00I want to go to their church and just see what they do, week in, and experience it.
0:36:00 > 0:36:06I felt like I was lacking a little bit to make that connection with them.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Chorally, they were not as strong as last week.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13And I felt that it was very lead-centred.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15Singology.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18# Born just to die for us So that we could live. #
0:36:18 > 0:36:20The arrangement didn't knock me out,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23there were these long gaps where they weren't singing,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26and seeing as this is all about the choir and the voice,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29I felt they could have done more.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Although, I think that they executed it brilliantly.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34I just wasn't as moved.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36BIG Sing. That was a juggernaut for me.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41- # I am souled out - I am souled out. #
0:36:41 > 0:36:44They'd obviously learned from their performance the week before
0:36:44 > 0:36:48and realised that they had to step it up, and so, it's very close.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51But I suppose, unfortunately, one choir has to win.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58The judges have joined me and the choirs are waiting in anticipation,
0:36:58 > 0:37:02because we have a decision.
0:37:02 > 0:37:09Muyiwa, can you announce to the audience at home, in the room,
0:37:09 > 0:37:13and the choirs behind you the winner of Gospel Choir Of The Year 2017?
0:37:16 > 0:37:21The Songs Of Praise Gospel Choir Of The Year 2017 winners are...
0:37:24 > 0:37:26..BIG Sing: Gospel Voices!
0:37:26 > 0:37:31CHEERING
0:37:38 > 0:37:42BIG Sing: Gospel Voices! Seal, will you present the trophy?
0:37:56 > 0:37:59And let's hear it for all our very worthy finalists.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Well done to you all.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Our thanks to you, the judges,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08to all five choirs, to everyone here at Westminster Central Hall,
0:38:08 > 0:38:12and, of course, to you at home for your company,
0:38:12 > 0:38:17and we leave you with the winning song. From all of us here, goodbye.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21- # I am souled out - He never left my side
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- # I am souled out - I am souled out
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- # I am souled out - I am souled out
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- # I am souled out - I'm souled out
0:38:33 > 0:38:38- # I am souled out - Oooh
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- # I am souled out - My heart, my heart
0:38:42 > 0:38:46# My heart is fixed My mind's made up
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- # No room, no - No room, no vacancies
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- # I'm all filled up - His Spirit
0:38:51 > 0:38:56# His spirit lives in me and that's the reason I'm souled out. #