0:00:02 > 0:00:05The best amateur choirs in the country are here in London
0:00:05 > 0:00:08at the prestigious Central Hall, Westminster,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12to raise the roof with the glorious sound of gospel.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Five choirs, one trophy.
0:00:15 > 0:00:21Welcome to the Songs Of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2017.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:00:27 > 0:00:29Hello, and welcome to the historic and magnificent
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Methodist Central Hall in Westminster,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35and the fifth year of our annual competition
0:00:35 > 0:00:39that celebrates the very best in gospel singing.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43The five finalists gathered behind me will perform one song each,
0:00:43 > 0:00:46to be followed next week with a second performance,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48after which one of them will be crowned
0:00:48 > 0:00:53the Songs Of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2017.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58So let's say hello to our five choirs. We have Singology.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:00 > 0:01:03The Big Sing Gospel Voices.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:04 > 0:01:07The Oxford Gospel Events Choir.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:09 > 0:01:11From the London College of Creative Media,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14the LCCM Choir.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:16 > 0:01:19And finally, from Royal Connections Church,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21it's Royal Voices.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:01:26 > 0:01:30What a great mix of church, community and university choirs.
0:01:30 > 0:01:35All they have to do now is impress our three distinguished judges.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Singer and broadcaster Muyiwa Olarewaju.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44He is best known as a worship leader with his group Riversongz.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Karen Gibson is one of the country's top gospel choir leaders.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52She's recently conducted the gospel prom at the Royal Albert Hall,
0:01:52 > 0:01:57and is perhaps best known as a judge on Gareth Malone's Naked Choir.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Our third judge knows all about performing.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04He's sold over 20 million records worldwide.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08He's a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter. Who else?
0:02:08 > 0:02:10It's Seal.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Please give them a warm welcome.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:02:17 > 0:02:20It's time to hear from our first finalist.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23It's a community choir from here in central London.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26The Big Sing Gospel Voices.
0:02:29 > 0:02:34We rehearse in the chapel, in the House of St Barnabas.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37The chapel is situated in Soho Square in London,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40and who knows that it's there? Not many people.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43So we feel like we're part of this little secret crew
0:02:43 > 0:02:47that get to come here every Tuesday, and it's a small space,
0:02:47 > 0:02:49but it really kind of resonates when you're singing.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54We're a diverse group,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56and we've lots of different quite stressful jobs.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59We have a solicitor, we have teachers.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03I work in mental health. So a very busy bunch.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06But we seem to find the time every week to come together,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08which is really special, I think.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12I've got a bit of a tough situation going on.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14My mum's quite sick at the moment,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and I've had to put career plans on hold.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20But the one thing I haven't had to put on hold, the one thing
0:03:20 > 0:03:23that's been consistent, has been this gospel choir.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25And to be able to perform and sing,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29I can't even explain to you how that's helped me.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31# One day... #
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Everybody on the tenors! And...
0:03:33 > 0:03:35# There is one day in your... #
0:03:35 > 0:03:37John is our fearless leader.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40He is kind of the head of our family, I guess.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42# Come on, everybody
0:03:42 > 0:03:43# It's time to stop... #
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Praise The Lord is a really uplifting song.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49It's one we always start our concerts with.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52There's some lyrics in that that are really special.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56"Every tongue, every race, all of God's children, take your place."
0:03:56 > 0:03:58And I think for me, that speaks to everyone.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:04:06 > 0:04:08# Come on, everybody
0:04:08 > 0:04:10# It's time to stop
0:04:12 > 0:04:16# Praise the Lord your God with all your heart
0:04:18 > 0:04:22# Every tongue and every race
0:04:24 > 0:04:28# All of God's children, take your place
0:04:31 > 0:04:35# Praise the Lord
0:04:36 > 0:04:37# Everybody
0:04:39 > 0:04:41# Praise the Lord
0:04:41 > 0:04:44# Sing praise
0:04:44 > 0:04:47# Praise the Lord
0:04:48 > 0:04:50# Everybody
0:04:52 > 0:04:53# Praise the Lord
0:04:56 > 0:04:59# Lift up your hands to the sky
0:05:02 > 0:05:05# Every voice, testify
0:05:08 > 0:05:12# Tell of his goodness and his grace
0:05:14 > 0:05:17# All of God's children, take your place
0:05:19 > 0:05:20Sing it!
0:05:20 > 0:05:24# Praise the Lord
0:05:24 > 0:05:26CHEERING
0:05:26 > 0:05:29# Everybody
0:05:29 > 0:05:30# Praise the Lord
0:05:30 > 0:05:33# Sing prai-ise...
0:05:33 > 0:05:36# Praise the Lord
0:05:38 > 0:05:40# Everybody
0:05:41 > 0:05:43# Praise the Lord
0:05:45 > 0:05:50# We worship you because you are Lord and King
0:05:51 > 0:05:57# We magnify you because you are the one who reigns
0:05:57 > 0:06:04# We glorify you because you always remain the same
0:06:04 > 0:06:05Sing!
0:06:05 > 0:06:09# Praise the Lord
0:06:11 > 0:06:12# Everybody
0:06:14 > 0:06:15# Praise the Lord
0:06:15 > 0:06:18# Sing prai-ise
0:06:18 > 0:06:21# Praise the Lord
0:06:23 > 0:06:24# Everybody
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- # Praise the Lord - Hey, everybody!
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- # Everybody - Praise the Lord
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- # Praise the Lord - Come on, praise the Lord
0:06:35 > 0:06:37# Everybody
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- # Praise the Lord - Everybody
0:06:42 > 0:06:45# Everybody Everybody
0:06:45 > 0:06:47# Everybody Everybody
0:06:47 > 0:06:51# Everybody Everybody
0:06:51 > 0:06:52# Everybody
0:06:54 > 0:06:57# Praise the...
0:06:57 > 0:06:58Sing!
0:06:58 > 0:07:05# Lord. #
0:07:05 > 0:07:09APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:07:16 > 0:07:20Big Sing Gospel Voices. Seal, I want to come to you first.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24I loved everything. I thought everyone seemed in harmony.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27You felt like a great big band.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Yeah, I loved the ad-libs.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32They were tasteful and used sparingly.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Karen, they're called Big Sing. Was that big enough for you?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42That was a fantastic, great big sound,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44and I just wanted to get up and worship.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Really, really fabulous.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50I would say that you've got a great, very strong tenor section,
0:07:50 > 0:07:54so maybe be a bit careful of the balance there, but I loved that.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55Wonderful.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Muyiwa, that song itself is a call to worship. Did you hear the call?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Were you feeling the same?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07This choir brought it to life for me,
0:08:07 > 0:08:08and Gary Oliver, who wrote it,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- would be very proud. - Thank you, judges!
0:08:11 > 0:08:14APPLAUSE
0:08:14 > 0:08:16The Big Sing Gospel Voices!
0:08:16 > 0:08:19APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:08:19 > 0:08:21We got a standing ovation from Seal!
0:08:23 > 0:08:25We've done that song a lot,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27and that's the best they've ever sung it.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29THEY CHEER
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Up next is a community choir from Oxford,
0:08:32 > 0:08:33and as the name suggests,
0:08:33 > 0:08:37they're often to be found singing at big celebrations.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It's the Oxford Gospel Events Choir.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45# Swing low
0:08:45 > 0:08:48# Sweet chariot... #
0:08:48 > 0:08:50We rehearse at Wesley Memorial Church,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52which is right in the heart of central Oxford.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54# Carry me... #
0:08:54 > 0:08:57It's a lovely acoustic for a choir to rehearse in.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59# Home... #
0:08:59 > 0:09:02A lot of our choir are big fans of Songs Of Praise,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06and we watch BBC Gospel Choir of the Year religiously every year.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09So we thought it would be something fantastic to be involved in.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13# Swing down, chariot, stop and let me ride, oh yeah... #
0:09:13 > 0:09:16To me, being a Christian, it is about sharing God's word
0:09:16 > 0:09:19with a massively wide audience.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23# I have a home on the other side... #
0:09:23 > 0:09:25We're very lucky to be a multi-conductor choir.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27We have five or six conductors at any one time.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30We encourage people from the choir who've never done it before.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32If they want to have a go,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34we kind of encourage that and we help them along.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36When we come to rehearsals,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39we don't necessarily know who's going to be conducting that night.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41It keeps us on our toes!
0:09:41 > 0:09:43# Glory... #
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Glory, Glory, Hallelujah is a really interesting arrangement.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49It's six parts, so it's quite challenging, and a cappella.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53It's one of those songs which shows the choir off
0:09:53 > 0:09:57to an amazing extent, and I think my sort of solo line
0:09:57 > 0:09:58is just a little extra addition.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01# And pray with all your mind... #
0:10:01 > 0:10:03It's a praise song. That's what we're hoping to get across,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05we're totally praising in this song.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- # Glory, glory - On, on
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- # Hallelujah - On, on
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- # Glory, glory - On, on
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- # Hallelujah - On, on
0:10:23 > 0:10:26# My eyes have seen the glory
0:10:26 > 0:10:29# My ears can hear the call
0:10:29 > 0:10:32# My heart is beating faster
0:10:32 > 0:10:35# But I have no fear at all
0:10:35 > 0:10:39# My lips can taste the victory
0:10:39 > 0:10:41# A victory for all
0:10:41 > 0:10:49# As we go marching on
0:10:49 > 0:10:50# On, on
0:10:52 > 0:10:59- # Glory, glory, Hallelujah - Ooh-ooh
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- # Glory, glory, Hallelujah - Glory, glory
0:11:04 > 0:11:10# Oh, glory, glory, Hallelujah
0:11:10 > 0:11:17- # As we go marching on - On, on
0:11:17 > 0:11:20# On, on
0:11:20 > 0:11:23# Believe with all that's in you
0:11:23 > 0:11:26# And pray with all your might
0:11:26 > 0:11:29# You'll never be defeated
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- # And you'll never give up the fight - Never give up the fight
0:11:33 > 0:11:36# Can smell the scent of victory
0:11:36 > 0:11:39# And the prize is in your sight
0:11:39 > 0:11:45- # As we go marching on - On, on
0:11:46 > 0:11:53- # Glory, glory, hallelujah - Hallelujah, hallelujah
0:11:53 > 0:11:59- # Glory, glory, hallelujah - Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
0:11:59 > 0:12:05# Glory, glory, hallelujah
0:12:05 > 0:12:12- # As we go marching on - On, on
0:12:12 > 0:12:18- # Glory, glory, hallelujah - Hallelujah
0:12:18 > 0:12:25- # Glory, glory, hallelujah - Sing that song
0:12:25 > 0:12:30# Glory, glory, hallelujah
0:12:30 > 0:12:37- # As we go marching on - On, on
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- # As we go marching on - On, on
0:12:42 > 0:12:48# As we go marching...
0:12:48 > 0:12:50# Marching o-o-on
0:12:50 > 0:12:56# O-o-on. #
0:12:56 > 0:13:03APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Over to you, judges. Karen, did you like that interpretation?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09I thought that was a fantastic arrangement.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Loved your passion, loved your energy,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14and you have a fantastic lead singer over there.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Really great.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:13:19 > 0:13:21Muyiwa, what did you think of the performance?
0:13:21 > 0:13:25There is a young lady bang in the middle with the blue,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27just behind you, David.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Honey, you caught my eyes, and I felt,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33I was like, "She has faith in these words,"
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and then the energy just infected people around her.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40This choir has something that you should never let go of,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42choir leader. It's great.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Now, Seal, what did you think about the synergy
0:13:48 > 0:13:50between the lead singer and the choir?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52I thought it was really impressive.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I was looking for a little bit more dynamic texture in the voices,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59just a little bit more, but I loved the choice of song,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02and the standard is obviously very, very high.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Ladies and gentlemen, the Oxford Gospel Events Choir!
0:14:06 > 0:14:09APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:14:09 > 0:14:12I was nearly in tears. It was so good!
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Our supporters were amazing. The support they gave us was insane.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19And it made me so proud to be privileged to be out there
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- and conducting you guys, so thank you.- Thank you!
0:14:23 > 0:14:25APPLAUSE
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Our next choir are already winners.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30They're the current University Gospel Choir Of The Year,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34but do they have what it takes to win the Songs Of Praise title?
0:14:34 > 0:14:38From the London College of Creative Media, it's LCCM Choir.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44DRUMMING
0:14:44 > 0:14:47What's great about the choir is that they're all from different places.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51It's my favourite thing. You've got the Africas, you've got Europe.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53You've got everywhere in the world, basically,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56and when we all come together, we actually become one, and I think
0:14:56 > 0:14:59that's God's desire for us all, so to me, it's just brilliant.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01It's like being in heaven!
0:15:01 > 0:15:03One, two...
0:15:03 > 0:15:04# Lean on me... #
0:15:04 > 0:15:07I come from Italy, and I came here two years ago.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10I really enjoy being part of the choir,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13because I didn't expect it to be so uplifting,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17and I feel like I'm a new person every time I go out of the class.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Nadine is a really good teacher.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22She's really fun and always happy,
0:15:22 > 0:15:26and a bit goofy, which is nice!
0:15:26 > 0:15:27- # Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah - Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
0:15:27 > 0:15:29# Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah... #
0:15:29 > 0:15:31If you come into a class and the teacher is like...
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- SHE GROANS - ..you don't really get excited.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35But she kind of creates excitement in you.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Like, she's strong on rhythm, I can tell you that, hands down.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43But, like, she can also pinpoint, you know, a vocal technique,
0:15:43 > 0:15:45and she can also direct the band as well,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48so she's an all-rounder, which is really good for our choir.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50# You are
0:15:50 > 0:15:54# The source of my strength... #
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I chose Total Praise because the feeling that I get
0:15:57 > 0:15:59when I sing it is...
0:15:59 > 0:16:03Is really, really, really deep.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Especially the lyrics.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08"Your peace you give me in time of the storm."
0:16:08 > 0:16:12It's just so deep, because only God can give us that kind of peace,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14so it really touches my heart,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17and I hope it touches the audience when they hear the song as well.
0:16:28 > 0:16:35# Lord, I will lift
0:16:35 > 0:16:45# Mine eyes to the hills
0:16:46 > 0:16:53# Knowing my help
0:16:54 > 0:17:03# Is coming from you
0:17:05 > 0:17:08# Your peace
0:17:08 > 0:17:12# You give me
0:17:13 > 0:17:23# In time of the storm
0:17:25 > 0:17:31# You are the source of my strength
0:17:34 > 0:17:40# You are the strength of my life
0:17:43 > 0:17:48# I lift my hands
0:17:48 > 0:17:58# In total praise to you
0:18:02 > 0:18:08# You are the source of my strength
0:18:11 > 0:18:17# You are the strength of my life
0:18:20 > 0:18:25# I lift my hands
0:18:25 > 0:18:34# In total praise to you
0:18:34 > 0:18:39- # Amen - A-a-a-amen
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- # Amen - A-a-a-a-amen
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- # Amen - A-a-a-amen
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- # Amen - A-a-a-a-amen
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- # Amen - A-a-a-amen
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- # Amen - A-a-a-a-amen
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- # Amen - A-a-a-amen
0:19:06 > 0:19:12- # Amen - A-a-a-a...!
0:19:13 > 0:19:20# ..men. #
0:19:20 > 0:19:25APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Muyiwa - Total Praise by Richard Smallwood.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35It's a modern choral gospel classic.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38What did you make of that rendition?
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Karen looked like she was about to jump on stage,
0:19:40 > 0:19:43so I fear you might have a new choir conductor soon!
0:19:43 > 0:19:45You know, and Seal was just scribbling away,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49so you know, it seems you captured all our hearts,
0:19:49 > 0:19:51and you did so well.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Thank you so much, because when people see this,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56they'll say, "Gospel in the UK is good."
0:19:56 > 0:19:57APPLAUSE
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Seal, Muyiwa said you were scribbling away.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Can you reveal some of what you were scribbling?
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Yes, what I was hearing on stage today was incredible,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08in that the tone that was just coming off of that stage
0:20:08 > 0:20:10was just wonderful.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15It really filled this whole room, and right towards the end,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18the dynamic in volume, like, when it came up,
0:20:18 > 0:20:22I literally had shivers going down my spine.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- Now, Karen. This is a young choir. - Very young.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Do you think they were able to carry the weight,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32the dynamic weight of this song?
0:20:32 > 0:20:36This is a very brave choice, and I think that they handled it
0:20:36 > 0:20:38very, very well indeed.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41What I would say, I'd love to hear a little bit more
0:20:41 > 0:20:44drama on those big amens,
0:20:44 > 0:20:49but for a young choir, very, very well done.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51LCCM Choir!
0:20:51 > 0:20:55APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- I'm really proud of us. Personally! - LAUGHTER
0:20:58 > 0:21:01I think we were all a bit nervous, but I think we used the nerves
0:21:01 > 0:21:04and just gave it an our performance, so we're good, right?
0:21:04 > 0:21:06ALL: Yeah!
0:21:06 > 0:21:09We still have two more choirs to go,
0:21:09 > 0:21:11and next up is a church choir from east London,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Royal Voices.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17# Ho Ho Ho Hosanna
0:21:17 > 0:21:18# Ha ha ha...
0:21:18 > 0:21:21We are a church of all nations. That's what we call ourselves.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23We welcome everybody from all walks of life.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26# I've got the joy of the Lord.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Being a church choir's very important to us,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32because being the choir that leads that is such a big privilege.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33You know, we love it so much.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37We get to do something we love, a gift that we were given,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40we get to use it every day or every week.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42One, two, three! Let's say...
0:21:42 > 0:21:45# We are the generation
0:21:45 > 0:21:47# We are not afraid...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50I used to be very scared facing the crowd,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52singing and that that's been
0:21:52 > 0:21:55pushed away, because you have to perform at a certain level.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00So I joined the choir really to get that fear away from me.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02# When we rise...
0:22:02 > 0:22:08We run the choir on good cop, bad cop kind of behaviour.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11I'm the one pats people on the back. She's just like, "No!
0:22:11 > 0:22:12"You have to do it this way."
0:22:12 > 0:22:15It would have been better if you were smiling towards the end,
0:22:15 > 0:22:18because you have hit your notes better, but it's OK.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20It's because sometimes, you just have to do it this way!
0:22:20 > 0:22:22That's how you get better.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24One of the songs we are going to be doing is
0:22:24 > 0:22:26What A Friend We Have In Jesus.
0:22:26 > 0:22:32# A friend we have in Jesus... #
0:22:32 > 0:22:34Jesus, the ultimate friend, who never leaves you,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38and that, to me, means more than anything else in this world.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40When we did this song, everyone loved it so much.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43The church was so blessed that we said to ourselves,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45"This is what we are bringing to the competition.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47"This song needs to be heard over and over again."
0:22:51 > 0:22:59# What a friend we have in Jesus
0:23:02 > 0:23:10# All our sins and griefs to bear
0:23:13 > 0:23:21# What a privilege to carry
0:23:24 > 0:23:32# Everything to God in prayer
0:23:33 > 0:23:37# Oh, what peace
0:23:37 > 0:23:44# We often forfeit
0:23:44 > 0:23:53# Oh, what needless pain we bear
0:23:56 > 0:24:00# All because
0:24:00 > 0:24:06# We do not carry
0:24:06 > 0:24:09# Everything
0:24:09 > 0:24:13# We ought to take it to the Lord in prayer
0:24:13 > 0:24:14# Everything
0:24:14 > 0:24:18# All of your heartache
0:24:18 > 0:24:26# Everything to God in prayer
0:24:26 > 0:24:28# Ooh-ooh-ooh, ha-a-a
0:24:28 > 0:24:30# All your pain
0:24:30 > 0:24:33# All your pain
0:24:33 > 0:24:36# You can take it to the Lord
0:24:36 > 0:24:40# Take it to the Lord in prayer
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- # All your burdens - All your burdens
0:24:43 > 0:24:46# You can take it to the Lord,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- # Yes, you can - Take it to the Lord in prayer
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- # And all your heartache - All your heartache
0:24:53 > 0:25:00- # You can take it to the Lord, yeah - Take it to the Lord
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- # Why not everything? - Everything
0:25:03 > 0:25:08# You can take it to the Lord, to the Lord, yeah
0:25:08 > 0:25:12# Take it to the Lord in prayer
0:25:12 > 0:25:16# Somebody say yeah-h-h
0:25:16 > 0:25:18# Yeah Yeah-h-h
0:25:18 > 0:25:22# You can take it, yes, you can, ha Take it to the Lord in prayer
0:25:22 > 0:25:25# Cos he's done it before Yeah
0:25:25 > 0:25:27# And he'll do it again Yeah
0:25:27 > 0:25:31# You can take it to the Lord, yeah Take it to the Lord
0:25:31 > 0:25:35# Take it to the Lord in prayer
0:25:35 > 0:25:38# Prayer
0:25:38 > 0:25:41# Prayer
0:25:41 > 0:25:46# Prayer! #
0:25:46 > 0:25:50APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Seal.
0:25:57 > 0:26:03I really enjoyed the ability of the choir as a whole to lift
0:26:03 > 0:26:06and raise its game with a spectacular ending,
0:26:06 > 0:26:07is what really blew me away.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09And for that, I loved it.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12APPLAUSE
0:26:12 > 0:26:17Karen, could you tell that this was a church choir?
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Yeah, I absolutely could tell that these are people who sing
0:26:21 > 0:26:23together on a regular basis.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25The blend was fabulous.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I really loved it, and I think that the lead singer worked very well.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Not too much, not too little. Worked very well.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34There is one thing that I would say.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I'm not sure about all the choreography.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40You are amazing singers, and I don't actually think you need all of that.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Just do you.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Muyiwa?
0:26:44 > 0:26:45It was incredible.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49The lead singer, she smacked me up the side of the head!
0:26:49 > 0:26:53APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:26:54 > 0:26:57Ladies and gentlemen, Royal Voices!
0:26:57 > 0:26:59APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:27:01 > 0:27:02THEY CHEER AND CLAP
0:27:02 > 0:27:04It just went by so quickly.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Just literally just tried my best to sing from my heart
0:27:06 > 0:27:09and just try and connect with people, really.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12But it was really, really amazing, an amazing experience.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Last up, a community choir with members from right across London,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19known simply as Singology.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22So, we're going to start just rolling our shoulders,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25shaking it all out, shaking everything...
0:27:25 > 0:27:29That it is, shaking your feet and your hands, your bottoms...
0:27:29 > 0:27:31There's nine different choirs.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34We are all one big family, and we come together for events like this.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36So there's people from all walks of life.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40I'm a freelance graphic designer, and I work from home,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43which means a lot of the time, I'm on my own,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45looking at a screen all day,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47and I really look forward to getting out of the house
0:27:47 > 0:27:50and being with people, and being in Singology is just terrific.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53# Do your thing, do your thing... #
0:27:53 > 0:27:55I moved to London about a year ago,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57and found it quite hard to make friends,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00and did a bit of a search online, came across Singology,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02went to my first taster session,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04and it was a whole new world that opened up, really.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08# I am sold out... #
0:28:08 > 0:28:12For me, it's important that I actually sing the gospel.
0:28:12 > 0:28:13I sing my faith.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17I love God, and God loves me, and I want people to know that,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20and I want them to know about the relationship they can have.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24So, the first song is Steal Away, which is
0:28:24 > 0:28:25one of my absolute favourites.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27It brings me to tears every single time.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31# Steal away home... #
0:28:31 > 0:28:34The song means a lot to me as a black woman,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38knowing that even through slavery, the slaves would sing
0:28:38 > 0:28:42and talk about the hope that they had, and they would be hanging
0:28:42 > 0:28:45from trees, but they knew there was a place to steal away,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48there was hope in Jesus, so it brings all that back to me.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59# Steal away
0:28:59 > 0:29:02# Steal away
0:29:02 > 0:29:09# Steal away to Jesus
0:29:10 > 0:29:13# Steal away
0:29:13 > 0:29:18# Steal away home
0:29:18 > 0:29:27# I ain't got long to stay here
0:29:34 > 0:29:38# Steal away
0:29:38 > 0:29:42# Steal away
0:29:42 > 0:29:48# Steal away to Jesus
0:29:48 > 0:29:52# Steal away
0:29:52 > 0:29:57# Steal away home
0:29:57 > 0:30:06# I ain't got long to stay here
0:30:06 > 0:30:09# My Lord, he calls me
0:30:09 > 0:30:13# He calls me by the thunder
0:30:13 > 0:30:22# The trumpet sounds within my soul
0:30:22 > 0:30:25# Green trees are bending
0:30:25 > 0:30:29# Sinners stand a-trembling
0:30:29 > 0:30:38# The trumpet sounds within my soul
0:30:38 > 0:30:44# I ain't got long to stay here
0:30:46 > 0:30:49# Steal away
0:30:49 > 0:30:53# Steal away
0:30:53 > 0:30:56# Steal away
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- # To Jesus - Yeah, yeah
0:30:59 > 0:31:03- # Steal away - Steal away
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- # Steal away - Steal away
0:31:07 > 0:31:10# Steal away
0:31:10 > 0:31:14# Steal away to Jesus
0:31:14 > 0:31:17# Steal away
0:31:17 > 0:31:21# Steal away
0:31:21 > 0:31:28# Steal away to Jesus
0:31:28 > 0:31:32# Steal away
0:31:32 > 0:31:37# Steal away home
0:31:37 > 0:31:43# I ain't got long to stay here. #
0:31:50 > 0:31:54APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:31:57 > 0:32:02Singology. Karen, that was numerically the biggest choir.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04How was their overall blend and balance?
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Great!
0:32:06 > 0:32:10Brilliant use of dynamics to convey the meaning of the song.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13The arrangement was beautiful.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17I could really see members of the choir worshipping, and really
0:32:17 > 0:32:20being carried right away, really being stolen away, and that's why...
0:32:20 > 0:32:23I wanted to come with you, actually. I loved it.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24- Thank you very much indeed. - Wow.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26APPLAUSE
0:32:26 > 0:32:29A brilliant performance, says Karen.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Muyiwa, Steal Away is a much-loved African-American spiritual.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Do you think they did it justice?
0:32:34 > 0:32:38For me, I had a moment where in my head, I was thinking,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40I understand, I want to steal away with Jesus,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43because I want to get away from my troubles,
0:32:43 > 0:32:47but the arrangements, the music was touching my soul.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50I'm thinking, I'm feeling a hope that's so sure, which is
0:32:50 > 0:32:52what gospel music is about.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54So choir, thank you.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:32:58 > 0:33:00And Seal?
0:33:00 > 0:33:03You know, it was a great song to take on,
0:33:03 > 0:33:07because it really was all about the voice, and there's...
0:33:07 > 0:33:11For me, I could have used a lead at some point.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14I just wanted maybe something,
0:33:14 > 0:33:18but you certainly made up for that in emotion.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21I thought it was overall a really emotional performance
0:33:21 > 0:33:24and one of my favourite of the night.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Ladies and gentlemen, Singology.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:33:30 > 0:33:34It was absolutely beautiful. The dynamics were perfect.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36The heart was perfect, and I was super proud of them all.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38A little overwhelmed!
0:33:38 > 0:33:40We've got to do another one next week,
0:33:40 > 0:33:44so I hope we live up to it, but it felt amazing.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53Well, it's been fantastic to hear our five choirs, and next week,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56they have a final opportunity to impress the judges.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59You three have a tough decision to make.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- Muyiwa, has anyone stood out to you so far?- Absolutely.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I'll have to say, it could be because of their youth, because
0:34:06 > 0:34:10I'm trying to keep myself young, but LCCM have done it for me so far.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:34:13 > 0:34:18- Karen.- I have to say that I'm a big, big fan of community choirs.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21I've loved the fact that people from all different walks of life
0:34:21 > 0:34:25and all different faiths come together to sing the gospel.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29So for me, I have to say, it's Singology.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:34:32 > 0:34:34And Seal, is there a choir that you're going to be particularly
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- listening out for next week? - All of them.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38I think everyone was a winner tonight.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41There were some exceptional performances,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43but at the end of the day, you know, there is
0:34:43 > 0:34:46only going to be one person that is carrying that trophy.
0:34:46 > 0:34:52It was a very close competition between Singology
0:34:52 > 0:34:54and LCCM for me.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Join us next week for the final round,
0:35:01 > 0:35:05and of course, the big decision, as we find out who will be
0:35:05 > 0:35:11crowned Songs Of Praise Gospel Choir Of The Year 2017.
0:35:11 > 0:35:12My thanks to our judges
0:35:12 > 0:35:16and to the audience here at the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20We leave you today with a musical treat, as all five choirs
0:35:20 > 0:35:26come together to remind us of the soul-stirring nature of gospel.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Here they are with a special arrangement of the classic
0:35:29 > 0:35:30O Happy Day.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32Until next week, goodbye and God bless.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:35:39 > 0:35:42# O happy day
0:35:42 > 0:35:45# O happy day
0:35:45 > 0:35:52# When Jesus washed my sins away
0:35:57 > 0:35:58# O happy day
0:35:58 > 0:36:00# O happy day
0:36:00 > 0:36:02# O happy day
0:36:02 > 0:36:04# O happy day
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- # When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- # When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- # When He washed - When He washed
0:36:15 > 0:36:19# He washed my sins away
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- # O happy day - O happy day
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- # O happy day - O happy day
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- # When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- # When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- # Oh, when He washed - When Jesus washed
0:36:37 > 0:36:41# He washed my sins away
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- # He taught me how - He taught me how
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- # To watch - To watch
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- # Watch and pray - To watch and pray
0:36:52 > 0:36:54# Watch and pray
0:36:54 > 0:36:57# And live rejoicing
0:36:57 > 0:37:03# Every day, now, oh whoo, yeah!
0:37:03 > 0:37:09- # Every day now, every day, yeah - Every day
0:37:09 > 0:37:11# Ooooh
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- # O happy day - O happy day
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- # O happy day - O happy day
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- # When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- # Oh, when Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- # Ooh, when He washed - When He washed
0:37:29 > 0:37:32He washed my sins away
0:37:32 > 0:37:35# He taught me how
0:37:35 > 0:37:38# Oh, he taught me how
0:37:38 > 0:37:41- # To watch - To watch
0:37:41 > 0:37:44# Watch and pray
0:37:44 > 0:37:47# Watch and pray
0:37:47 > 0:37:50# And He taught me how to live
0:37:50 > 0:37:57- # Rejoicing every day - Every day
0:37:57 > 0:37:59# Oh, rejoice
0:37:59 > 0:38:01# Every day
0:38:01 > 0:38:04# Oh-oh-oh-oh, every day now
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- # O happy day - O happy day
0:38:06 > 0:38:09- # O happy day - O happy day
0:38:09 > 0:38:11# Hap-hap-hap-happy day
0:38:11 > 0:38:15- # O happy day - O happy day
0:38:15 > 0:38:18# O happy day
0:38:18 > 0:38:25- # Happy- Happy- Happy
0:38:25 > 0:38:33# Happy day. #
0:38:33 > 0:38:36APPLAUSE AND CHEERING