Verizon's How Sweet the Sound 2010 Tour in High Gear

By Felicia Howard, Christian Post Correspondent Saturday, October 02, 2010

Hitting the road with jubilant praise and worship through music, Verizon's How Sweet the Sound 2010 Tour is at it again. The nationwide competition of gospel choirs gears up with each choir in hopes of being named The Best Church Choir in America.

Chart topping Gospel music artists join forces with the choirs on this tour. Gospel singer Marvin Sapp will continue as a judge, despite his wife's death last month after an illness. Sapp first heard the news of his wife's death after the first date of How Sweet the Sound and missed only one show.

Donald Lawrence, Gospel music songwriter, record producer, artist, and co-host of the competition, told Saint Louis Today, "He's been a trouper, a real inspiration."

Also serving as judges during the tour are Gospel recording artist Hezekiah Walker; Christian worship leader Israel Houghton, known for his cross cultural music style; local radio personality Dwight Stone; actress and singer Tamela Mann; and nationally recognized Gospel recording artist Fred Hammond. And adding to this long list of celebrity Gospel talents is this year's newest co-host, CeCe Winans of the Winans Brothers and Sisters.

Commenting on the addition of Winans, Lawrence told St. Louis Today, "She adds a new twist to it and brings another element with her. She graces the stage so well, and we have great chemistry."

The 2010 tour, which kicked off last month, features an opening tribute to the late Walter Hawkins, a Gospel singer and songwriter who died of pancreatic cancer in July.

With 14 cities on this year's tour and a grand prize of $25,000, the Gospel competition has contestants and viewers at the ends of their pews listening in anticipation.

The Finale show is scheduled for Nov. 13 in Washington, D.C.

On the Web: http://www2.howsweetthesound.com/