United Television, the producers of the Allstate Gospel Superfest announce the three-semi finalists for the Allstate Gospel Superfest Battle of The Bands competition for 2012. This past weekend, Philadelphia gospel fans turned out to witness the final leg of the 2011 tour. The talent pool was rich. 
Over seventeen artists auditioned for an opportunity to open next year’s Allstate Gospel Superfest TV taping. After a four-hour marathon of outstanding performances, Men of God’s Heart from Columbus, OH won the Philly regional with a show-stopping performance that held the entire audience (including the contestants) captive and on their feet. The Holy Ghost Headquarters at The Met, (a local Philadelphia church) pastured by Rev. Mark Hatcher served as the perfect backdrop for what became a full night of worship, testimonies and praise. “This was the truly the most competitive leg of the competition as every artists came to win. This was an awesome session and a very appropriate way to end the Allstate GSF tour,” stated executive producer and show founder, Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr. “Wow what a powerful display of talent!” The contestants came from Washington, DC, New York City, West Virginian, New Jersey and Ohio.
Judging the Philly Regional were local radio personality Neicy Tribbett (mother of Tye Tribbett), Professor Wilbur Belton (Ladwec Mass Choir), Khalif Townes (Owner of Urban Gospel Roundup) and Dr. Bobby Cartwright. The judges were challenged with determining the winner from a very diverse pool of talent ranging from choirs, ensembles, soloists, hip-hop, rap and comedy. Radio One syndicated personality and recording artists Lonnie Hunter served as host for the evening.
The program ended with a mini-concert from Bishop Andrew Ford’s Memorial Choir and Lonnie Hunter & Structure, who truly brought in a spirit of worship with his rendition of “Holy, Holy, Holy” from his most recent Black Smoke Records CD.
Now the stage is set and the voting begins this Thursday (9/22/11) to determine next year’s opener for the Gospel Superfest TV taping. The three-regional finalists are,(1) G-5 and The Gospel Boyz of Pulaski, TN (Indianapolis, IN Region), (2) The Pastor’s Glory land Choir of North Little 
Rock, AR (Jackson, MS Region) and (3) Men of God’s Heart of Columbus, OH (Philadelphia, PA Region)
One grand prizewinner will receive $2,500.00 and the opening performance slot on the next Allstate Gospel Superfest TV taping, to be scheduled in early 2012.
Voting will begin, this Thursday, September 22 and continue through October 15 with the winner announced on Monday October 17, 2011. To vote and review samples of each of the regional semi-finalist and for more information please visit www.gospelsuperfest.com. Email can be sent to [email protected] or please call (800) 219-0337
Photos Courtesy of Mike Morgan Photography
About Gospel Superfest
The Allstate Gospel Superfest is one of the nation’s largest TV recordings in the field of urban-targeted- inspirational music and entertainment. Founded in 1998, the show has maintained a consistent presence in broadcast syndication for twelve consecutive years since the year 2000. Releasing five one-hour specials a year and multiple one-hour and ½ hour series, The Allstate Gospel Superfest is carried by major TV network affiliated stations including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW, & MYTV. In domestic syndication the series has reached an unprecedented US TV household coverage of 94% (Source Nielsen Media Research) The Allstate Gospel Superfest is known for its elaborate staging, trend setting production and Hollywood styled approach to gospel music television. Gospel Superfest TV programming reaches millions of TV viewers annually via a variety of outlets including, domestic syndication, broadcast networks and cable networks. The show is currently carried on multiple TV networks including The Trinity Broadcasting Network (the world’s largest) GMC (formerly Gospel Music Channel) and the set to launch Bounce TV Network. Making the Gospel Superfest Television brand, the world’s most widely distributed in US black-gospel television to date.
