The Best of the Southwest Gospel Music Festival 2017

Best Male Vocalist

The 1st Annual Southwest Gospel Music Festival was held in Dallas, Texas on Easter weekend and it was a huge success! Some of the best talent in the country was showcased and the competition was intense. In the end, there could only be one winner in each category and we are proud to announce the winners of The Best of the Southwest Gospel Music Festival 2017.

Best Male Vocalist
1st Place – Tim Riley
2nd Place – Steve Washington
3rd Place – Phillip Carter

Best Female Vocalist

The Best of the Southwest Gospel Music Festival 2017 was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico from March 3-5. The event featured some of the best up and coming talents in gospel music from across the country. This year’s festival was especially exciting because it featured the debut performance of Amanda Crabb, who won the Best Female Vocalist award.

Amanda Crabb is a gospel singer and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. She has been involved in music since she was a child, singing in her church choir and performing in local talent shows. In 2016, she released her debut album, “The Life I Live”, which garnered critical acclaim and helped to launch her career. Her performance at the Southwest Gospel Music Festival was her first major appearance outside of Nashville, and she did not disappoint. Her powerful voice and heartfelt performances won over the crowd and earned her the Best Female Vocalist award.

If you’re a fan of gospel music, be sure to keep an eye on Amanda Crabb. She is sure to have a bright future in music.

Best Male Solo Artist

This year’s Best Male Solo Artist is Rodney Atkins! He has been a staple in the country music industry since his debut album in 1996. His newest album, “Caught Up In The Country,” was released in April of this year and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Atkins has had five #1 singles on the Billboard Country Songs chart, including “Take A Back Road,” “Farmer’s Daughter,” and “Watching You.”

Best Female Solo Artist

The Best Female Solo Artist at the Southwest Gospel Music Festival went to Alicia Williamson for her beautiful rendition of “He Touched Me.” Williamson has been singing since she was a little girl and has always loved gospel music. She is currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she is studying music education.

Best Duo or Group

Best Duo or Group
The Soweto Gospel Choir took home the award for Best Duo or Group at the 2017 Southwest Gospel Music Festival. The choir, which was formed in 2002, is made up of members from the townships of Soweto and Johannesburg in South Africa. The choir has won multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, and has performed for Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Pope John Paul II.

Best New Artist

The Southwest Gospel Music Festival is one of the largest and most respected music festivals in the country. Each year, the festival showcases the best and brightest new artists in the genre, and this year was no exception. Here are the best new artists of 2017:

1. The Good Neighbors: Hailing from Texas, The Good Neighbors are a dynamic new duo that blends country, folk, and gospel music. With their soulful harmonies and down-to-earth lyrics, they are quickly making a name for themselves in the Southwest music scene.

2. Redemption Road: Another Texas-based band, Redemption Road is a six-piece group that delivers heart-wrenching ballads and uplifting anthems. Their unique sound has earned them rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

3. Southern wildfires: This Baton Rouge-based trio is on fire! With their high energy performances and catchy hooks, Southern wildfires are quickly becoming one of the most talked about new bands in the genre.

4. New Covenant: Hailing from Oklahoma, New Covenant is a four-piece group that is making waves with their debut album. Featuring traditional gospel sounds with a modern twist, New Covenant is a breath of fresh air in the gospel music world.

5. Miracle Makers: Last but not least, Miracle Makers is a five-piece band from Arkansas that specializes in upbeat praise songs. With their positive message and feel-good vibes, Miracle Makers is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who hears them perform.

Best Traditional Artist

Aaron Wilburn was born in rural Kentucky and began playing music at an early age. He started out playing bluegrass and later switched to gospel music. He has released several albums and has won numerous awards, including the prestigious IBMA Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year award. He is widely considered to be one of the best traditional artists in gospel music today.

Best Contemporary Artist

The Best Contemporary Artist award went to The McCrary Sisters for their album “A Beautiful Sound.” The sisters are no strangers to the Southwest Gospel Music Festival, having performed there many times over the years. They have also won several awards for their work in other genres, including a Grammy for their work on the soundtrack of O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Conclusion

All in all, the Southwest Gospel Music Festival was a great success. The Headliners were top-notch and the weather was perfect. The grounds were well-kept and the staff was friendly and helpful. We’re already looking forward to next year’s festival!

The Best of the Southwest Gospel Music Festival 2017

Introduction