Before the singers gave it their best shot, the show opened with DeWayne Woods singing his hit single, “Let Go,” along with special guest Dave Hollister.

After that performance, we heard from the finalists. It went a little something like this…

Andrea Helms – “The Heavens Are Telling”
To put it basically, she LOVES God. It’s apparent in her performances, they reek of sincerity. I can see her sings in the same venues as Martha Munizzi. Do I think she should win? No. Do I think that she deserves a recording deal? Yes Do I think that she will sell? Yes

Sue Roseberry – “Heaven”
They gave her a Karen Clark Sheard song. THAT’S A HARD TASK FOR ANYBODY! (Even Kierra) That being said, it was a bad song selection, and that’s why “Mama Sue” was sent home. Still, I appreciate her gift and her style– it’s always nice to see someone who can confidently step onto stage and give you their all. This shouldn’t be that last that we hear from her, and if it is – it will be a crime.

Michael Pugh - “Special Gift”
Mike put in work! (It’s funny how nobody mentions that he may have an unfair advantage – the Sunday’s Best band is (prodominantly) members of his church, The Greater Allen Cathedral, in Queens, NY). However, his tone was insane, his range dynamic, and his approach (and execution) was virtually without flaw. This tune was right in his wheelhouse– allowed him to start by shining with a polished tone, then finish with his signature growls and exhortations (which I feel were a bit more well-controlled last night than usual). Great great great job.

Monica Smith – “Heaven Help Us All”
Great song selection on this one. Monica’s greatest struggle to date has been her own confidence. She hasn’t owned the stage yet, though she definitely could have! The result was an enjoyable performance (despite a bit of an odd ending), but no “wow” factor. If only she knew how great her tone and style was… she might have moved across the stage differently, looked up at the audience a bit more, engaged us and declared that she was ready. I hope we get to hear more from her.

Amber Bullock – “A City Called Heaven”
Amber’s performance was CLEARLY the performance that stole the show.  This was a great jazzy arrangement fit for her jazzy voice and styling. It was impeccable– not a note out of place or trick that she didn’t pull off well. This was on another level. I agree with Pastor Donnie– she “styled” the tune. Great work.

After the finalists, six-man a cappella group Committed performed “Soon I Will Be Done.” These guys are gifted and, despite the natural inclination to compare them to Take 6, I feel like there’s a different audience in the wings for them. Though they won NBC’s The Sing-Off, I enjoy seeing them on sacred stages as well as secular ones. The sound mix was a bit uneven to me, which can be disastrous for an a capella group, but I loved the arrangement.

In the end, Mama Sue and Monica Smith were sent home, leaving the top three finalists– Amber Bullock, Michael Pugh and Andrea Helms. If I had to call it, I’d say that Amber and Michael should be in the final two, and that Amber’s gonna take the title, though I wouldn’t count out the heart-thumping reach of Andrea’s performances.

By now, you should be able to tell me who you WANT to win this thing– who’s your pick???