New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ BET Networks) - The votes are in! LeAndria Johnson , 27, from Orlando Florida has been named this season's SUNDAY BEST! The 27 year old single mother from Orlando, Florida won over America's hearts against Elder Goldwire McLendon, 79, during last night's season finale. Over the gospel singing competition's 12-week season, Johnson's heartrending story and soulful voice captured the hearts of viewers, bringing in the larger percentage of the more than 2 million total votes. Along with the title of SUNDAY BEST, Johnson brings home a national recording contract, 2010 Ford
Taurus SHO and a cash prize courtesy of Degree Nature Effects.
During the one-hour season finale, viewers were treated to special performances from gospel artists Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell and Donald Lawrence featuring season two winner Y'anna Crawley and season two finalists Jessica Reedy and Latice Crawford. Johnson concluded the season with a medley performance of songs "I Love The Lord," "He Was There All The Time," "In The Midst Of It All" and "I Shall Leap Into My Destiny."
Prior to joining the competition, Johnson lost her home in the mortgage crisis. Motivated by the look in her children's eyes and their many questions about where they would live, she made her way to the New Orleans auditions. Quickly becoming a fan and judge favorite, she began to shine episode after episode. Johnson has been singing gospel music since the age of two and is currently a praise and worship leader at HQ Ministries in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
"God will do what he says he will do," said SUNDAY BEST season three winner, LeAndria Johnson. "I'd like to thank everyone who has prayed for me."
Additional sponsors for SUNDAY BEST season three include Pillsbury Grands, Nationwide Insurance, General Mills and contestant makeovers provided by Design Essentials.
For more on SUNDAY BEST and this season's winner LeAndria Johnson, visit www.BET.com/sundaybest
