The Gospel Truth: Ones To Watch

George Huff

This 'American Idol' finalist not only won over viewers with his infectious personality, but he captured the Christian marketplace with his jubilant gospel performances. In addition to being featured on season three of the 'A.I.' compilation, 'Greatest Soul Classics;' Huff released a holiday album, 'My Christmas EP,' shortly after completing the 'A.I.' tour. His full-length debut, 'Miracles,' on Word Records earned him multiple Dove Award nominations, including one for New Artist of the Year.

Maurette Brown Clark

She's called 'The Princess of Praise' but we say she's the 'Anita Baker of Gospel Music.' She won a Stellar Award for Best New Artist in 1999 and has been wowing audiences ever since. In addition to her two solo gems, 'How I Feel' and 'By His Grace,' Clark also sings with Richard Smallwood & Vision. Her anticipated junior release, 'The Dream: Live' on AIR Records/Malaco has earned rave reviews. Clark also co-produced the theme song, "Down in the Hole," for HBO's 'The Wire."

VaShawn Mitchell

His Tyscot Records debut, 'Believe in Your Dreams' spawned several hits including "No Way" and "My Worship Is For Real." The CD's title track was recently used during an episode of the NBC drama 'Friday Night Lights.' As a songwriter and producer, Mitchell has crafted hits for Smokie Norful, Karen Clark Sheard, Lucinda Moore and Angela Spivey. This summer he'll unveil his sophomore CD, 'Promises,' which features Kim Burrell and was recorded live at Apollo Theater Chicago.

Kierra "KiKi" Sheard

This multiple Stellar Award winner is the daughter of Karen Clark Sheard. Her chart-topping EMI Gospel debut, 'I Owe You,' was a crossover hit and was certified gold in Japan. Since then Sheard released a remix album, 'Just Until,' and a critically acclaimed sophomore album, 'This Is Me.' The Grammy-nominated singer has toured for both Kelloggs and McDonalds and recently filled in for Faith Evans for a performance of The Clark Sisters' song "Endow Me" on BET's 'Celebration of Gospel' with Coko, Fantasia and Lil Mo.

Myron Butler

Myron Butler is a former Kirk Franklin backup singer and member of the bestselling gospel collective of all time, God's Property. Since then, he has carved out his own niche as a solo entity in gospel music, backed by his own ensemble Levi. Butler earned four 2007 Stellar Awards, including a trophy for Best New Artist, for his debut CD, 'Set Me Free.' A prolific songwriter, the Grammy-winning Butler has penned and/or produced tunes for Kim Burrell, God's Property, Smokie Norful and Ted & Sheri, among others.

Lucinda Moore

This newcomer toured with Hezekiah Walker and Tramaine Hawkins and had been featured on albums by Walker, Joe Pace & The Colorado Mass Choir and numerous 'Gospel Music Workshop of America' choir recordings long before landing her solo deal with Tyscot Records. Her self-titled debut album features the hits "Pressure Into Praise" and "Praise Him," in addition to a remake of "Safe In His Arms." Most recently, Moore has become a favorite of Prophetess Juanita Bynum and has been become a regular on Bynum's TBN talk show.

Jonathan Nelson

Jonathan Nelson has made an indelible mark on the gospel industry. In a short time, his songs have been featured on projects by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Larry Trotter, Stephen Hurd and Maurette Brown-Clark. His song "Healed" was recorded by Donald Lawrence and earned Nelson a Stellar Award for Song of the Year. Most recently, Nelson's ensemble Purpose recorded a new live album in Baltimore that featured guest appearances by William Murphy, Sha Simpson, Sheri Jones-Moffett and Nikki Ross.

Z'iel

This female quartet has taken the gospel industry by storm, marrying gospel standards with intricate modern vocal arrangements. The Shreveport, LA-bred group surprised consumers with their Light Records debut, 'Genesis,' which was led by a remake of The Clark Sisters' standard, "Is My Living In Vein." The group followed-up that tune with another gospel cover, their rendition of Kurt Carr's arrangement of the Clara Ward classic, "Surely, God is Able." Not since the debut of Mary Mary has a girl group excited the gospel genre in such magnitude.

DeWayne Woods

This protégé of Donald Lawrence has become one of gospel's most sought-after psalmists. Before releasing his highly touted debut, 'Introducing DeWayne Woods,' he lent his vocals to recordings by Celine Dion, Kirk Whalum and Atlantic Starr. He's also contributed his talents to CD's by Karen Clark Sheard, Byron Cage and John P. Kee. As a breakout talent from Lawrence's Tri-City Singers, Wood's landed a deal with Lawrence's Quiet Water Entertainment.

Stephen Hurd

Stephen Hurd has become a go-to guy for Praise & Worship following the success of his CD, 2004's A Call To Worship. Integrity Gospel signed Hurd after he made significant strides with his independent releases-1999's self-titled freshman disk and 2001's In The Overflow. His newest release 'My Destiny,' features singers Maurette Brown Clark and Jonathan Nelson on the title track. Hurd has also served on ministry teams with renowned evangelists including the Reverend Jackie McCollough, Bishop Paul Morton and Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr.