Kim Burrell, now 100 pounds slimmer, shows off her new look after making annoucement on her web site that she's planning to record a "mainstream" pop project.

After wowing the BET Honors’ audience with a captivating tribute performance of “I Believe In You and Me”  to Whitney Houston, Kim Burrell is prepping for a career launch into new directions. With three critically-acclaimed gospel projects in her discography, Burrell announced via her new website (www.backstagewithkim.com) that she will be making “huge moves in the entertainment  industry” which will include “acting roles, endorsement deals, international tours” and a rumored- reality TV show.

Burrell, who has already worked on albums from mainstream talent including  jazz sensation Harry Connick, Jr., R&B legend Stevie Wonder, funkster George Clinton and R. Kelly, will be working on an album that will target audiences worldwide. No word on if it will be a jazz album (something she has tickled with in the past – like her recently released gospel jazz project No Ways Tired) or if it will be a safe R&B record. Judging from the new photos from herweb site – showcasing a slimmer Burrell after losing a mysterious 100 pounds from her frame –  and from the content of the site’s press releases, Kim’s on her way to becoming a household name. She’s definitely made Whitney Houston a believer.

Commentary on the super leap into pop culture has triggered a great deal of anxiety and frustration from gospel audiences. Elev8, part of the BlackPlanet web site, finds Mark Chappelle Coston questioning her choice of photography.

But this picture… this picture is more couture than it is COGIC. It’s less preacher’s wife and more Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate. Let’s call a spade a spade. This picture is SEXY. Which gives me pause to ask, “Wait a minute… she’s Kim Burrell. Can she DO that?”

Well, not only has she done it. She’s not ashamed of it. Sexy and saved could be her newest mantra.

As for conservative rhetoric coming from gospel blogs, they aren’t in favor of the transition. Bsmith 101’s Weblog inserted this argument:

“…The other thing most recently Kim was given a very big promotion in the ranks of  the International Church of  God in Christ.  She became the second in command over the COGIC  International music department…a dream job that many would literally die for.  And here  it is…she  is  going secular?”

Well, Bsmith might need a reality check. It’s not that great of a dream job. Coming in second place doesn’t feel like coming in first place.

6 Responses

1. rahiem duncan

   02/12/2010 at 9:20 am

   this is why god regret that he made us this is a slap in the lord face this is bringing god to a open shame choose who you going served when she go over there i hope the gospel industry dont except her back

2. Carla

   02/17/2010 at 10:16 pm

   I just pray, whatever she does, she is led by the Holy Spirit. I can’t see where she’s going with this, but if its to please and promote herself it will not last. She has Christ led people around her. I hope she listens to wise counsel. She has a platform, let’s pray she uses it to Lift up the Name of Jesus is an uncompromising way to the new masses who are listening. Because the truth is, people don’t need more inspiration. No more pretty song that just leace you empty after. People need, we need someone to dig deep within to the hurt and the sin that no one can see. We need Christ the King.

3. Gayle

   02/20/2010 at 3:01 am

   @ Rahim, comments like yours tells why the body of Christ need to grow up, and stop judging people just because they want to go a different direction.

4. Melissa

   02/21/2010 at 9:21 pm

   This is a shame and quite frankly a disgrace!!! Especially to the body of Christ! Judgement has nothing to do with it, the truth is simply the truth. How can two walk together unless they agree is what scripture says. Would you have church and the club on the same stage? I KNOW NOT which is why I will not stand idely by and watch someone whom I have loved as a gospel artist paint a picture of deception and not say anything about it for fear that someone might call me judgemental! Scripture says to cry loud and spare not! THE DEVIL IS A LIAR!!!! You cannot serve two masters! Kim Burrell if you read this read it in love and I am SURE that you know nothing that I am proclaiming is news to you! Don’t let the world pull you in, don’t be one of the ones that will refuse to hear sound doctrine in the last days for God is soon to come. God can get NO glory out of this, only Satan, now which one are you going to serve Kim?

5. Denise

   02/22/2010 at 3:49 am

   No ones judging at all. As a believer we can not make any decisions without first acknowledging him, and he will direct our path. Meaning whatever direction she’s going she’s not her own she belongs to the lord. And she’s not singing the gospel, then what’s the purpose. We are not entertainers, performers. Jesus said to preach the kingdom therefore I am sent. It’s the Kingdom of God that heals, delivers, and make not set people from free. I love Kim, and always had and always will. But I will not compromise for the world. Many are doing that, that are gospel artists. You can’t tell the difference anymore. The Sound is just like the world. You can slap Jesus in the song all you want. There’s a sound that summons the children of God, that hears his voice of God, and does not harden their hearts. God Bless

6. Benny

   03/05/2010 at 3:00 pm

   I am so sick and tired of hearing so called folk who go to church and shout and proclaim the name of jesus on everything and everyone but themselfs..and then walk around and act like nobody ele’s matters..God gives us gifts to gloryfy him first ..Kim has done that..and will continue to do that…We don’t know what kim is going to Do and frankly thats her business…she is loved on both sides of the world….if the tables were turned for each one of ya’ll writing these judgemental comments..you gone make sure you come out on top..wheather or not you go to church…What god proclaims for Kim is for Kim and not for anybody ele’s he gave her the gift of song and that’s all that matter…

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