Kim Burrell Announces She’s Going Secular, New Projects Underway

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 her web 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.

14 Comments

February 5, 2010 by J Matt in Gossip, Internet, Music, Religion, Television, Upcoming Events
Tagged bet, harry connick, kim burrell, r kelly, stevie wonder, whitney houston

14 Responses

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
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.
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.
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?
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
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…
Phish
03/19/2010 at 11:23 pm

Go Kim! One of my favorite singers. I just had to check this story out to make sure what I’ve heard is accurate.
JoeBlo
03/20/2010 at 12:47 am

Um…okay…I went to her website…and …I dont see anything where it is saying that she is going secular!!! Yes, It does say new shes doing new things…tv, endorsements..etc. Why is everyone jumping the gun. And for the dressing room…her hair is in rollers, she has one shoe off…yes kim has always been big breasted…but its not accented in this photo…the only thing that is maybe questionable is the fishnet..but even that …she not showing it like “hey look at my sexy legs” I think it was more to convey the message that she is getting ready…doesnt look sexy to me. And I am still unable to find where KIM BURRELL SAYS “I AM GOING SECULAR.” Would everybody please calm down and wait for her to speak for herself…I know she can.
zeddy b
03/24/2010 at 3:41 pm

I’M SOO SICK AND TIRE OF PEOPLE WHO DON’T GO TO CHURCH OR HAVE ONE FOOT IN AND ONE FOOT OUT TRYING TO JUDGE THE CHURCH. THERE ARE A LOT OF HYPOCRITES OUT THERE BOTH BELIEVERS AND NON-BELIVERS. HOWEVER THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE LIVING LIKE GOD HAS COMMANDED. WITH THAT SAID, ALL OF YOU PEOPLE WHO LIKE I SAID WHO HAVE ONE FOOT IN THE CHURCH AND ONE FOOT OUT OF THE CHURCH NEED TO GET THEIR LIVES RIGHT. STOP TRYING TO JUSTIFY YOUR LIFESTYLE TAKING UP FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT LIVING THE WAY THEY SHOULD BE. ALWAYS THE ONES SAYING THE MOST STUFF ABOUT THE CHURCH AND DON’T GO, GIVE, OR SUPPORT THE CHURCH, CANT TELL YOU WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT ANYTHING BUT WILL BE THE FIRST ONES TO JUDGE AND ONLY BECAUSE YOU WANT TO CONTINUE SINNING AND LIVING IN DARKNESS. WELL, IT WILL ONLY LAST FOR A SHORT TIME AND THEN YOU WILL SEE BY EXPERIENCE WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE HEEDED LONG BEFORE. i LOVE KIM AND I DON’T KNOW WHAT SHE IS DOING ON THE OTHER SIDE HOWEVER AT THIS POINT SHE LOOKS LIKE THE WORLD. THE LAST THING i HEARD WAS THAT SHE WAS A PASTOR. IF THIS TRUE THEN YOU TELL ME IF THIS IS THE BEHAVIOR OF A PASTOR?
Wow and Um
06/04/2010 at 2:36 am

I agree with the one commenter that said she didn’t see where Kim says she’s “going secular.” I looked and I didn’t see it either, I believe it’s an assumption based on wording on the website and her attire. I am one that does profess that I’m “saved and sanctified” and I believe in walking in holiness. And the only thing we can do with the way that the church is turning is just pray for God’s grace and mercy. It’s sad to say, but the Bible has to come to pass. Satan will and is “deceiving the very elect” and it’s nothing we can do about it. People are leaving the Lord left and right and going into an apostasy-state. The devil is only getting wickeder and so is the world. I’ll continue to pray for all that are lost and those that are in a backslidden state – but to be honest I’m trying to focus on making sure I get myself in heaven and don’t allow the devil to deceive me in these last evil days.
Hymn
06/12/2010 at 7:51 pm

I am so amazed, taken aback and put off by the comments of those who either are or claim to be children of God and/or those who don’t regard God at all! Listen, Kim does owe anyone anything other than to do the Lord’s will…simple and plain! Her voice and talents, just as any of ours, are from THE LORD and it is up to her to use them to His glory in whatever sense!

For those of us who act as if we are holier than God Himself, why do we attempt to bind and cast people into boxes Jesus hasn’t done? Who gave ANY of us the authority to say a person with such a wonderfully blessed voice as Kim Burrell can ONLY sing spiritual/gospel music? Have many of us yet to understand that “church” is not life…Jesus is life! Our lives are to be encompassed with the spirit of God! Many of these same ones crying foul over another person’s God-given choice to sing “gospel” or “secular” (whatever than really means) are the SAME ones that have a 9 to 5 in what they claim is “secular”! That no doubt is two-faced, contradictory and hypocritical! If Kim chose to get a doctorate would she be a sinner? If she chose to be a CEO of a company that pimps “African-American” hair products would there be any talk? What if she decided to be a Lawyer or doctor or even work fast food?

Folk really need to come off their highhorses and attempt to understand what sin REALLY is! Paul in the bible was a tentmaker by trade yet was this a sin? The apostles of the Lord were fishermen by trade yet does this profession (in and of itself) make them “worldly”? The Most High Jesus Himself was a CARPENTER yet He is God Himself manifested in the flesh!

Lastly, to whomever the editor is that wrote, “Kim’s on her way to becoming a household name. She’s definitely made Whitney Houston a believer”, please understand that Kim has long been a household name in both the mainstream and “religious” standpoint! She is a if not THE pioneer of the way she delivers her craft. It’s just that many who haven’t paid attention and/or don’t listen to “gospel” have not understood it was she that has inspired so many singers (R&B, soul, pop, blues, jazz and spiritual) to sing the way we do! Who do you think is one of the main influences on Whitney?

People need to grow up mentally and spiritually and put away the milk for the strong meat of the word of God; and strive to understand what the bible teaches and how the Spirit leads rather than ONLY know church traditions, assumptions and vain/false interpretations!

Also, the COGIC is not the end all be all of God…GOD IS! We ALL know and love brothers and sisters that are a part of this church but they are NOT the final say in what is pleasing and acceptable unto God…NONE OF US ARE! If/as God has blessed Kim with opportunities that she doesn’t use/abuse in a way that is not pleasing to HIM, I hope and trust she will be most successful in whatever she puts her hands, voice, body and soul to and that she gives God ALL the glory, praise and honor due Him!

Hymn
J Matt
06/12/2010 at 9:38 pm

To all the misinformed commenters on this subject:

1) I posted what every other blog and website posted. The word “secular” is usually, in the religious context, viewed as a dirty word. In actuality, it isn’t. It doesn’t mean hellbound. What it means (look it up if you wanna), according to its definition, is “not specifically religious.” If she sings “Unforgettable” or “Over the Rainbow” and an entire album of non-religious content, it isn’t gospel. So please pick up a dictionary before you start posting your messages of terror.

2) Hymn, you scare me. The only comment I can leave after reading your LENGTHY response is that Kim isn’t a household name. In your house, she probably is, but those that know her well are only familiar with her gospel work and ministry. Celine Dion is a household name. Kanye West is a household name. Lady Gaga is a household name. Kim Burrell, up to this point, is a gospel artist and everyone that knows of her knows that. I recommend you pick up a Billboard magazine and start learning more about pop music.
Mesha
08/04/2010 at 1:36 pm

Ok wow that was alot to read. I am a believer and I go to church, I pay my tithes (FAITHFULLY), I give SEED offerings ranging to the thousands and I absolutely love MY GOD. So first stated I am no novist to the church. I just want to say to all the CHRISTIANS that READ their BIBLE. It also says JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE IT’S TIME. She hasn’t even come out and said it for you to hear. Even if she did the album has not been released yet. So you haven’t heard it. How do you know she is not singing love music. There is nothing wrong with that. When you are with your spouse (be it you are a pastor and your wife is the co pastor) you aren’t listen to JESUS ON THE MAIN LINE when trying to be intimate. So maybe she is doing something we all can listen to with our spouses. Further more the bible also says that when JESUS got his feet washed by the “prostitute” they did the same thing you are doing. TALKING ABOUT NOTHING. AND TO ALL WHO ARE SUPER SAVED. Here is a bit of a shocker. JESUS DID NOT HANG WITH THE SAINTS he hung with those who the “CHURCH” called the least of them. NOW let KIM reach the masses you doing all that talking and can’t put a thousand to flight by yourself and KIM is going to do more good for the kingdom if she gets the hearts of the unsaved and then bring them over. When they google Kim because they have never heard her gospel album they will find it and then they will be set free. COME ONE people we have been in store fronts too long and that mentality has lead to many lost. I am sick of preaching to the choir and getting NEW MEMBERS that came from somebody elses church. THIS IS A CHANCE TO REACH THE WORLD THAT WON’T STEP FOOT IN YOUR 8X10 CHURCH. Go ahead KIM reach the WORLD.
PBJ
08/17/2010 at 4:37 pm

In love allow me to say, We do not PAY TITHES, We HONOR the LORD with our first fruit which is the “tithe”. We can never (RE)pay GOD for HIS ultimate sacrifice. Be in Peace!