(The Slice): R&B legend Tevan Campbell has chosen gospel singer Jonathan McReynold's as the winner of the "Can We Talk" online challenge. Tank, the R&B singer/actor who started the challenge chose a different winner -- Avery Wilson. In this "unofficial" vocal versus battle Tank started, both of the fellas sang impressively as did many of the other online participants --which included celebs and regular folks of both sexes. With the "Can We Talk?" challenge, Tank's implicit question is, "Can you sing?"
TANK KICKS OFF THE CHALLENGE & THE PROS DOVE IN
For weeks the track that was originally released on the Babyface produced album, "I'm Ready" in 1993 created good vibes for music lovers everywhere. The challenge also put Campbell (who we have not heard of in a while) and his song in the spotlight, renewing interest in the classic, which perhaps increased his record sales. Although this was not an official contest, no one loses with the good-spirited nature of it.
WATCH JONATHAN'S WINNING PERFORMANCE
Campbell was 16 at the time of the recording which is about a boy getting up the courage to speak to a girl on whom he has a crush. The strength of Campbell's vocal ability without any technological assistance was the basis of the challenge. Tank argued that only "real" R&B singers could sing Campbell's high-pitched song "from the chest," making it the litmus test for authentic Rhythm and Blues vocals. The challenge garnered a huge positive response and feedback from listeners nostalgic over not only purely good singing, but also the innocence of the relatable story in the song.
Stars from Tori Kelly to Anthony Hamilton chimed in.
LOOK AT THIS SOULFUL ENTRY BY GABE ARANDA
To break the tie, Tank sent out a new challenge video asking the men to sing the bridge of the song. We are going to not only go with Campbell's pick since it's his song, but also, we think Jonathan crushed all others because his smooth delivery was more true to the original than the runs-driven version Wilson delivered.
The Slice found McReynold's final take where Tamar slides in on the end, turning it into a harmonious duet. Take a look!
JONATHAN'S REVENGE ON KEV ON STAGE
Comedian Kev On Stage reacted to the gospel singer partaking in the "secular" singing experience saying sarcastically, "Do you know how many church girls are in heat right now? There's [sic] church girls who are confused now because you are not singing of the Lord." McReynolds (who is apparently a friend of Kev's) responded to the comedian's sarcastic "hate" with a video portraying him spending time with Kev's grandmother while singing, "Your grandma prefers me" in the style of a R&B ballad. You can get some laughs of the video here.