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by Sheilah Belle

New York, NY–Fresh off of the exciting May 25th surprise performance on the American Idol Finale, Kirk Franklin’s hit single “I Smile” remains #1 at Gospel radio for 8 consecutive weeks and, this week, reached #1 at Urban AC radio.

“I appreciate urban radio getting behind this record,” says Kirk Franklin.  “With all of the devastation happening around the world it’s easy to lose your joy, but this song is a reminder that we shouldn’t lose our joy because God is still in control and He still loves us in spite of the storms.”

 “‘I Smile’ is a song that really does put a smile on your face when you hear it, and it is great to have urban radio embrace it so strongly.  Everyone needs to be uplifted from time to time, and Kirk’s message has the perfect touch,” says James “Jazzy” Jordan, Executive VP/GM, Verity Gospel Music Group.

 “I Smile” is the first single from Franklin’s 12th CD, HELLO FEAR, which – for the 10th consecutive week – is the #1 Gospel CD in the country.  HELLO FEAR is the 4th highest Gospel debut in SoundScan history, and solidifies Franklin’s position as the music industry’s top-selling Gospel artist.  This is the 10th Kirk Franklin CD to reach the #1 position.

Franklin’s much talked about appearance on American Idol last week was another first for the groundbreaking artist, as it was the first time a Gospel artist appeared on the show’s finale.  Featuring Idol contestant Jacob Lusk and soul singing icon Gladys Knight, the enthusiastically received performance yielded over 87,000 views of his “I Smile” video on YouTube.

Courtesy of Thebellereport.net