Posted Oct. 24, 2008 -- What's been going on with "Sunday Best" season one runner up Shari Addison? We're glad you asked. The inspirational mother, active church member and recording artist caught us up on her life since being a shining star and fan favorite last year. Find out what's new with her and what it's like being one of the Sunday Best.

BET.com: What has your life been like since finishing in second place on "Sunday Best"?

Shari: Immediately after the show, I came back home. I came back to being mama. Things were still the same. What was different is when I would go to places like Wal-Mart people would come up to me and just hug me. They couldn't believe I was in the store. That was the funny part. That was the change, but since that time, I've had time to go into the studio and work on my CD. I've traveled a little bit, and that's the new part.

Shari: My CD… I have great producers on there. I have really great music. There's a variety of music on my CD. It's the kind of music to uplift and encourage people. Any point you are in in your life -- whatever your need, the music will speak to you. If you need some down home church music, it's here. If you need funky groove music, it's there. I'm excited about it.
It will be released January 13, 2009.

BET.com: Are there any songs on it we'd recognize?

Shari:  I did a remake of a song James Cleveland made popular, "Make me Better, Lord." I even had a chance to write a song, "He Does All Things Well Concerning Me." That is my statement at all times. I trust God with me, and that's what it is. That song was in me for a while. Even if things don't turn out the way you thought it would, He's got you. There's also a song my pastor wrote, and he and I are singing it.

BET.com: Do you still keep in touch with any of the contestants from season one?

Shari: I've talked to Tasha Collins. I talked to Travon Davis on Monday. He was telling me, "They are playing your song in Atlanta." My single has been released.

BET.com: What advice would you offer to the season two contestants?

Shari: I would give you the method to my madness. That's to be the best you that you can be. If you made it to the show, if you made it to the auditions. If you made it there, that was because you were the best you that you could be at that time. Be the best you that you could be. If you get into competition mode, that will mess you up. Just bless God and trust Him to bless you. Be versatile. Be open and have fun.

BET.com: Will you be tuning in for the second season?

Shari: Most definitely. I can't wait. I cannot wait. I'm looking forward to it. It's great to have been [a part of the first season] and then to see people come after you. You're surprised by who is all watching. Celebrities were watching. One of the highlights was for Celebration of Gospel, Patti LaBelle recognized me. That was pretty exciting.

Shari: That was absolutely great. To sing with Fred Hammond and Shirley Caesar .. the people you grew up with their music and bought their CDs. Last year, I was watching this, and now I'm on it.

BET.com: Did those gospel greats offer you any advice?

Shari: Pastor Caesar was saying she thought I was great, and that I had great vocal control and range, and she enjoyed me. I was like, "wow." The only other critique that I really had was from Stephanie Mills who said she wanted to see my eyes more. That's still my challenge. When I smile, my cheeks make my eyes disappear.

BET.com: What's been the biggest surprise for you as a newcomer to the gospel music industry?

Shari: I can't say that anything really caught me off guard. I've had such a great experience. I don't have any horror stories. I've had great success.

BET.com: What's next?

Shari: There's definitely more music coming. This is not my solo, one and only album. This project is still unfolding for me. I'm doing radio promotion, engagements, concerts, maybe touring and writing a book. I'm excited. I don't want any options closed … movies, soundtracks. I'm open to staying in this music industry for the long haul. I've had the 9 to 5, now it's time for me to do what I've always loved doing. Between every engagement I come home, and I'm still mom and I have to cook.

BET.com: What's been the best part of this whole experience so far?

Shari: I get excited when the people are blessed. People have really been blessed by my music ministry. That's exciting to me. I've even had one man write me from prison about how his life has changed. He told me that when I was speaking into my own daughter's life, that allowed him to know that God had not given up on him either. He sent me his graduation program while was in there. He became drug free and graduated. That's the exciting part …. the ministry.

BET.com Are you still active in your home church?

Shari: Yes, ma'am. We do prayer around the school the first Saturday of every month. … It's a ministry-driven environment in my church, and I love getting my hands dirty. I'm on the ministerial staff at church. I open the service, read the statement of faith, etc.... I attend Bright Star Church of God and Christ, Pastor Christopher T. Harris, Sr. in Chicago, IL.

BET.com: Any final words?

Shari: I want the CD to be a blessing. If the first rack isn't for you, maybe the second or third will be. For your own life, don't give up on your dream. If God promised it, He'll bring it to past. You can't be faint or be weary in well-doing. You'll reap that harvest, if you faint not. When you wait on God's timing, you get a juicy chuck, like me.