Crystal Aikin won the first season of SUNDAY BEST, a gospel-themed take on AMERICAN IDOL hosted by Kirk Franklin and featuring Cece Winans and the two members of contemporary gospel duo Mary Mary as its panel of judges. A native of the Tacoma, Washington area whose material blends traditional church songs and the more R&B- and pop-influenced side of black gospel, Aikin signed with Verity Records and released her self-titled debut album shortly after the series ended.