Contemporary gospel singer Shari Addison first gained national notice as the first season runner-up on SUNDAY BEST, a gospel-themed version of AMERICAN IDOL that aired on BET in 2008. A native of Chicago, an ordained minister, and mother of four daughters, Addison signed to the gospel label Verity Records in the wake of her television success, and released her debut album, SHARI ADDISON, in 2008. In early 2009, Addison performed at one of Barack Obama's inaugural balls.