Five hopefuls take center stage while being backed by the award-winning New Direction Gospel Choir of Tennessee State University; in the tradition of great choir soloists, the singers compete to harness the power of the choir.

Contestants go back to where it all began -- church; in a homecoming of sorts, competitors go to a local church where they perform in front the congregation.

The three remaining singers must connect with their inner selves and perform twice; family members assist them in choosing a personal song; singer-songwriter Makeba Riddick-Woods helps them pen an original song; one contestant is eliminated.