“All the cameras were probably the toughest part,” said Dorchester native Erin Lyder about her experience on national television. Lyder is a finalist on the Gospel Channel’s Gospel Dream talent search. The 24-year old vocalist and Berklee graduate drove with her parents for two days to the audition in Atlanta before advancing to the top ten.

“When I got there, there were so many talented people and I had a background in R&B and Urban. It was intimidating, but I just had to focus on God,” Lyder said.

Lyder, who started singing at age 2, began to sing gospel seriously after she was the victim of a violent carjacking in Dorchester. She started singing in local churches at Morning Star Baptist Church and Global Ministries Christian Church, eventually leading the praise team and singing for a WEZE 590 A.M., a religious radio station.

“I tried out for American Idol so many times!” said Lyder “You just have to believe in yourself and trust in God. I can do all things through Christ.”

Lyder’s influences include Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Aaliyah. She bases her unique fashion sense on stars such as Prince and the late Michael Jackson.
Gospel Dream airs Thursday at 8 p.m. on the Gospel channel.