WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Showcase and Contest!
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WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise is back!
WHYY-TV 12 (PBS) aired “Gospel” with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in February 2024 which explores African American religion’s two transcendent gifts to national and world culture: Gospel music and the Black preaching tradition. In honor of this new documentary, WHYY invited soloists, ensembles, as well as youth choirs and adult choirs to enter the WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise competition. This exciting, new contest was created to showcase local community talent and to bring together musicians from across southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware.
How to enter the contest
Contestants must email a link to a performance (does not have to be in front of an audience and cannot be more than 1 year old), along with their name (or organization’s name), preferred email address and phone number to whyycontests@whyy.org Video links can be via Youtube, Vimeo or similar platforms. Submissions must be received by June 17, 2024, at 5:00pm. Hand delivered or mailed submissions will NOT be accepted.
For any questions or comments, please email ysizer@whyy.org.
Want more information about becoming a sponsor for the 2024 WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise competition, please email: nstuski@whyy.org
Congratulations to the 2023 WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Overall Winner:
Pine Forge Academy Choir
We would like to thank last year’s WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Grand Judges
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Grand Judge Marcus John Bryant, aka Rated Art, is an award-winning singer, songwriter and producer whose versatility and international success over the years make him a well-respected figure in the music industry. Marcus collaborates with the world’s most notable artists including John Legend, H.E.R., Stokley, Diddy, Ludacris and many more. -
Grand Judge Ms. Tribbett is the proud mother of four GREAT MUSICALLY gifted children (including Tye Tribbett )who are in the gospel industry. In 1990 she started at WIMG in Trenton, she later worked at WURD Love 900 in Philadelphia. In 1993 she moved on to WNAP 1110 AM in Norristown where she was an on-air personality and Music Coordinator. In 1996 she came to PHILLY’S BEST IN GOSPEL 1480 AMEN. She began her WDAS journey as an on-air personality and a music director. Ms. Tribbett has her own company NT Management Services, LLC, in 2010 she found herself back on the airwaves, Radio Ones’ Praise 103.9. In 2017 she launched her company, Neicy T’s Kidz Biz, INC. A reflection of a passion that Tribbett has had for many years. A company that provides unlimited platforms for young creative entrepreneurs in the arts and marketplace. -
Grand Judge Kenny Johnson Philadelphia Phillies/Director of Community Engagement. Villanova graduate. Kenny works to put together and participates in outreach and community focused events at the Ballpark, as well as around the city, and helps to keep the Phillies connected with Philadelphia's diverse communities. Kenny Johnson is from West Philadelphia (born and raised) and has a love for baseball, music and all things Transformers. -
Grand Judge Rodney Walker Jr. was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA where he was classically trained in music at the Girard Academic Music Program. He is the proud founder and leader of Rodney Walker and Chosen Sound, a gospel ensemble created in 2021 to afford the local church choir member the opportunity to learn advanced gospel music fundamentals. Rodney has served as a choir director, worship leader, and musician for various churches and ensembles throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Having been a faithful member of several community choirs, as well as a School of Music student, Rodney has had the opportunity to work with various gospel artists, including those who have participated in the Gospel Music Workshop of America and The Hampton University Minister’s Conference Choir Directors’ and Organists’ Guild. Rodney has also been a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc since the fall of 2015 and prides himself in being an aide to the advancement of gospel music in America. -
Philadelphia Regional Judge Javier is Executive Director of Live Work Philadelphia. He also serves as VP of Strategic Partnerships at the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Previously, he served as executive producer of the Hispanic Choice Awards, known widely as Philadelphia’s premier red carpet event honoring Latino professionals. From 1996 to 2001, Suárez produced the largest outdoor festival in Philadelphia for Latin music fans called Festival de las Americas. From 1999 to 2001 the festival was held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway attracting over 25,000 people annually. From 1987 until 1996, Javier Suárez worked in the radio industry serving in multiple roles from programming to sales at various broadcast companies and radio stations, where he served as general sales manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from La Salle University. Javier is originally from Philadelphia and is of Colombian descent. -
New Jersey Regional Judge Benita Farmer is a beloved Vocal Music Teacher at Creative Arts High School in Camden, NJ. and Stellar Award nominated gospel recording artist that has released several projects that can be found on all digital streaming platforms. She is the Assistant Minister of Music for the National Church of the Living God, Inc. A Philadelphia Native, Benita is the daughter of world-renowned gospel singer, Bishop Barbara Ward Farmer, the founder and director of the Wagner Alumni Choir. Benita is also a certified music teacher who has been with the Camden City School District for 23 years. She is the vocal music instructor and arts department chair at Creative Arts High School in Camden, NJ. -
New Jersey Regional Judge Destiny Diggs, the Founder/CEO of YoungBlackSuccessful,LLC., is a Southern New Jersey native with over 10 years of Radio experience. Her brand has garnered trust from some of the industry’s elite. Diggs is a Multi-Award-Winning Radio Host and is a 2023 Stellar Award Recipient. She is Program Director and Host of Reach Gospel Radio’s “Say So Radio Show with Destiny” and Beasley Broadcasting Groups’ “All Night Gospel with Destiny Diggs Radio Show.” She has interviewed notable artists such as: Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds, David and Tamela Mann, William Murphy, LaTocha, Ricky Dillard, MAJOR, Dawkins & Dawkins, James Fortune, and Doe. Diggs has recently launched “The Young Black Successful Podcast,” committed to learning the story behind the success. -
Regional Philadelphia Judge, Solomon Jones is an award-winning journalist who appears frequently on CNN. Jones hosts Wake Up With WURD, a morning talk show. He is also Community Affairs Director for Radio One Philadelphia, and hosts Your Voice, a weekly show on Classix 107.9 FM. He holds a journalism B.A. from Temple University, and pens a column on social justice for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Jones has authored 11 books, including his latest, Ten Lives Ten Demands (Beacon Press, 2021). -
Delaware Regional Judge Steve is the founder and CEO of the Reach Radio Network which owns and operates 23 FM radio stations broadcasting in such markets as Philadelphia, PA, Buffalo, NY as well as 11 states and Canada. In addition, Steve is pastor and worship leader of one the largest churches in the Northeast United States. These ministry efforts enable Steve to connect to thousands of people each week with a message of hope. Steve went into the studio and collaborated with one of Christian music's hottest producers, Seth Mosley (Newsboys, Hawk Nelson, MercyMe) who has had a string of Billboard number 1 hits. This project includes writers like Chris Sligh (American Idol), Manwell Reyes (Group 1 Crew) and Beckah Shae. -
Delaware Regional Judge Singer/Songwriter and Guitarist Darnell Miller released his debut EP “Jesus & Jameson” on his own label Hidden Palace entertainment in 2018. This project is a great mix of Soul, Blues, Gospel and Rock. Darnell is not new to the industry. He first gained recognition as a member of Gospel artist Tye Tribbett”s legendary band , Soundcheck. He’s also done session work for many artists. “Jesus & Jameson” is Darnell”s first solo public musical statement to the world. He composed, arranged, and produced every note of it. This project is an eclectic mix of Soul, Blues, Gospel and Rock. Darnell is not new to the industry. Darnell has been a Teaching Artist for 10 years for K-12 students. His specialty is creating and building vocal ensembles, elementary general music, early childhood music, youth and young adult songwriting, production. He is currently piloting and Artist Development Program.
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Official Contest Rules
What are the exact details?
From Feb. 25, 2024, June 17, 2024, soloists, ensembles, and choirs may enter this contest by submitting a performance video (does not have to be in front of audience and cannot be more than one year old) to WHYYContests@whyy.org. Once the entry collection phase ends, a panel of local judges/experts will narrow the field to 12 continuing contestants, representing each of our coverage regions (Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs, southern New Jersey and all of Delaware). See below for eligible counties. The 12 selected entrants will compete at regional competitions taking place in September 2024. Each regional competition will yield advancing contestants for a total of six entrants continuing to the final round. The final round will be an in-person competition where four winners will be selected by a panel of area judges, (Best Soloist, Best Ensemble, Best Choir, and Best Overall. Please note: all entries become the property of WHYY and may not be acknowledged or returned. Contestants selected to perform in the semi-finals and finals will be required to perform live and will only be allowed to sing original music or music in the public domain.What is the prize?
Each of the category winners will receive a one-year basic WHYY membership, year-long passes to select WHYY member events, $500 and a year’s worth of bragging rights! (Retail value of approximately $800.00). Category winners will receive a certificate of participation, a trophy, and a monetary prize. Each category group will receive (1) monetary prize of $500.00 (American Express Gift card). Monetary prizes are not given to each member of an ensemble or choir, ensemble, and choir group winners with receive (1) $500.00 American Express Gift card for their respective group, not per person.
WHYY reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute a prize with one of comparable or greater value.Where can I enter to win?
Eligible entrants must email a link to a performance (does not have to be in front of an audience and cannot be more than 1 year old), along with their name (or organization’s name), preferred email address and phone number to whyycontests@whyy.org Submissions must be received by June 17, 2024, at 5:00pm. Hand delivered or mailed submissions will NOT be accepted. Video links can be via Youtube, Vimeo or similar platforms. Attachments and entries delivered to WHYY in person will not be accepted. Incomplete entries will not be eligible to win.Eligibility Requirements
To enter, you must (a) be at least 18 years old at the time of entry (b) be the parent or guardian of any entrant(s) younger than 18 (c) be a U.S. resident physically residing in the state of Delaware, the following counties of southern New Jersey (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Salem, Somerset, Warren counties) or Philadelphia and its surrounding counties (Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware) and (d) not be precluded by applicable law from participating and (d) not be precluded by applicable law from participating. Eligible entrants under the age of 18 will need a signed parental/guardian consent form in order to participate in the contest, a consent form can be requested by emailing whyycontests@whyy.org. Contestants performing in the live semi-finals must select the option of singing (1) A cappella (2) piano accompaniment or (3) with a music track (music track cannot contain vocals). No bands. There will be no singing talent substitutions allowed. If there is an ensemble or choir and a member is no longer a part of the group, ill or does not wish to perform, that ensemble or choir may move forward if selected with the remaining members, however substitutions will not be permitted, i.e., a person who did not sing in the previous round of competition cannot newly join the contest and perform. Contestants may not add additional singers during semi-finals or finale performances. Contestants who performed in the 2023 WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise finale are not permitted to enter the 2024 contest.Do I need to make a gift or purchase to enter?
No. A gift or purchase is not required.How many entries are permitted per person?
One entry per person or organization is allowed.
How will licensing of the submitted and performed songs be handled?
Licensing is required for any songs broadcast via WHYY TV 12, WHYY-FM, WHYY.org, and WHYY’s social media accounts. Licensing will be taken care of by WHYY.What are the odds of winning?
The odds of winning will depend on the number of entrants. We will not set a limit on the total number of entries allowed.When does the contest start? When does it end?
Collection of contest entries will begin at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2024, and end at 12:00 p.m. (ET) Monday, June 17, 2024.How will the winner be notified?
WHYY will make reasonable efforts to contact the winners of each stage using information provided in the email entry within 48 hours of the winners being selected. This contact will be by phone and/or email. If a winner does not contact WHYY within 2 business days after the first initial contact, WHYY will send notification through certified mail. After an additional 3 business days of certified letter delivery date, WHYY may, at its option, award another person/group for advancement.General Conditions:
This contest is void where prohibited. WHYY is not liable for wrong entries or those not accepted due to technical issues. Board members, employees, their immediate families (parent, child, spouse and/or sibling and each of their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside), and those living in the same households (whether or not related), of WHYY, Inc. are not eligible to enter. Must be a legal U.S. resident.Winner’s List:
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For the name(s) of the final round of winner(s), send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Winners, WHYY, Independence Mall West, 150 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 for receipt no later than December 31, 2024.