Congratulations to all (6) 2024 WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Finalists!

We would like to thank all the contestants that entered the 2024 WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise competition! We received entries from across the entire WHYY coverage area.

Buy your tickets to the finale here, last year’s show SOLD OUT! This year’s WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise finale will be held on October 26, 2024 at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA. This year’s celebrity guest judges include Byron Cage , Neicy Tribbett, and Laurin Talese. This is an event you do not want to miss!

Official Contest Rules

Due to the contestants WHYY has received and have advanced to the final rounds, WHYY will select the winners based on Best Vocal Performer and the Runner-Up in the finale.

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

WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise is back!

Last year, WHYY-TV 12 (PBS) first aired “Gospel” with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 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 documentary, WHYY began its WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Showcase & Competition. During this showcase, soloists, ensembles and choirs from southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware come together to share their talent with our community.

Congratulations to the 2024 WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Finalists!

Whitney Allen (Soloist)

Jazmine Lewis (Soloist)

Augustine “Gus” Mercante (Soloist)

Josephine Tiawan Scere (Soloist)

Bobby Stasko (Ensemble)

United Ukrainian Choir of Delaware Valley (Choir)

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

  • Marcus Bryant
    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.
  • Ms. Tribbett
    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 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.
    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.
    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 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.
    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).
    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 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.
    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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