WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Grand Finale
We would like to thank all WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise entrants from across the tri-state area. If you would like to attend the grand finale in-person visit our events page for free tickets.
WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Semi-finals Day Two
WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Semi-finals Day One
In February 2024, WHYY-TV 12 (PBS) will air “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 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.
To learn more about the contributions and culture of the Black church, be sure to watch Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s “The Black Church: This is Our Story, This Is Our Song” which explores the 400-year-old story of the black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft and church pews.
For any questions or comments, please email ysizer@whyy.org.
Thank you
WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise Showcase & Competition Grand Judges
Congratulations to our WHYY Lifting Voices in Praise semi-finalist:
Cherisse Bonefont/Essence of Harmony Choral Society Choir (NJ) Adult Choir
Nick Reynolds & Family Affair (PA) Adult Choir
Pine Forge Academy Choir (PA) Youth Choir
Deneeya Hall (PA) Soloist
Kendrah Butler & Dr. Waters-Porter (PA) Ensemble
Katrice Cornett (NJ) Soloist
Maria Lowery/God’s Miracles (PA) Ensemble
Tyrese Thomas/The Healed Project (PA) Ensemble
Maurice Jackson and Fruition (DE) Adult Choir
Chip Bailey (DE) Soloist
Megan Ryan/ The Gesu Gospel Choir (PA) Youth Choir
Keesha Lee (NJ) Soloist
Mark Collier (DE) Soloist
Gina Edwards (DE) Soloist
WeRRedemption (PA) Ensemble
Polly Murray/ChildrenSong (NJ) Youth Choir
Joan Martin (NJ) Soloist
Tony White/James Scott JC Choir (PA) Adult Choir