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

  • 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.

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

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