Singer-songwriter Bria Cheri is celebrating a major career milestone after being officially nominated for Vocalist of the Year – R&B/Soul at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards, taking place Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The Josie Music Awards’ official 2026 nominee list places Cheri among eight artists competing in the category, a recognition that marks another important step in a musical journey built on persistence, versatility, and a genuine love of performing.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, and now residing on Long Island, Cheri is a singer-songwriter, dancer, and pianist whose love of music began at age three, when her mother first introduced her to the piano. She went on to earn her degree in Broadcast Journalism/Public Relations from Long Island University Post, building a foundation that has served her well across a career spanning music, dance, and acting.
Cheri’s rise found early momentum under the mentorship of Donnie Klang, the singer and producer who rose to fame on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Making the Band 4. Klang was drawn to Cheri’s soulful, sweet-toned voice and went on to produce her debut EP, Before the Music, which introduced listeners to a storyteller unafraid to write about unrequited love, stress, and the courage it takes to chase a dream. That introspective songwriting has carried through a catalog that now includes Silent Siren Vol. 1 and Phoenix, alongside singles like “Boy Toy,” which found Cheri flipping conventional relationship dynamics with sass, seduction, and unapologetic confidence.
The Josie Music Awards is widely recognized as the largest independent music awards show in the world, celebrating exceptional talent across every genre. For Bria Cheri, a Queens-born artist who has spent over a decade sharpening her craft, the nomination places her among an elite group of artists whose dedication and artistry continue to elevate the independent music community.
Winners of the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards will be announced September 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House.