Bria Cheri Earns 2026 Josie Music Awards Nomination for R&B/Soul Vocalist of the Year

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, Tennessee.

The Josie Music Awards’ official 2026 nominee list confirms Cheri among the eight artists competing in the R&B/Soul Vocalist of the Year category, alongside Melinda Chervon Ulysses, Tracy Cruz, Nia Renee, Kristen Shores, Shy Perry, Corey Ronell and Mr. Talkbox.

For Cheri, the recognition represents another important step in a musical journey built on persistence, versatility and a genuine love of performing.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and currently residing on Long Island, Cheri is a singer-songwriter, dancer and pianist who earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism/Public Relations from Long Island University Post. Her entertainment background has also included acting and radio, including hosting her own college radio show, FLAVA.

A Voice Built Through Years of Dedication

Cheri’s sound isn’t easily confined to one musical box. Her influences stretch across R&B, rock, jazz, house and hip-hop, helping create the musical versatility that has become part of her identity. As a songwriter, she draws from her own experiences and observations and frequently uses the keyboard to develop musical ideas.

Her recording career has included collaborations with singer, songwriter and producer Donnie Klang, formerly of Bad Boy Records and MTV’s Making the Band 4. Klang produced Cheri’s debut EP, Before the Music, as well as her second EP, Silent Siren Vol. 1. Her third EP, Phoenix, arrived in 2023 and was produced by Raphael Gibbs of Become Elite Media.

Her career has continued to grow through live performances and increasingly high-profile opportunities. In 2023, Cheri had the opportunity to meet and open for Styles P of The LOX at Bullet Proof Studios in New Jersey. In 2024, she performed her track “On 2 The Next” at the So Fly So Fabulous Fashion Show in New York City.

That same year brought another memorable moment when Cheri was interviewed by Sway Calloway on SiriusXM’s Sway in the Morning, giving her the opportunity to introduce herself and her music to a national audience.

New Music and a New Chapter

Cheri entered another phase of her career with the September 2025 release of “Boy Toy,” an upbeat track produced by Donnie Klang and co-written with Kyle Davidson. The song explores playful relationship dynamics while showcasing the confident, contemporary side of Cheri’s sound.

In 2026, she added another notable New York performance to her résumé with an appearance at The Groove in Greenwich Village. Her EPK also lists “Lie Song” among her 2026 releases.

Her music has received airplay from independent stations across the country, including outlets in New York, Ohio, Chicago, California and Mississippi.

Now, the Josie Music Awards nomination puts a national spotlight on the years of work behind that music.

Bria Cheri Heads to the Grand Ole Opry House

The 12th Annual Josie Music Awards will be held September 20 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. The official weekend schedule calls for the red carpet from 4:00–6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:15 p.m.

The Josie Music Awards describes itself as an awards organization dedicated to recognizing independent music, making Cheri’s Vocalist of the Year – R&B/Soul nomination especially fitting for an artist who has spent years building her career through independent releases, performances, radio support and grassroots promotion.

Standing as an official nominee at the Grand Ole Opry House is more than another date on the calendar. For Bria Cheri, it’s recognition of the work that came before it — the writing sessions, independent releases, radio appearances, live shows and determination to keep moving forward.

And whether she leaves Nashville with the trophy or not, one thing is already certain: Bria Cheri has earned her place among the independent R&B and soul artists being recognized on one of independent music’s biggest nights.

Connect With Bria Cheri

Fans can follow Cheri on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X, while her music is available through Spotify, Apple Music and other major platforms. Her management social accounts are also provided in her official links sheet.

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