Queens-Born Singer-Songwriter Named Official Nominee at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards, September 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House
Rising R&B and soul artist Bria Cheri has been officially named a nominee for Vocalist of the Year – R&B/Soul at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards, taking place September 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The recognition places her among an elite field of independent artists honored at one of the largest independent music awards shows in the world, and it marks one of the most significant milestones yet in a career built on persistence, versatility, and an unmistakably soulful voice.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, and now based on Long Island, Cheri is a singer-songwriter, dancer, and pianist whose path to the stage has been anything but one-dimensional. She holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations from Long Island University Post, a background that has shaped the way she approaches her own career — as both the artist and, in many ways, the storyteller behind her own narrative. That instinct shows in her music, which pairs powerful storytelling with genuine emotional depth and vocals that favor authenticity over polish.
The Vocalist of the Year category is built to reward exactly that combination: vocal technique, tone quality, and a connection with an audience that cannot be manufactured. Cheri finds herself nominated alongside a strong field of R&B and soul vocalists, including Melinda Chervon Ulysses, Tracy Cruz, Nia Renee, Kristen Shores, Shy Perry, Corey Ronell, and Mr. Talkbox — a lineup that underscores just how competitive, and how respected, this year’s category has become.
“This nomination is an incredible honor,” Cheri said. “To be recognized by the Josie Music Awards alongside so many talented independent artists is truly humbling. I’m grateful to everyone who has supported my journey and believed in my music.”
For an artist who has spent years building her name through independent releases, radio support, live performances, and grassroots promotion, standing among this year’s nominees at the Grand Ole Opry House represents more than a single night of recognition. It is validation of the writing sessions, the shows, and the steady climb that brought her here — and a marker of a career defined as much by authenticity as by talent.