Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Coco Jones and genre-defying singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr are set to light up the stage with amazing live performances at the highly anticipated 2024 EBONY Power 100 Gala.
Michelle Buteau and Tone Bell, who star in the hit Netflix hit show Survival of the Thickest, will bring the funny as hosts of the event, which will be held at the Nya Studios West in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
EBONY CEO Eden Bridgeman shared her excitement about the upcoming event. “EBONY Power 100 is a dazzling celebration of Black excellence at its absolute peak,” she declared.
“With the reveal of our dynamic hosts and electrifying performers, this year’s event promises to be the most unforgettable yet! EBONY Power 100 is a transformative force, shining a spotlight on Black achievement across every sector. We are thrilled to offer a platform that not only honors today’s trailblazers but also ignites the aspirations of the next generation of Black leaders and innovators. Get ready for an extraordinary night that will inspire and uplift!”
Grammy Award-winner Jones is an R&B star who has been thrilling audiences since childhood. She first appeared on several Disney shows, such as Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing, Let It Shine and Good Luck Charlie. After signing with Def Jam, her single, “ICU” went platinum and earned her Best R&B Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. On TV, Jones has a starring role in the Peacock hit drama series Bel-Air as Hilary Banks. What I Didn’t Tell You was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Album.
With a unique fusion of soul, R&B and funk, Bernarr has garnered a loyal following worldwide. His musical dexterity caught the attention of legends, such as Erykah Badu, and he was a background vocalist for Anderson .Paak, Kaytranada and The Internet. His critically acclaimed albums Dur& and Wanderlust displayed his 5-octave range and innovative artistry. Bernarr will release a new album this year and continue to captivate audiences with electrifying performances.
Buteau is one of the most popular comedians on the scene. She was the host of Big Morning Buzz and The Circle and has appeared in the films Always Be My Maybe and Babe. Buteau won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television) for the Netflix series Survival of the Thickest, which showcases the beauty of women of all sizes. She co-hosts the podcast Adulting and will host a new stand-up special, Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind, at Radio City Music Hall, which will premiere on Netflix later this year.
Bell co-stars in the hit Netflix series Survival of the Thickest and has earned two NAACP Image Award nominations for his performance. He also appeared in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Trigger Warning and Coyote vs. Acme. Bell has starred in CBS’ Fam, hosted the Netflix cocktail competition series Drink Masters and starred in his own comedy special titled Tone Bell: Can’t Cancel This.
The 2024 EBONY Power 100 list honorees include:
Artists In Residence: Aja Monet, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Chloe Arnold, Gabriel Moses, Jeremy Pope, Kennedy Ryan, Kenny Leon, Maleah Joi Moon, Paul Tazewell and Trinity Joy
Business Disruptors: Andrea Nelson Meigs, Ayo Davis, D.J. Vaughn, Dionne Harmon, Eric Austin, Ingrid Best, Kevin Hart, Melissa Butler, Pat McGrath and Tracee Ellis Ross
Community Crusaders presented by Nationwide: Arian Simone, Aulston Taylor, Damon Hewitt, Gina Duncan, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Kelley Robinson, Stefanie Brown James, Wawa Gatheru and Governor Wes Moore
Entertainment Powerhouses: Cord Jefferson, Gayle King, Kenan Thompson, Kerry Washington, Maya Rudolph, Ryan Coogler, Snoop Dogg, Taraji P. Henson, Tasha Smith and Vince Staples
Generation Next presented by United Airlines: Angel Reese, Ayra Starr, Doechii, Gabby Shepard, Genesis Butler, Kai Cenat, Latto, Monet McMichael, Quincy Wilson, and Uncle Waffles
Influential Creators: Aurora James, Aaliyah Jay, Funny Marco, Jerald “Coop” Cooper, Kahlana Barfield Brown, Kamie Crawford, Keith Lee, Kwame Onwuachi, Micah McDonald, Sean Bankhead and Wayman Bannerman
Leaders In Sports: A’ja Wilson, Dawn Staley, Jalen Hurts, Jaylen Brown, Jordan Chiles, Kimberly Browne Davis, Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Stephen Curry and Tony Clark
Media Mavens: April Ryan, Jennifer Hudson, Joe Budden, Keke Palmer, Lindsay Peoples, Nina Parker, Shannon Sharpe, Sidney Madden, TANK and J. Valentine, and Tasha McCaskiel
Music Innovators: Charlie Wilson, Coco Jones, Connie Orlando, Jason “J” Carter, Maurice “Moetown” Lee, Steve Canal and Troy Brown, Jon Batiste, Metro Boomin, Rob Gibbs, Samara Joy, SZA and Tyler, The Creator
STEM Trailblazers: Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Calcea Johnson and Ne’Kiya Jackson, Ciara Imani May, Dr. Ebony Brown, Heman Bekele, Jasmine Lawrence Campbell, Dr. Khalia Braswell, Professor Lesley Lokko, Dr. Melissa B. Davis and Dr. Tiara Moore.
