Onyx Bugett | TalkLife News
Morning edition · November 1, 2026
Brandy will be among six special honorees at EBONY’s 2026 Power 100 Gala, placing an R&B voice alongside leaders working across media, culture, sports and science.
In an October 28 announcement, EBONY named the singer and actress to its Power 100 Court. The event is scheduled for Monday, November 9, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.
Music shares the stage with other kinds of influence
The other Court honorees announced by EBONY are Byron Allen, Flau’jae Johnson, Keith Lee, Lena Waithe and Victor Glover. The organization says each will receive a dedicated tribute.
Kirk Franklin is scheduled to open the musical program and T.I. to close it, according to the release. These are announced plans for a future event; the performances and tributes have not yet taken place.
EBONY’s theme is “The Stories We Shape.” Its earlier October 5 announcement describes a wider list spanning business, entertainment, community leadership, media and STEM, with Jesse Collins Entertainment producing the gala.
An R&B story within a wider cultural one
For TalkLife’s music audience, Brandy’s place in the Court creates a connection between listening and cultural recognition. A singer’s work can reach people through recordings and screen roles, while an event like this places those contributions beside achievements in other fields.
The useful conversation is about the different ways influence is exercised. A familiar voice, a production company, a community platform and a scientific career do different work; a shared ceremony brings them into the same public discussion.
That is an editorial way to approach the announcement, rather than a claim that an honors list objectively ranks everyone’s contribution. The selections and theme are EBONY’s judgments.
The gala is private and invitation-only, the organizer says. Readers should not interpret this report as an announcement of general-admission tickets or a public concert.
What is confirmed is Brandy’s announced selection and the scheduled celebration. Specific acceptance remarks, surprise appearances and the eventual performances remain future developments.