2026 Special Guests

Following his football career, Brandon began a career in finance. He is currently a Portfolio Manager at PGIM Real Estate, based in Newark, NJ. Before joining PGIM, Brandon was a member of the Cerberus European Capital Advisors team, based in London. Before joining Cerberus, Brandon worked at Goldman Sachs as a real estate investment banker based in both New York and Dubai.

Brandon has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Penn State and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Brandon currently serves as a member of the Penn State University Board of Trustees and is a member of Penn State’s Finance and Equity / Human Resources Committees. Brandon currently serves on the Investment Committee for Penn State’s Endowment Fund. Following the tragic loss of his daughter Karli to gun violence. Brandon founded the Karli Short Better Tomorrow Foundation—whose mission is to provide financial support and mentorship to college students affected by gun violence.

Jordin Sparks is a Grammy® nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter and actress who, in one of the show’s highest-rated seasons, garnered worldwide attention as the winner of season six American Idol. Cumulatively, Sparks’ popular singles have sold over 10 million digital tracks in the U.S.

Sparks is also a gifted songwriter. Arianna Grande’s smash single, “The Way,” was co-written by Sparks and earned her a B.M.I. songwriting award. She has toured with superstars Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, New Kids on The Block, and the Backstreet Boys and headlined her own tour.

Sparks has garnered two B.E.T. Awards, one American Music Award, and one People’s Choice Award, and has been nominated for two MTV Awards and a Grammy®. She made her Broadway debut starring in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway smash, In the Heights, and made her film debut playing the lead role in the SONY Pictures film Sparkle, opposite the legendary Whitney Houston. Jordin’s positive body image, message, and success have impacted people worldwide. She considers philanthropy an integral part of her life and was recently profiled by CNN Heroes and Dress for Success for her charity work.

Jordin has since returned to the Broadway stage as the lead in the TONY® award winning WAITRESS with music by Sara Bareilles, to critical acclaim, and Executive-Produced and starred in Hallmark’s, A Christmas Treasure. She is a sought after successful social media influencer due to her impressive social media following. She has also successfully transitioned into network broadcasting hosting/co-hosting on some of television’s most iconic programs, such as N.B.C.’s TODAY Show, A.B.C.’s Good Morning America, A.B.C.’s The View, C.B.S.’ The Talk, PBS’ Great Performances (with John Lithgow), amongst others. She currently holds the position of Governor of the LA Chapter of the Recording Academy (GRAMMYS).

Sparks released two previous albums in 2020. “Sounds Like Me,” and her first-ever Christmas album, “Cider & Hennessy.” She received a Dove, Billboard and Grammy nomination in 2023 for her #1 single with For King & Country , LOVE ME LIKE I AM, and released the single, CALL MY NAME along with her latest single, Candy Cane Lane.

Rayshun LaMarr is an Actor, Singer and Song Writer who was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He delivers a smooth and mature sound influenced by Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Otis Redding.

Rayshun has won Best Male Entertainer and Most Outstanding Vocalist in Missouri’s National Singing Competition.

He toured with the Legendary Stephanie Mills, international award-winning band “SoundConnection” and collaborations with Lucy Black Entertainment. Rayshun has also landed leading roles in “Fool in Love” the story of Frankie Lymon, “Freedom’s Song”, “Samson the Musical”, “The Wiz”, “Shake Loose”, “Blackberry Daze”, “Ragtime”, and the soon to hit Broadway “Gun and Powder”.

In 2018, he made his television debut on the Emmy Award-winning NBC show “The Voice.” He performed the half-time shows for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers vs Arizona Cardinals, North Carolina Panthers vs Tennessee Titans, the National Anthem for NBA’s Washington Wizards vs Houston Rockets. He also had performances in the National Cherry Blossom Parade, First Baptist Church Christmas Special, WBAL-TV Season to Celebrate, and the Global Citizen Awards.

He has released the singles “The Legacy Begins” and “Time 4 Change,” which has reached #8 on the World Music chart. He is now preparing to release his debut album titled “Can’t Hold Back.” The album is comprised of Soul, Pop and R&B.

Training: Duke Ellington School of the Arts. University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

Children’s Chorus of Washington, now celebrating its 30th season, nurtures artistic excellence and empowers young singers by celebrating our shared humanity and the value of every voice. Through high-quality choral training and performance opportunities, CCW develops musicianship, self-expression, and artistic growth for children from all backgrounds. Guided by a commitment to access, CCW advances community impact through scholarships, school partnerships, and local neighborhood programming.