Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Divas Simply Singing! Gala to Feature Andra Day, Mickey Guyton and Jenifer Lewis (EXCLUSIVE)

An impressive roster of artists, including Andra Day, Mickey Guyton, Jenifer Lewis, and Loretta Devine, is set to perform at Sheryl Lee Ralph's 35th annual Divas Simply Singing! gala. The event, organized by The Diva Foundation, will be held on November 1st at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood. They will be joined by a lineup featuring Lalah Hathaway, James Pickens, Gina Taylor-Pickens, the legendary Freda Payne, and emerging R&B talent India Shawn.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, the Emmy-winning star of "Abbott Elementary" whose career spans decades on stage and screen, emphasized the event's profound purpose. "This gala is more than just a celebration—it is a powerful call to action," she stated on Friday. "For 35 years, we have unwaveringly committed to our mission through song, purpose, and service. This year's event will boldly honor our rich history, continue our impactful efforts, and strategically focus on advancing health equity for the future." This long-term focus highlights the evolving nature of the fight against health disparities, which now encompasses a broader range of public health challenges.

The evening will also serve to honor several distinguished individuals. The honorees include Jewel Thais-Williams, receiving the Ivory Ralph Legend of Distinction Award; Dr. Maya Green, honored with the Health Advocacy Award; Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., the famed duo from The 5th Dimension, as recipients of the AARP Crossover—Living Legends Award; and Lula Washington, recognized with the Artistic Activism Award for her profound impact in dance and cultural expression.

The 2025 gala is made possible with the support of presenting sponsor Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company with a long-standing commitment to advancing HIV research and health equity. As one event organizer noted, "Corporate partnerships like this are essential for scaling the kind of community-level impact the foundation strives for." Additional performers and special guests for the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ralph originally launched The Diva Foundation back in 1990 to combat HIV/AIDS stigma through arts and community outreach. Motivated by the loss of friends to the disease, the foundation has since raised over $5.5 million to support at-risk populations, including those living with HIV/AIDS and facing other vulnerabilities, establishing a lasting legacy of advocacy and care.