Meet the Judges 

Ava Cherry is an American singer and model. She collaborated with David Bowie between 1972 and 1975, beginning a period of personal and artistic collaboration that significantly influenced the Young Americans “blue-eyed soul” era. Following this, she pursued a solo career and also worked as a backing artist for musicians such as Luther Vandross and Chaka Khan.

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Growing up in Chicago with strong exposure to the city’s African-American music culture, Cherry became both an influence on prominent artists and a respected musician in her own right. Her impact on Young Americans, particularly through her connections to major soul music institutions like Sigma Sound Studios and Apollo Theater, remains a notable part of her legacy, alongside her work with the proto–new wave band the Astronettes.

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Cherry’s solo career has been long-running, beginning with the release of her debut album Ripe!!! in 1980. Her solo work is especially known for its disco influence.