Internationally acclaimed “International Dance Diva” Pepper MaShay will open the inaugural Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 in Hollywood with a live performance on August 22, 2026.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — June 13, 2026 — The Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 proudly announces that internationally acclaimed “International Dance Diva” Pepper MaShay will deliver the opening live performance at the inaugural awards celebration on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California 90027.
This highly anticipated red-carpet event will bring together leaders in media, entertainment, fashion, business, public service, and community leadership for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, diversity, achievement, and cultural impact. Pepper MaShay’s performance will open the show with a powerful and uplifting live experience, setting the tone for a night of recognition and celebration.
“We are honored to welcome Pepper MaShay to the Diversity News Magazine Awards,” said Esteban Steven Escobar, Founder and Executive Producer. “Her extraordinary talent, global influence, and legacy in music make her the perfect artist to launch our inaugural Hollywood celebration. This will be a memorable night honoring leaders who are making a real impact in their communities.”
With a career spanning more than four decades, Pepper MaShay is internationally recognized for her powerhouse vocals and enduring influence across soul, R&B, gospel, pop, and dance music. From recording with some of the industry’s most iconic artists to becoming a defining voice in global house and dance music, her work continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Her opening performance will set the stage for an evening filled with entertainment, recognition, culture, fashion, and community celebration.
🎟️ TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE — LIMITED SEATING
Organizers encourage guests to purchase tickets early, as strong attendance is expected for this one-night-only Hollywood celebration featuring live entertainment, celebrity guests, red-carpet arrivals, fashion presentations, and prestigious awards.
TICKETS & NOMINATIONS:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-diversity-news-magazine-awards-tickets-1990365937097
NOMINATION DEADLINE: July 1, 2026
🎉 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
🎀 Red Carpet Experience
Media coverage, interviews, photography, VIP arrivals, community leaders, celebrities, influencers, and special guests.
🎤 Live Opening Performance by Pepper MaShay
A powerful live performance by internationally acclaimed “International Dance Diva” Pepper MaShay.
🏆 Awards Presentation
Honoring outstanding individuals and organizations in Media, Entertainment, Arts, Fashion, Business, Leadership, and Community Service.
👗 Fashion Show – “Fashion for Unity”
A runway showcase celebrating culture, diversity, creativity, inclusion, and unity.
👑 Crowning of Diversity Pageants USA
Official crowning of:
• Mrs. Diversity USA 2026
• Mrs. Diversity News USA
• Mrs. Diversity 2026
ABOUT PEPPER MASHAY:
Pepper MaShay, born Jean McClain in Muncie, Indiana, is an American vocalist whose career spans more than four decades across soul, R&B, gospel, pop, and dance music.
She began her career in Los Angeles as a professional session and backing vocalist, contributing to recordings associated with renowned artists including Cher, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, and Michael Bolton.
During the 1990s, she emerged internationally under the stage name Pepper MaShay, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in house and dance music. Her signature releases, including “Something to Feel,” “Happiness,” and “Step Into My Life,” helped define dance floors and club culture worldwide.
Her collaboration on “Dive in the Pool” with Barry Harris gained international recognition after being featured in the television series Queer as Folk, becoming a celebrated anthem within LGBTQ+ and dance communities.
In addition to her dance music success, she performs under the name Sista Jean, exploring blues, jazz, gospel, and soul traditions that reflect her artistic roots and versatility.
Today, Pepper MaShay continues to perform for audiences worldwide, bridging generations through her powerful voice, timeless artistry, and enduring musical legacy.
For More Information about Pepper MaShay:
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1702681/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_MaShay
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/38R7xrhw9sutXjXqxVP9cg
ABOUT THE DIVERSITY NEWS MAGAZINE AWARDS:
The Diversity News Magazine Awards recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations whose work advances excellence, leadership, innovation, diversity, inclusion, and community impact in entertainment, media, journalism, business, education, fashion, public service, and the arts.
The awards program serves as a platform to celebrate both emerging and established voices while fostering connections among leaders who are making positive contributions locally, nationally, and internationally.
Website: https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com
ABOUT DIVERSITY NEWS MAGAZINE:
Founded in 2003 by Esteban Steven Escobar, Diversity News Magazine is a multimedia publication dedicated to highlighting diversity, inclusion, entertainment, business, community leadership, and cultural achievements. Through news coverage, feature stories, interviews, special events, and awards programs, the publication promotes positive change and community engagement.
Website: https://diversitynewsmagazine.org
MEDIA CREDENTIALS:
Members of the media interested in covering the event are invited to request press credentials by emailing:
worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Esteban Steven Escobar
Founder & Executive Producer
Diversity News Magazine Awards
Email: diversitynewsmagazine@gmail.com
Phone: (213) 321-9408
Photo Credit: Pepper MaShay (Jean McClain).