In 2012,Joshua Rogers auditioned for the fifth season of BET’s Sunday Best in Atlanta, and was immediately a favorite of fans and the celebrity judging panel of Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, and CeCe Winans. Sunday Best host, GRAMMY® winning Platinum selling artist Kirk Franklin gave Rogers the nickname “Young Buck”. After weeks of consistent performances of songs Rogers landed in the finals and ultimately won. Rogers rose to prominence when he became the first male and youngest winner of Sunday Best. With his win, Rogers received a cash prize, a 2013 Ford Escape, and a recording contract with Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel label.
During his tenure at Music World Gospel, the 22-year-old Greeleyville, South Carolina native released his debut EP, Well Done (2012), which premiered at No.1 on the Billboard Charts. Rogers’ sophomore project, Unconditional (2013), topped the Billboard Gospel Charts at No. 2 in its release. Rogers has traveled and become a household name to gospel music lovers across the nation. Rogers has been an featured guest vocalist on the hit television show, Praise the Lord of The Trinity Broadcasting Network, The Word network and BET's Bobby Jones Gospel. He was also,featured in the 2013 BET Celebration of Gospel as part of an all-star tribute to gospel music legend, James Cleveland. In addition to being featured in many notable publications, Rogers was heralded as a singer to watch by industry tastemakers across the nation in the January 2013 issue of Jet Magazine in the entertainment spotlight.
Rogers is taking his time, building his brand to lay the foundation for a long-lasting career. Through it all, Joshua remains humble and committed to all that lies ahead of him. He lives by his favorite scripture, Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” It’s undeniable that Joshua's mark is being made in gospel music when his hometown crowned September 13th "Joshua Rogers Day" in Manning, South Carolina. He also has been an invited guest to perform at the White House two years in a row, at Christmastime, their busiest season of the year.
Excited for the next phase of his journey, Joshua was released from his recording contract with Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel in January 2016. Mixed Bag Entertainment acquired the singer through a buyout, adding Rogers to their roster which includes; GRAMMY®-nominated female group VIRTUE and GRAMMY®-nominated Pop male group Committed. MixedBag released Rogers' first single “Don’t Leave Me” in the fall of 2016 produced by Grammy nominated producer Blac Elvis (Beyonce, Tamar, Usher, Ciara). Once again,Rogers won fan’s hearts again with his live TV performances on BET’s Joyful Noise, The Gospel According to Dorinda Clark Cole, and the Tim and Brelyn Bowman Show on The Word Network.
Joshua has now to released his third full-length album “Returning” September 28, 2018. “Returning” is Joshua’s most personal and career defining project to date. No longer a teenager, Joshua showcases his vocal versatility and maturity under the production of some of the industries top producers like; Blac Elvis, Asaph Ward, Pierre Medor, and Lucius Hoskins just to name. And with newcomers like Khirye Tyler, James Wright, David Minus, Andre Johnson, and Dennis Atkinson adding there contributions, “Returning” is sure to be one of the best.
The lead single “Pour Your Oil,” produced by BMI’s 2016 songwriter of the year Lucius Hoskins, showcases Rogers multidimensional vocal ability on a soothing Contemporary Gospel Praise & Worship tune. This single is a personal testimony for Rogers who has admittedly talked about depression due to his career, finances, and health. This song represents a new season and fresh anointing of what God has already promised Josh of what’s to come. Joshua personally expressed,“I’m optimistic about my future. I’m now in a position where I can create quality music that is meaningful, while being transparent and telling my story to my very supportive fans.”
In addition to his new album, Joshua will be releasing his first autobiographical book, which will discuss the very highs and extreme lows of instant stardom. To stay informed on Joshua, follow him @thejoshuarogers on all social media outlets for all upcoming events and updates. Joshua most recently during his returning promo tour has performed and interviewed on TV’s One daytime television show Sister Circle.
Chart topping single "Pour Your Oil" from the "Returning" Project.
Title track from Joshua's 2nd CD, "Unconditional"