SINGER, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN, ACTRESS, MOTIVATION SPEAKER & AUTHOR     


Dr. Michelle Brooks-Thompson is a Grammy-nominated Top Billboard Charting Independent Recording Artist, who rose to fame as finalist on season 3 of NBC’s the Voice. She is the 2017 Grand Champion winner of the legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo (New York) & most recently, the 2022 winner of Unsung Heroes (The Music Room, Cape Cod).
As an Independent Recording Artist, Michelle has consistently performed at various indoor and outdoor concert venues, sporting events, private functions, and on notable national TV programs. She has shared the stage with Grammy and Stellar Award-winning Gospel and Secular artists. In addition, she is a songwriter, pianist, worship leader, motivational speaker, vocal teacher, and has been the winner of over 20 vocal competitions!                              


Since competing on The Voice & winning Amateur Night at the Apollo, Michelle’s versatile & phenomenal singing ability has privileged her to grace a multitude of diverse musical platforms across the country. She has become known by all as a dynamic powerhouse vocalist! As quoted by Maroon 5’s front man and NBC’s the Voice vocal coach Adam Levine, “Michelle has been gifted with a supernatural singing ability.” Her vocal tone and power is highly compared to the late musical icon, Whitney Houston. She has often been referred to as the “Whitney Houston of Gospel music.”


 Michelle’s music success throughout her indie artist career has continued to expand with notable accomplishments. She was crowned as the 2017 Super Top Dog winner of world-famous Amateur Night at the Apollo and winning $20k. Most recently in 2019, she was the winner of the 15th and final season of Keene Idol (New Hampshire) winning $10k! In March 2022, Michelle was crowned the winner of the 1st Annual Unsung Heroes singing competition hosted by The Music Room (Cape Cod) winning $15,000!


Michelle has consistently performed at various churches, indoor and outdoor concert venues, sporting events, private functions, and on national TV programs such as Dr. Bobby Jones Presents (Impact Network), TBN’s Praise the Lord, the Bishop Eric Lloyd Show (Rhema Network) and more. The vocal sensation, featured in People Magazine’s October 2018 Special Edition as a finalist on The Voice, has shared the stage with Grammy and Stellar Award-winning Gospel and Secular artists such as O-Town, LFO, Donnie McClurkinJames Fortune, Shana Wilson, Zacardi Cortez, American Idol’s Melinda Doolittle, NBC’s The Voice Noah Liz, Doobie Powell, Bebo Norman, Eric Taylor and others.



















THE VOICE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM


Michelle’s powerful voice and commanding stage presence have enchanted audiences, particularly through her heartfelt renditions of the National Anthem and "God Bless America," which she has performed at many major sporting events across the NBA, NFL, MLS, NHL, and MLB. On May 22, 2025, Michelle was honored with a citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Veteran Services for her outstanding rendition of the National Anthem at the Massachusetts Inaugural Military Appreciation Day Ceremony held at the Massachusetts State House.


She proudly serves as the National Anthem singer for the National Professional Women’s Hockey League in Boston, Boston Fleet. She has served as the singer for their three inaugural seasons. In addition, she has served as the national anthem singer for the Boston Celtics since 2014. Throughout her professional career, she has performed over 75 times at professional sporting games and prestigious events including the 2025 NBA Playoffs, 2025 Agawam Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, 2024 NBA Finals (Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks), 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship, 2024 Iowa Indy Car Race, 2023 Boston Marathon, 2023 Tough Ruck Race, 2023 NBA East Conference Finals and Playoffs (Rounds 1 and 2), 2023 -2025 National Anthem singer for the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, 2023 Annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2023 & 2014 AFC NFL Championship Games (Kansas City), 2021 MLS Charlotte FC Inaugural Game & 2022 Season Opener, 2022 NBA Finals (Game 3 Warriors vs. Celtics), and many more.

MICHELLE'S MUSIC 

In February 2025, Michelle received her first GRAMMY nomination for her vocal performance on the album “The Fury,” with Antonio Vergara. Michelle's exceptional vocal talent has enabled her to produce music across various genres, including Blues, Gospel, Smooth Jazz, Inspirational, and R&B Soul, making her a highly sought-after collaborator in the music industry. Her Gospel single, "Never Give Up," was considered in the first round of voting for the 2022 Dove Awards in the Traditional Song of the Year category and also appeared on the first-round ballot for the GRAMMYs in the Best Gospel Song Performance category. In addition, her music has charted on several Music billboards in the US and overseas. Her latest music projects which included the singles "Not Will II (2026)," “Never Give Up” (2022), “Phenomenal” (2022), and “Woman First” (2021), charted consecutively on the music Billboards and reaching the #1 spot (Adult R&B Top 100 Chart, Gospel Billboard Indicator Top 30 Charts, Gospel Top 50 Internet Radio Chart, Smooth Jazz Top 100 Chart, Billboard National Airplay Chart, and Billboard Gospel Indicator Most Added Chart). Additional singles “Then I Met You” (2022), “Woman First”, and “Live It Up” (2021) charted on the Top 30 UK Soul Music Charts at #1, Amazon UK Top 100 New Releases, iTunes UK and Brazil Top 100 R&B Releases and other reputable International Top 100 music charts.


MICHELLE'S BEGINNING IN MUSIC 

Michelle's deep roots in Gospel music were nurtured during her childhood in her grandfather's church, where she was recognized as a "child prodigy" due to her remarkable talent for singing and playing the piano by just 9 years old. After her mother's passing, she stepped into the role of music director at her grandfather's church at the tender age of 14, a position she held for 8 years. Throughout this time, Michelle expanded her vocal and musical abilities through private piano lessons, talent competitions, and providing professional background vocals for various recording artists. By the time she entered Amherst Regional High School, her vocal prowess had already made her a well-known figure. In her sophomore year, her glee club director approached her with a proposal to establish the first-ever Gospel Choir at Amherst High School. Excited to bring something fresh and vibrant to both the school and the wider community, Michelle eagerly accepted the challenge.


 Michelle pursued her passion for music by attending the prestigious all-women’s college in Massachusetts, Mount Holyoke, where she majored in Music studying Vocal Performance and Piano. Upon receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, she was accepted into Boston’s Berklee College of Music for a Performance Diploma Program. Michelle chose to pursue her next steps in music independently and deferred her acceptance to Berklee. Since then, she has crafted her singing ability which can undeniably be ranked with some of the major Gospel and Secular artists of her time! Michelle has founded and directed several educational institutional and church choirs. In addition to her professional singing career, she has taught music curriculums and vocal lessons at schools as well as independently. 














BEYOND THE STAGE: CEO., HONORARY DOCTORATE, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER AND PHILANTHROPY 

            
Beyond her musical endeavors, Michelle is deeply committed to community service and empowerment. Her nonprofit organization, Heart of the Earth, plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of at-risk youth by fostering their musical and athletic talents. Michelle’s vision was born from her experiences as a Gospel Choral director at Westover Job Corps, where she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of music. Through mentorship and guidance, she aims to instill emotional stability and resilience in young individuals, encouraging them to pursue their passions and dreams.  Driven by her personal commitment to motivate the upcoming generation, Michelle travels to elementary schools, high schools, and colleges to engage with aspiring singers and musicians. She shares her journey from adversity to success, emphasizing that with dedication and self-belief, anyone can achieve their dreams.



Michelle's remarkable path as a singer, creative director, philanthropist, and founder of her nonprofit organization has led to her being honored with an honorary doctorate in philosophy and humanities. On July 19th, 2025, in Chicago, IL, she received the Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities from United College and Seminary International
This distinction reflects Michelle's unwavering commitment to the arts and personal dedication to making a positive impact in the community. Through her work, she has sought to inspire and uplift others, blending her passion for music with a mission to promote social change, hope, and love. 


"This honorary degree not only acknowledges my contributions but also encourages me to continue advocating for humanitarian efforts and the transformative power of the arts. "

- Dr. Michelle Brooks-Thompson


On September 25th, 2025, she was honored as the recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from the Better Business Bureau of Central New England. As the CEO of M.B.T. Music, this milestone marked a significant moment in history, as her company became the first in the musical entertainment industry to be honored with this award. In June 2024, Michelle received a Citation from Mayor William C. Reichelt of West Springfield, Massachusetts, in recognition of her remarkable achievements in music and her positive influence on the community! In January 2023, she received the Community Leadership Award by New Year Better Us Organization (Springfield, MA) and the Black in Excellence on the Hill Award by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. In June 2022, Michelle was awarded the Community Impact Award for Outstanding Gospel Vocalist and Artist Spotlight Award by FPAD non-profit organization (Conyers, GA).With a passion for the arts and a commitment to social change, Michelle has continued to inspire and uplift communities through music and advocacy. Michelle continues to be a powerful voice for positive change, blending creativity with a mission to empower others.


She is a member of the Grammy Recording Academy, the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy, and Gospel Music Association. She is a wife, mother of three, and Founder and Director of the nonprofit Heart of the Earth. In addition to having won several local, regional and national musical talent competitions, Michelle is the co-author of the 2017 book entitled, Pretty In His Presence.” She is also an actress and has appeared in several stage plays including the Gospel stage play, “When the Child Cries” and “For Colored Girls,” directed by International Playwright Lee Harris. 

 
Michelle continues to share her musical gift with all who will listen. Her greatest passion is using her God given talent to inspire and uplift the hearts of men, women, and children through music! Michelle has been faced with many traumatic life experiences. It has been her ability to write and sing inspiring music that has helped her overcome and be an inspiration to others. It is because of this that in 2019 Michelle was awarded the Champion of Character Award by Power Gospel Ministries. In February 2021, while continuing with her passion to uplift, inspire and bring healing to broken individuals through music and words of encouragement, Michelle obtained her certificate in Christian Spiritual Healing and Deliverance from the Bible Counseling Ministries, Inc and Tridoit Christian College. 

While sharing her gift of music with the world, Michelle has found that being a mother and wife is another great gift in her life. Michelle is married to David Thompson, Jr, a football coach, teacher and former NFL player, and is a proud mother of three beautiful children, Aleesia, Aaliyah and David, III (D3).

           







                        

 Competitions
2022- Inaugural Unsung Heroes
(The Music Room- Cape Cod)
         1st Place ($15,000)

2021- NCAA College Baseball World Series
          National Anthem Contest Winner
2019- Keene Idol, New Hampshire
         - 
1st Place ($10,000) 

2017- Amateur Night at the Apollo
       1st Place- Super Top Dog Winner                               11/22/17 ($20,000)

       1st Place- Top Dog Semi-finals                     5/17/17

       1st Place- Amateur Night Show-Off                5/10/17

       1st Place - Amateur Night 4/19/17
     

     2014 Amateur Night at the Apollo Top           Dog Finals- 2nd Place
     2014- Amateur Night at the Apollo Top             Dog Semi-Finals- 1st Place
2013- Keene Idol, New Hampshire-1st Place
2012- NBC’s the Voice, Finalist
2011- Debra Crosby’s Talent Quest- 1st place
              2011- Cathay Pacific Karaoke               Championship- 1st Place
      2011- Sing Your Way to Fenway                             National Anthem Competition            Boston Red Sox's- 1st place
  2011- USA Karaoke World Championship          Nationals- 2nd Place
  2011- USA Karaoke World Championship          East Coast Regionals- 1st Place
2010- Valley Idol Competition- 1st Place
 2009- Amherst Idol Competition- 1st Place
       2007- Harrah’s Lucky Break Singing                   Competition- 1st Place



                Music Experience


PROFESSIONAL MUSIC MEMBERSHIPS:


GRAMMY RECORDING ACADEMY VOTING MEMBER


STELLAR ACADEMY GOSPEL MUSIC ACADEMY VOTING MEMBER


GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION VOTING MEMBER


VOCAL TEACHER: 

2002- Present- MBT School of Voice


MINISTER OF MUSIC:

2024-Present- Red Oak Church, West Springfield, MA 

2000-2003- Miracle Temple COGIC, Northampton, MA

2004-2007- New Covenant COGIC, Northampton, MA


CHOIR DIRECTOR:

2011-2012- Choir Director for Westover Job Corps Gospel Choir

2002-2006- Founder & Director the first Five College Gospel Choir @ Mount Holyoke College

1999-2001Founder & Director the first Amherst Regional High School Gospel Choir























 

   Awards & Honors

2025- Honorary Doctorate of Philosophies in Humanities
United College and Seminary International


 2025- Grammy Nomination- Best Contemporary Blues Album
"The Fury" with Antonio Vergara

2025- Better Business Bureau (BBB) Emerging Leader Award

2025- Citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Veteran Affairs for National Anthem Performance

2024- Best Soul and Inspirational Artist of the Year- GBOS 56th Annual Awards Gala

2024- Citation from West Springfield, MA 
Mayor William C. Reichelt

 

2023- Black in Excellence on the Commonwealth of MA 

2023Gospel Choice Music Awards           Nominee Contemporary AOTY
          Female AOTY 
Song of the Year (Never Give Up)
          Urban Inspirational AOTY


2023- Community Leadership Awards

         New Year Better Us Organization


2023- Grammy Awards 1st Round  Nominee  for Best Gospel Performance Song


2022- Dove Awards 1st Round Nominee 
      for Traditional Gospel Song of the Year


2022- FPAD Community Impact Award

          Outstanding Gospel Vocalist  

          Artist Spotlight Award


2022- K-Sound Radio Award
         Inspirational Artist of the Year


2019- Character of Champion Award


2018- Prayze Factor Awards

        Contemporary Artist of the Year


2017- Amateur Night At The Apollo
         Super Top Dog Winner


   2016- Rhythm of Gospel Awards Nominee         Contemporary Female VOTY        Traditional Female VOTY
 Best Performance by Female Vocalist   

    

2016- IGARA Awards Nominee 
  Song of the Year: "When I Think"
  Contemporary Artist of the Year
  Female Artist of the Year
  CCM Song of the Year
   CCM Artist of the Year


2014- Boston Angelic Awards

         Single of the Year: " He Will Do It" 


2006- Mount Holyoke College

  Helen Blythe Hazen Music Award


2001- MLK Breakfast Committee
  Martin Luther King Scholarship Award

"My passion is to use music to encourage people and help them seek hope and keep faith, in the midst of every storm that life brings. My sincere desire is that my songs will inspire people to live life with more faith, love and hope.

-Michelle Brooks-Thompson

Read and learn about Michelle's non-profit organization Heart of the Earth, Inc.

" It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Michelle Brooks-Thompson over the years, to present the best in Gospel and Inspirational music to varied audiences throughout the region.
Michelle is a versatile artist and exceptional vocalist, who has captivated audiences across contrasting venues. Whether in a church, banquet hall, public event, or a stadium filled with thousands, Michelle’s anointed vocals move the spirit and touch the soul."

Bishop Talbert Swann II- Pastor, NAACP Springfield President, Community Activist, and C.O.G.I.C. National Executive Secretary