Amplify: The Sound of Detroit names Drey Skonie Artist Of The Year

Drey Skonie was named the 2023 Amplify: The Sound of Detroit Artist of the Year.

The Grand Prize includes $5,000, an engagement with Motown Records Label executives and studio time.

Drew, a local performer from Detroit, was named the 2023 Amplify: The Sound of Detroit Artist of the Year at the fifth annual singing competition held at the Gem Theatre last night. Skonie competed against other local emerging artists and emerged as this year’s winner.

Drey Skonie’s moving interpretation of the Miracles’ “Ooo Baby Baby,” combined with his charisma and stage presence made him a clear winner in Wednesday night’s “Amplify: The Sound of Detroit” competition.

Guest host Doug E. Fresh—a rapper and beat boxer known as “the Human Beat Box”—kept things lively throughout the event.

Judges included Spotify global marketing chief Justin Norman, artist manager Toya Hankins and music producer Marcus Devine.

Amplify: The Sound of Detroit singing competition seeks to build on the rich legacy of Motown by celebrating Detroit’s unique voices and curating authentic experiences for the creative synergy of artists past and present to grow and connect. This singing competition is designed for singers who would like to challenge themselves in a competitive environment.

The program is part of Motown Museum’s Hitsville NEXT–the Museum’s hub dedicated to educational and community programming focused on finding and nurturing aspiring Detroit artists and entrepreneurs.