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FEATURED EVENTApril 26, 2026

Best of
The Apollo

The Apollo Theater × The Howard Theatre

Two of America's most iconic stages united for one extraordinary night in Washington, D.C. — bringing the spirit of Amateur Night at The Apollo to the Howard Theatre, with Clipse headlining and a portion of proceeds benefiting The Howard Theatre Foundation.

The Partnership

Two Legendary Stages. One Historic Night.

As The Apollo renovates its historic Harlem home, Best of The Apollo brought the energy and tradition of Amateur Night to the Howard Theatre — a natural and significant stage for this moment. Both institutions share a profound legacy as sanctuaries for Black artistic excellence, and this collaboration was a celebration of that shared history.

The event also celebrated the legacy of Amateur Night at The Apollo, presented by Coca-Cola, and the artists who have shaped the sound of American music across generations. A portion of the proceeds benefited The Howard Theatre Foundation and its ongoing commitment to preserving the theatre's history and cultural impact.

The Lineup

Performers & Host

Clipse
Headliner

Clipse

The legendary Virginia Beach duo — Pusha T and No Malice — returned in 2025 with Let God Sort Em Out, a Pharrell Williams-produced comeback album distributed by Roc Nation that debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

Matthew Whitaker
Performer

Matthew Whitaker

Grammy-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist who won Amateur Night at the Apollo at age 9. He has since performed globally and collaborated with Jon Batiste, Christian McBride, and Anderson .Paak.

Wé Ani
Performer

Wé Ani

Four-time Amateur Night at the Apollo winner and standout finalist on The Voice and American Idol. A powerhouse vocalist with a voice that commands any stage.

Gabby Samone
Performer

Gabby Samone

Top-seven finalist on American Idol. She has performed at the Apollo Theater, appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show, earning praise from Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and Missy Elliott.

Black Alley
Performer

Black Alley

Southeast D.C.-born band known for blending hip-hop, rock, and go-go into their signature Hood Rock sound. Champions of go-go music as the official sound of Washington, D.C.

Chris Spencer
Host

Chris Spencer

The comedian and actor with credits including Uptown Comedy Club, All of Us, The Chris Spencer Show, You Got Served, and Ride Along.

Event Photography

Photo Gallery

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Official Press Release

Media Coverage

March 25, 2026 · Press Release

The Apollo Theater and The Howard Theatre Co-Present Best of The Apollo in Washington, D.C. With Special Performance by Legendary Hip-Hop Duo Clipse

Best of The Apollo brought together two of the most influential stages in American music for one extraordinary night in Washington, D.C., with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Howard Theatre Foundation and its ongoing commitment to preserving the theatre's history and cultural impact. The event also celebrated the legacy of Amateur Night at The Apollo, presented by Coca-Cola.

As The Apollo renovates its historic Harlem home, Best of The Apollo brought the energy and tradition of Amateur Night to the Howard Theatre — a natural and significant stage for this moment.

Media Contact: Apollo — press@apollotheater.org · Howard Theatre — Deb Asrate, Deb@theDAPRgroup.com

Social: @ApolloTheatre @howardtheatre #TheApollo #ApolloTheatre #HowardTheatre

Share the Night

Were you there? Share your memories on social media using the official hashtags.

#HowardTheatre#TheApollo#ApolloTheatre#BestOfTheApollo