LOS ANGELES (AP) — At a pre-Grammy event celebrating Black music’s cultural power, Pharrell Williams used the Recording Academy stage to deliver a prayer — not for himself, but for U.S. leaders. Helen Lasichanh, left, and Pharrell Williams attend the Recording Academy Honors presented by the Black Music Collective on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Los Angeles. R&B mainstay Brandy and gospel trailblazer Kirk Franklin each received the Black Music Icon Award. “What is yours never can miss you.”Since its launch, the Black Music Collective has worked to champion Black creators and industry leaders, previously honoring Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Missy Elliott, John Legend and Mariah Carey. The group also supports scholarships and initiatives aimed at cultivating the next generation of Black music leaders.