Richard Lynch isn’t chasing trends. He never has. He’s the kind of artist who shows up, guitar in hand, boots planted firmly in the soil of real life. And on his latest single, “The Phone Call,” he proves once again that sincerity and soul will always matter more than polish or pyrotechnics.

This isn’t just another country gospel tune with a Jesus name-drop for effect. “The Phone Call” is Lynch doing what he does best—telling a story so intimate and unaffected it feels like you’re eavesdropping on a man’s reckoning with his past. There’s no posturing here. Just a verse, a voice, and a truth that hits like a Sunday morning hangover turned holy.

Lynch spins a tale about a buddy who calls out of the blue after hearing a song on the radio. At first, it sounds like a catching-up call. But as the conversation unfolds, it becomes something more: a confession, a cry for help, and finally, a moment of salvation.

“I’ve done some things in my life that I’m not proud of,” the friend admits, “but I’m giving my troubles to Jesus, starting now.” Lynch doesn’t just sing the words—he inhabits them with the kind of gravity only lived experience can give.

There’s no flash in the arrangement, and that’s the point. A lonesome steel guitar haunts the background like a ghost from the Grand Ole Opry, while Lynch’s baritone—weathered and real—does the heavy lifting. It’s not trying to be slick; it’s trying to be honest. And in that honesty, it becomes powerful.

This new version of the track, pulled from his latest LP Pray on the Radio: Songs of Inspiration, reaffirms Lynch’s place as one of the few remaining torchbearers for true-blue country. While the genre’s mainstream often forgets its roots in favor of beer-soaked clichés and pop production, Lynch digs into the dirt of human connection. He’s not singing for stardom—he’s singing because he has something to say.

In a world of empty hooks and algorithm-chasing singles, “The Phone Call” feels like a lifeline. It’s not flashy. It’s not urgent. But it’s real. And that makes it radical.

Richard Lynch didn’t reinvent the wheel here. He just reminded us why it was built in the first place.

–David Marshall

Christian artist trailblazer Manafest, a five-time GMA Dove Award nominee returns with a fresh, faith-fueled anthem titled “Powerful,” now officially going for adds at Christian CHR/Hot AC radio formats!

Inspired by Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” – this bold new single is a rally cry for believers to rise up, walk in authority, and unleash the unstoppable power of God living within them.

Fresh off a breakthrough year with music placements in the 2024 Olympics, the Super Bowl, and most recently during the NFL Combine, Manafest continues to build unstoppable momentum—reaching new audiences across sports, culture, and faith platforms alike.

“This song is a reminder that we don’t fight alone. We’ve been given power through the Holy Spirit to stand strong in a broken world,” says Manafest. “No matter what the enemy throws your way, there’s power in your bones, power in your praise, and power in your purpose.”

With an explosive fusion of pop, rhythm, and uplifting lyrics, “Powerful” captures the unmistakable energy Manafest fans have come to love—while inviting new listeners to feel seen, strengthened, and spiritually charged.

GRAMMY-nominated, award winning artist FORREST FRANKsurprised fans in LA last night, announcing from stage that a new album, CHILD OF GOD II, would be coming May 9, and is now available for pre-order.  The news followed the release of one of the album tracks “AMEN,” earlier in the day, and last week’s hit “CELEBRATION” (full track list below).

As FORREST FRANK continues his completely sold out “CHILD OF GOD TOUR Part 2” arena stops, the explosive viral growth of “YOUR WAY’S BETTER” (over 100K+ UGC creations in just the last 7 days), is being driven by a viral dance that’s taken the internet by storm.  Check out the fun on YouTube and TikTok.

2024 was a record-breaking year for Forrest, whose GRAMMY-nominated album CHILD OF GOD held the No.1 spot on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart for 14 weeks becoming the biggest Christian album debut of 2024.

Forrest Frank’s latest radio single, “NOTHING ELSE (feat. Thomas Rhett)” has quickly been added to 24 stations in just a few short weeks including SiriusXM’s The Message and is primed to debut on the Mediabase and Billboard Christian Radio charts. “YOUR WAY’S BETTER” has just been unleashed at Christian radio in response the viral success.

The song is trending at #26 this week at Mediabase Christian Audience and adds are beginning to pour in along with videos of radio personalities and staffers participating in the viral dance craze. Forrest’s collective radio audience has grown to over 7.3M weekly impressions across multiple songs including “Good Day”, “Never Get Used To This”, “Lift My Hands”, “Your Way’s Better” and “Nothing Else”.

Child Of God II Tracklist:

1. ENCORE
2. YOUR WAY’S BETTER
3. AMEN
4. B.I.G.
5. FATHER’S HOUSE
6. NO L’s
7. PARADISE
8. WOKE UP THIS MORNING
9. DANCING IN THE PRESENCE
10. NOTHING ELSE
11. OUTSIDE
12. LIVE YOUR LIFE
13. CELBRATION
14. HAPPY
15. DROP!
16. LIKE WATER
17. POV
18. IN THE ROOM
19. TESTIMONY
20. HOME

Multi Dove Award winning band Tenth Avenue North shared exciting news about their upcoming project. Learning to Trust, the group’s tenth full studio album, is slated to arrive on May 30. More details and pre-save information is expected soon. A partial track listing can be seen below.

The group is currently on the last two runs of The Invited Tour with Natalie Layne and Dan Bremnes (special dates). With over two decades of nearly two million albums sold, multiple Dove Awards, a Platinum and multiple Gold-certified singles, Tenth Avenue North sensed that God had something else in store for them. A farewell tour was planned in 2020 but disrupted by the global pandemic.

The four years following the break sharpened the band’s focus and God used what they thought was an end to create room for them to experience Him in a new way. Earlier this year, the band introduced their newest member, Payden Hilliard.

Nearly 50 years since the release of Fresh Surrender, a watershed album of the Jesus Music movement that proved pivotal in launching the Contemporary Christian genre, GRAMMY Award-winning sibling group The Archers return to the spotlight with “Legacy Medley,” out today from New Day Christian Distributors.

Recorded live at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center in Franklin, Tennessee, “Legacy Medley” was produced by Tim and Cynthia Archer and co-produced by Steve Archer, Michael Blanton and Janice Archer Cruse.

Revisiting five timeless selections, “Legacy Medley” highlights “Give Us This Day,” from the GRAMMY-winning compilation The Lord’s Prayer; the Andraé Crouch-penned “It Won’t Be Long”; fan favorite “Make Me An Instrument”; “I Never Knew Love,” from the group’s GRAMMY-nominated album Spreadin’ Like Wildfire; and the 1979 classic “Pickin’ Up The Pieces.”

Bringing The Archers’ captivating familial harmonies and defining pop sound back to the forefront for a new generation, “Legacy Medley” also serves as a tribute to God’s unwavering faithfulness in the lives of group members Tim Archer, Steve Archer and Janice Archer Cruse.

“I wrote ‘Pickin’ Up The Pieces’ during a particularly difficult season in my life,” Tim Archer recalls. “And while standing onstage all these years later, having recently gone through treatment for oral cancer and not knowing if I would ever be able to sing again, I was living that song as I sang it. That rough and raw emotion you hear is real.”

Janice Archer Cruse says, “‘Legacy Medley’ is a reminder of what has inspired us from the beginning—Jesus and the life change He brings to every situation. Nothing is ever more important than Him and His ability to guide and anoint the why and how of our music.”

“As you listen to ‘Legacy Medley,’ you’ll hear themes of prayer, hope, life, love and repentance,” Tim adds. “No matter what we’ve done, or how broken we’ve become, He’s right there offering hope and love with open hands. I hope this music will encourage listeners to make Christ the center of their lives.”

“Legacy Medley” marks The Archers’ New Day Christian Distributors debut, following a freshly inked exclusive agreement with the industry bulwark. “It’s such an honor to be working with New Day Distribution,” states Steve Archer. “They are the best! Thank you, Ed Leonard, for believing in our music, and when you have Dusty Wells on your team, that’s just the beautiful icing on the most delicious cake!”

“We are absolutely thrilled here at New Day Distribution to announce our partnership with the award-winning group The Archers,” says Dusty Wells, director of artist and label relations, New Day Christian Distributors. “This powerful medley brings many of their timeless hits to life once again with such heart, soul and excellence.

It’s an honor to help bring this music—rich with legacy, ministry, and impact—back into the hands of listeners everywhere. I’ve been a fan for years and I’m so very excited that our team here at New Day gets to help present this amazing music from Tim, Steve and Janice—The Archers.”

In an era where love songs often feel disposable or self-serving, The Perfect Storm’s new single “We Fell in Love” shines like a beacon of hope—a reminder that the best love stories aren’t just written by human hands, but orchestrated by something higher.

The Albany-based alt-pop rock trio are not a “Christian band,” but there’s something unmistakably spiritual about the sincerity and purity found in their latest release. “We Fell in Love” isn’t just about romance—it’s about the awe we feel when something beautiful unfolds that we didn’t see coming, the kind of moment when you realize you’ve been led, not just lucky.

“She grew up way too fast, whoa-a oh oh / I didn’t think that I was even in her class,” sings frontman James Krakat, capturing the humble disbelief that often accompanies divine blessings. The song is soaked in gratitude and wonder—emotions that resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever looked at the person beside them and thought, God, thank You.

Love as a Divine Gift: The Perfect Storm’s “We Fell in Love” Celebrates God’s Timing

Stream & Enjoy

The chorus is as simple as it is powerful:
“But there, there she was / I, I saw her / We fell in love / Oh what a love.”
It’s not flashy or overcomplicated—it’s a love song that trusts in the moment, in the still small voice that says, This is right. This is mine. That message feels like a quiet sermon for the soul.

What elevates the track beyond a typical pop-rock love song is its retro heart—the doo-wop inspired “sha na na na na” refrain isn’t just a throwback, it’s a celebration. It brings joy. It uplifts. And in a time when so much music leans toward chaos and confusion, The Perfect Storm deliver clarity and comfort through melody.

Behind the music, Matty Kirtoglou (drums, vocals) and Ethan Lynch (bass, backing vocals) create a soundscape that’s warm, steady, and grounded—like the firm foundation of a God-centered relationship. There’s harmony not just in the voices, but in the message: that sometimes love arrives not when we chase it, but when we trust and wait.

For couples looking for an anthem that speaks to both the heart and the spirit, “We Fell in Love” is that song. It reminds us that love is more than chemistry—it’s calling. More than attraction—it’s alignment. And when two people come together in love, it’s often the result of a divine appointment.

In the end, The Perfect Storm give us more than just a catchy single. They offer a reminder: love is real, it’s powerful, and when it’s right, it reflects the very nature of God—who is, after all, love itself.

–Jeff Evans

CM United proudly announces Honey Ribar as the Songwriter of the Year in their 22nd annual songwriting competition. Ribar, whose song “Earthquake (Singing Your Praises)” secured first place in the third quarter, stood out among a talented group of songwriters to receive this top honor.

This long-running annual competition, hosted by CM United via ChristianSongwriting.com, continues to spotlight and support the vibrant talent emerging within the Christian music community. Each year, the contest brings together a diverse pool of songwriters, resulting in a rich blend of artistic and spiritual expression across all categories.

22nd Annual Contest Winners:

 1st Place Winners:

 1st Qtr: Ward Tolbert – The Wood From Jesus’ Cross

 2nd Qtr: Matthew Soileau – One Light

 3rd Qtr: Honey Ribar – Earthquake (Singing Your Praises)

 4th Qtr: Jonathan Harvey – This Christmastime

 2nd Place Winners:

 1st Qtr: Erisa Rei Kopp – Face Like Flint

 2nd Qtr: Sutton Porth – Heaven Is Here

 3rd Qtr: Grant Adams – The Valley

 4th Qtr: Maria Olgerfelt – Unique

 3rd Place Winners:

 1st Qtr: Eli Klimchuk – My Jesus

 2nd Qtr: Brian Tucker – Calling Me

 3rd Qtr: Katie Flemming – Just Asking

 4th Qtr: Cindy Clark – Shout for Joy (Psalm 98)

As the 22nd Annual Songwriter of the Year, Ribar will receive a grand prize package including a comprehensive radio promotion campaign, Spotify playlist placement, a professional press release package, and a career development deal to help advance her music ministry.

Maintaining its high standards and integrity, this year’s competition was judged by a panel of respected music industry professionals: Cale Kight (artist and songwriter), John Katina and James Katina of the renowned Christian group The Katinas, and Chrissy Conway Katina, formerly of the Dove Award-nominated pop trio ZOEgirl.

Honey Ribar Named Songwriter Of The Year By CM United

Stream & Enjoy

Over the years, CM United’s contests have served as launching pads for many successful artists. Notable past participants include Jordan St. Cyr, now signed to a major label; Mark Alan Schoolmeesters, a writer for artists like Chris Tomlin and Jesus Culture; Shay Mooney, now part of the chart-topping duo Dan + Shay; and Dustin Smith, a well-known songwriter and Integrity Music artist. Other rising names include Band Reeves, a duo made up of brothers Jeramy and Cody Reeves from Palestine, Texas, who recently signed with Centricity Music.

Alumni success continues with Sam Hart, who along with his wife Christin was named the 17th Annual Songwriter of the Year. Since relocating to Nashville, Sam signed with Curb/Word Publishing and has become a producer working alongside top Christian artists. Additionally, Cale Kight, a former contestant and now a judge, has achieved multiple Billboard charting hits and collaborates regularly with top Nashville songwriters.

These ongoing stories reflect the meaningful and lasting opportunities created through CM United’s contests—platforms that not only highlight talent but actively contribute to the growth and impact of Christian songwriters across the nation.

Entries for the 23rd Annual, 2nd Quarter Songwriting Contest are now open at ChristianSongwriting.com, inviting new voices to share their music and step into the legacy of faith-filled songwriting excellence.

Grammy-winning artist and America’s worship leader Chris Tomlin’s ‘Good Friday Nashville’ sold-out Bridgestone Arena again  Friday night. As of April, Chris is now tied with Taylor Swift in the #2 ranking of artists who have headlined Bridgestone Arena (Tim McGraw is #1). The annual Good Friday Nashville event began in 2017 and has continued each year, including virtually through a worldwide stream during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

Continuing the annual tradition, Chris surprised the packed arena with five surprise guests this year! Including five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan to perform, along with multi-Dove Award winner Phil Wickham, Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music, platinum-selling Brooke Ligertwood, and best-selling author and friend Max Lucado.

Good Friday Nashville has become known for its surprise moments.  Over the years, special appearances have included Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, Lauren Daigle, CeCe Winans, Willie Robertson, and many others.

“I’m so grateful for what God is doing through Good Friday Nashville. It’s hard to believe next year will be year 10,” said Tomlin. “This has always been about the Church coming together as one — and over the years, it has been incredible to see and experience what has been built together. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for year 10!

“To everyone who joined us in the arena, tuned in on K-LOVE, and to the team, the partners, and the surprise guests — thank you,” he added. “I pray you and your family had a blessed Easter weekend.”

“Tickets for April 3, 2026, are already available … and as many of you know, they go quick — so get yours now!” Tomlin told the crowd on Friday night. “I hope you and your family will join me as we gather as a community to remember the Cross and celebrate the hope we have in Jesus.”

‘Good Friday Nashville’ is the largest ticketed Christian concert EVER at Bridgestone Arena. The event continues its reign as the longest-running annual charity-related concert at Bridgestone Arena as each year proceeds have gone back to the community. The event continues to benefit the foster care and adoption crisis through ‘For Others, ’ a non-profit organization created by Tomlin and his wife Lauren. For Others is a collective of donors, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies holistically addressing the crisis plaguing our nation’s most vulnerable through local and nationwide initiatives.

During the concert, Chris announced tickets for ‘Good Friday Nashville’ 2026 were now available and over the weekend, have already sold over 60% of the tickets. Good Friday Nashville is a moment for all the streams of the church to come together as one to remember the sacrifice and celebrate the gift of Jesus,  go to www.christomlin.com NOW for tickets.

Last week, before “Good Friday Nashville,” Chris released “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” as part of Spotify’s First Easter Singles Campaign, alongside a collaboration with Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake.

Tremendous achievements in 2024 included a record-breaking tour and the global success of the song “Holy Forever.” Tomlin recently announced a first-of-its-kind concert series taking place this year “Worship Under The Stars” inviting people to a breathtaking celebration of faith, worship, and the vast beauty of creation at hand-selected, spectacular outdoor venues -including Central Park in New York City, Red Rocks in Colorado, and Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore!

‘Good Friday Nashville’ is promoted & produced by Awakening Events who have enjoyed a 20-year touring relationship with Chris and generously donate their time, energy, and resources to this concert each year. ‘Good Friday Nashville’ is presented by K-LOVE, Air1 and WAY-FM.

Earnest Pugh, the award-winning five-octave range Gospel Balladeer, is back on top! Pugh’s latest single, “Don’t Give Up,” currently sits at the top of the Billboard Airplay and Media Base Gospel charts this week. According to Pugh, “The single challenge listeners to hold on to every promise God made to them.” Pugh came into prominence in 2008 with his breakout hit, “Rain On Us,” and has since released 17 radio singles.

His fifth No. 1 hit comes on the heels of an epic viral moment, where Pugh’s music was exposed to millions of American Idol fans as contestant Canaan James Hill masterfully sang Pugh’s rendition of “I Need Your Glory” (written by James Fortune) for the judges and Idol’s massive national viewership. The ripple effect of that moment resulted in several of Pugh’s prior CDs and singles returning to the top of iTunes/Billboard charts. “I Need Your Glory” soared to No. 1 within hours of the show’s airing.

Pugh penned “Don’t Give Up” in support of a role he played in the upcoming film, “Love Mountain,” where he portrays the character Elliot, a father of four children who are all navigating life’s ups and downs.

As the committed father, voice of reason, and counsel, Elliot made sure that the kitchen table conversations centered around the premise that “giving up is never an option!” When industry executive and CEO of Blacksmoke Films, Kerry Douglas, saw the intensity and passion of Pugh’s role in the film, he encouraged him to write a song to coincide with it. The song ended up being the lead-out single on the motion picture’s soundtrack.

2025 is shaping up to be an amazing year for the Blacksmoke artist. Plans are to release an EP titled We Wanna See You Vol. 1 (Release Date 5/30). The lead-out single, “Your Glory – 2 C U” is now available on all digital platforms.  The six-song EP is one of two sessions from the Live Recording he did in San Antonio last summer, which was produced by E. Devon Goodwin and Keith Williams.

Stay tuned for two other projects featuring Pugh this year: “Right There” (LaSha’ Knox) and “Expectancy” (The Family). He is also putting the final touches on his documentary titled “A Song in the Night.” Pugh is Executive Producer of the Docuseries and RickyB is Producer.

Bethel Music, the renowned, GRAMMY-nominated collective of worship artists and songwriters, performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show this Friday, April 18. Their Good Friday appearance featured the powerful new single, “The Church,” led by Jenn Johnson, from their latest album “WE MUST RESPOND.”

In addition to Friday’s performance, Bethel Music is gearing up for their upcoming WORSHIP & MINISTRY NIGHTS TOUR, kicking off on June 5 in Daytona Beach, FL. The 12-city circuit will feature prominent worship leaders Jenn Johnson, Paul McClure, Hannah McClure, Edward Rivera, David Funk, Kristene DiMarco, John Wilds and Emmy Rose.

Each night will include a powerful time of worship and ministry, providing moments for attendees to respond, wait on the Lord, and be unified as His people. In this sacred space, Bethel Music expects God to touch the hearts of His people and to do something extraordinary.