Chris Tomlin, who TIME magazine heralded as the “most often sung artist in the world” as 20-30 million people around the globe sing his songs in church every week, co-hosted the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards earlier this week and was honored with the 28th Dove award of his career. Tomlin received his Dove award in the Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year category for his 2021 Christmas album, Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship.
Tomlin hosted the Dove Awards, for the first time, with multi-platinum selling artist Erica Campbell, half of the Gospel duo Mary Mary. This year’s broadcast exclusively aired earlier tonight on TBN and the TBN app, Friday, October 21st, 2022 and will re-air at 10:00p.m. ET, with encore presentations on October 28th, 2022, at 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET.
Erica Campbell & Chris Tomlin \ Photo courtesy of Dove Awards
Tomlin recently shared with People.com “Viewers can look forward to not only an incredible night of celebration but also of amazing music and worship. We will get to come together and celebrate the artists who have paved the way, the artists of today, and hopefully help inspire and launch the generation to come.”
The recognition at the Dove Awards continues the tremendous success Tomlin has experienced since last fall including a CMT ‘Crossroads Christmas’ performance with Brett Young, Tomlin’s annual ‘Good Friday Nashville’ expanding globally with an exclusive live premiere on Facebook, setting a career attendance record with an unprecedented concert at Los Angeles’ Banc of California Stadium, becoming the first Christian artist to play three sets of back-to-back concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater, being selected as a one of four CMA ‘Artists of the Day’ during 2022 CMA Fest, performing a song from his new album ALWAYS on the Kelly Clarkson Show earlier this month and currently sitting in the Top 5 on the Christian chart with radio single “Always.”
In November Tomlin will launch the first of two headline concert tours out before the end of this year: the third leg of the “Tomlin UNITED Tour,” named by Pollstar as a ‘Top 10 Worldwide Tour,’ kicking off November 3 and the “Chris Tomlin X MercyMe: A Winter Tour” scheduled for Dec. 1-13.
In September Tomlin released, ALWAYS, a new full-length worship album. The project contains 13-tracks all of which were co-written by Tomlin except for the historical and beloved hymn “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” which features Steffany Gretzinger. The Tennessean claimed, “For three decades, Christian musical artist Chris Tomlin’s been as much a faith leader as a songwriter, able to parlay his faith in spirituality into influential and popular music. Via ALWAYS, his seventeenth album, he surges forward from leader to legend in the worlds of gospel and contemporary Christian music…The 17-time Christian radio chart-topper releases new music that cements his legendary status in the genre.” Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake and Lady A also appear on the album. The album’s title track is Tomlin’s current radio single and is a nod to Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” The project was produced by Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka, Bryan Fowler, Ed Cash, Jonathan Smith and Dave Haywood of Lady A co-produced “The Answer.”
The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 18th, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee to a sold-out audience. The show aired tonight, Friday, October 21st, exclusively on TBN and was simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Co-hosts Erica Campbell and Chris Tomlin led the all star night of music with performances from across the community including Gospel, Latin, hip hop and Southern Gospel.
Iconic artist CeCe Winans made Dove Awards history this year as the first Black female solo artist to win Artist of the Year. When accepting her award, instead of an acceptance speech, she sang a few lines from the hymn “To God Be The Glory,” moving many in the audience to tears. She and co-writers for “Believe For It” were also awarded Song of the Year. Throughout her incredible career, CeCe has won a staggering 25 Dove Awards including the very first New Artist of the Year award in 1988 with her brother BeBe Winans.
Credit: @Javis_Dason for 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards
For KING + COUNTRY and writer/producer Jeff Pardo led the night with three awards each with Pardo winning Producer of the Year and For KING + COUNTRY winning Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Anne Wilson took home two awards including New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “My Jesus.” See the full list of winners here.
Credit: @Javis_Dason for 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards
The theme of this year’s show was Sound of Heaven, highlighting how all the different styles of Christian and Gospel music come together under one banner of hope. “The music created by the artists assembled tonight covers a lot of ground style-wise,” said co-host Chris Tomlin, “but collectively they represent the sound of heaven.” Co-host Erica Campbell added, “We bring it all together to unite as one for the kingdom of God. One mind, one voice, giving glory to God. That’s the sound of heaven.”
Credit: @Javis_Dason for 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards
The night was packed with one-of-a-kind performances, moments of reverent worship, and joyful celebration. In a touching, personal moment, TobyMac paused before his performance of “The Goodness” with Blessing Offor to address the crowd. “Thank you for the kindness you showed me and my family as we walked through the deepest valley in losing my firstborn son. Thank you for your thoughts and thank you for your prayers. We have felt surrounded by love. And that’s what the body of Christ should feel like, so thank you. There were times I never thought I would ever write another song, much less an up-tempo song or a song that felt like joy. But God is good. He might not always give us what we want, or take away the pain, but He is right here with us. He doesn’t leave. He remains.”
Credit: @Javis_Dason for 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards
The night also included a one-of-kind Southern Gospel tribute with an all-female band including performers Karen Peck,Kim Hopper, The Nelons, and High Road, as well as a performance from Gateway Worship Español featuring Christine D’Clario, Josh Morales, Daniel Calveti, Becky Collazos and Travy Joe. Steven Curtis Chapman kicked off his performance with an exuberant look back on his 35-year career singing a mash-up of “The Great Adventure,” “Lord Of The Dance,” and “Dive.”
Credit: @terrywyattphoto for 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards
To watch the 53rd GMA Dove Awards on demand on the TBN app: CLICK HERE
Artist of the Year WINNER: CeCe Winans FOR KING + COUNTRY Maverick City Music We The Kingdom Zach Wiliams
New Artist of the Year – Presented by Cantinas Arts WINNER: Anne Wilson Blessing Offor DOE Jordan St. Cyr Ryan Ellis
Songwriter of the Year – Artist Anne Wilson Brandon Lake Chris Brown Dante Bowe Matthew West WINNER: Phil Wickham
Songwriter of the Year – Non Artist Andrew Jacob Pruis Benjamin Glover WINNER: Jason Ingram Joshua Kerr Paul Duncan
Producer of the Year Dana Sorey WINNER: Jeff Pardo Jonathan Smith Wayne Haun Tony Brown & Jonathan Jay
Song of the Year “Be Alright” (Writers) Sean Cook, Evan Craft, Willy Gonzalez WINNER: “Believe For It” (Writers) Dwan Hill, Kyle Lee, CeCe Winans, Mitch Wong “Come What May” (Writers) Darren Mulligan, Jeff Pardo “Good God Almighty” (Writers) David Crowder, Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka “Hold On To Me” (Writers) Lauren Daigle, Paul Duncan, Paul Mabury “House Of The Lord” (Writers) Jonathan Smith, Phil Wickham “Jireh” (Writers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine “Look What You’ve Done” (Writers) Tasha Layton, AJ Pruis, Keith Everette Smith, Matthew West “My Jesus” (Writers) Jeff Pardo, Matthew West, Anne Wilson “Promises” (Writers) Keila Alvarado, Joe L. Barnes, Dante Bowe, Phillip Carrington Gaines, Lemuel Marin, Aaron Moses “Rattle!” (Writers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year “House of the Lord” – Phil Wickham “In Jesus Name (God Of Possible)” – Katy Nichole WINNER: “My Jesus” – Anne Wilson “RELATE” – FOR KING + COUNTRY “Scars In Heaven” – Casting Crowns
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year “ABOVE ME” – Aaron Cole, ft. Parris Chariz “Ain’t Playin’” – Steven Malcolm, Social Club Misfits WINNER: “King Jesus” – KB, nobigdyl. “WILDIN” – Lecrae, 1K Phew “Without You” – Social Club Misfits, ft. Riley Clemmons
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year “Adulting – Live” – Jonathan McReynolds, Mali Music “Believe For It” – CeCe Winans, ft. Lauren Daigle WINNER: “Gotta Believe” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard “Sunday” – Koryn Hawthorne “When I Pray” – DOE
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year WINNER: “Breathe” – Maverick City Music, ft. DOE, Jonathan McReynolds, Chandler Moore “Goodness of God – Live” – CeCe Winans “Jesus “ – Phil Thompson “Lazarus” – Maranda Curtis “Love Song” – Travis Greene, ft. Madison Binion
Worship Recorded Song of the Year – Presented by CCLI “God, Turn It Around” – Jon Reddick WINNER: “Hymn of Heaven” – Phil Wickham “I Speak Jesus” – Charity Gayle “Jireh (Radio Version)” – Maverick City Music ft. Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine “Know You Will” – Hillsong UNITED
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year “Altogether Good – Live” – Citizens WINNER: “Higher Power” – Crowder, ft. Hulvey “i love You” – JUDAH., ft. Dante Bowe, Aaron Moses “I Need You” – Gable Price and Friends “Surviving The Game” – Skillet
Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year “A Woman – Live” – FAITHFUL, ft. Amy Grant, Ellie Holcomb WINNER: “God Is Good” – Francesca Battistelli “I’ve Got Joy” – CeCe Winans “Lift Every Voice And Sing” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard “You’re Gonna Be Ok” – Bethel Music, ft. Jenn Johnson
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year “Answer Is Jesus” – Karen Peck & New River “Child of the King” – Joseph Habedank WINNER: “My Feet Are On The Rock” – Gaither Vocal Band “Not One Word” – The Collingsworth Family “Overcome” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year “All Is Well” – Carrie Underwood “God Is Real” – The Sound “Grace And Goodness” – Sunday Drive WINNER: “In The Sweet By And By” – Dolly Parton, ft. Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley, Bradley Walker “Mamas” – Anne Wilson, ft. Hillary Scott
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year “All I Need” – Jason Nelson “All Of My Help – Live” – Ricky Dillard “Help Me” – Tamela Mann, ft. The Fellas WINNER: “My Portion” – Jekalyn Carr “Your Presence Is A Gift” – E. Dewey Smith
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year “A Ceigas” – Indieomar, Musiko “Color de Alegria” – Andy Alemany, TWICE, Samuel ASH WINNER: “Danzando” – Gateway Worship Español, ft. Daniel Calveti, Becky Collazos, Christine D’Clario, Travy Joe, Josh Morales “Júbilo” – Maverick City Música, Miel San Marcos “Mi Salvador” – Mosaic Msc
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year WINNER: No Church In A While – Lecrae, 1K Phew The End. – Trip Lee TWO UP TWO DOWN – Aaron Cole Unstoppable (United We Can) – Angie Rose UPPERHAND – indie tribe
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year Healer – Casting Crowns Milk & Honey – Crowder My Jesus – Anne Wilson Rise Up – CAIN WINNER: What Are We Waiting For? – FOR KING + COUNTRY
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year Dominion – Skillet Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart (Deluxe Edition) – Chris Renzema interrobang – Switchfoot WINNER: Into The Mystery – NEEDTOBREATHE The Joy of Being Together (Live) – Citizens
Southern Gospel Album of the Year 2:22 – Karen Peck & New River Just Sing! – The Collingsworth Family WINNER: Keeping On – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound More To The Story – The Kingsmen Something New – Legacy Five
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year WINNER: Clarity – DOE Jonny X Mail: Live in LA (Stereo) – Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition – Maverick City Music Oil + Water – Travis Greene One Touch – Jabari Johnson
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year WINNER: Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live) – Ricky Dillard God Period – E. Dewey Smith Keep Hymns Alive – Bishop Leonard Scott Quartagious (Deluxe Edition) – The Williams Singers Third Round – Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling
Gospel Worship Album of the Year Anthems & Glory (Live) – Todd Dulaney Close – Jason Nelson Die To Live – Maranda Curtis Lion Of Judah – Phil Thompson WINNER: Tribl Nights Atlanta – Tribl, Maverick City Music
Worship Album of the Year Are We There Yet? – Hillsong UNITED Homecoming (Live) – Bethel Music WINNER: Hymn of Heaven – Phil Wickham LION – Elevation Worship SEVEN (Live) – Brooke Ligertwood
Inspirational Album of the Year WINNER: Be Still & Know – Jordan Smith Beloved – Lee Black David (Original Cast Recording) – Sight & Sound Theatres One Name – Selah Sing! In Christ Alone – Live at the Getty Music Worship Conference – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year Breaking Boundaries – Sunday Drive Confessio – Irish American Roots – Keith & Kristyn Getty Country Faith Bluegrass – Various Artists WINNER: God Is Real – The Sound One On One – Gary LeVox
Spanish Language Album of the Year Fe – Ricardo Montaner Rojo – Funky Sana Nuestra Nación – Generación 12 Venga Tu Reino – Maverick City Música, Maverick City Music WINNER: Viviré – Marcos Witt
Children’s Album of the Year WINNER: Getty Kids Hymnal – Hymns from Home – Keith & Kristyn Getty, ft. The Getty Girls Sing the Bible, Vol 4 – Slugs and Bugs Worship in the World (Live) – Shane & Shane, Kingdom Kids
Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year A Family Christmas – We The Kingdom A Very Maverick Christmas – Maverick City Music WINNER: Emmanuel: Christmas Songs Of Worship (Live) – Chris Tomlin We Need Christmas – Matthew West Wonderful – CAIN
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year WINNER: Canyon – Ellie Holcomb LION – Elevation Worship Milk & Honey – Crowder Rise Up – CAIN SEVEN (Live) – Brooke Ligertwood
Short Form Music Video of the Year (Concept) Promised Land – TobyMac WINNER: RELATE – for KING & COUNTRY Sure Thing – Hillsong UNITED Surviving The Game – Skillet Weary Traveler – Jordan St. Cyr
Short Form Music Video of the Year (Performance) Christ Our King – Village Lights, ft. Sarah Kroger WINNER: Fake It – Tauren Wells, ft. Aaron Cole For God Is With Us – for KING & COUNTRY i love You – JUDAH., ft. Dante Bowe, Aaron Moses Magnetic – Newsboys
Long Form Video of the Year Live In Denver – TobyMac WINNER: What Are We Waiting For? | The Worldwide Special – for KING & COUNTRY Wild Heart Live At The Cascade Theatre – Kim Walker-Smith
Inspirational Film/Series of the Year American Underdog Blue Miracle Redeeming Love WINNER: The Chosen The Jesus Music
Select quotes from the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards:
“It’s amazing when we come together and we love each other and we stand for righteousness, it’s amazing what God will do. It’s amazing what He’s already done. But He wants to do so much more. I’m believing for God to move in this industry greater than He ever has before. The God we serve responds to faithfulness and the testimonies I’ve heard through this song have blessed my life. I want us to understand that the God of miracles is still working miracles. So keep believing.” – CeCe Winans accepting the award for Song of the Year
“I’ve been leading worship since I was 12 years old. I can’t believe God would give me a voice beyond the walls of my church to write new prayers for the church to sing. It’s just another reason to remember God’s grace and faithfulness in our lives.” – Phil Wickham accepting the award for Worship Album of the Year
“When we sing together in every language and from every nation, it’s literally the sound of heaven. It’s literally a picture of heaven because one day we’ll all be singing around the throne of heaven. It shows the beautiful diversity in the kingdom of God.” – Marcos Witt presenting the award for Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year
“This project was an intentional move to get together and collaborate with people that didn’t look like everybody else. It was an intentional opportunity for us to get together and write songs, not just hand someone a song and say here sing this. We said, let’s get together and you write what the Lord’s doing in you and I’ll write what the Lord’s doing in me and let’s put it together.” – Naomi Raine from Maverick City Music accepting the award for Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year
“This is our first Dove Award we’ve ever received. How humble we are to be mentioned alongside these other artists. This record was made with the idea that the greatest evidence of the existence of God is the changed life of a Christ follower. Thank you so much.” – Levi Mills from The Sound accepting the award for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year
“I’m so grateful for the power of songs and specifically ‘My Jesus.’ This song has impacted so many lives. A woman recently shared with me that she was struggling to continue with life. She heard ‘My Jesus’ come on the radio and decided to give her life to Jesus. That’s the power that songs have, especially songs that glorify the Lord.” – Anne Wilson accepting the award for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
Marking their debut as the flagship artist on Daywind Music Group’s newly relaunched Thoroughbred Records, bestselling bluegrass quartet Chosen Road will bow their first full-length holiday set, Appalachian Christmas, October 28. Produced by the band’s Jonathan Buckner, Zachary Alvis and Tyler Robertson, the 13-track recording is highlighted by guest turns from some of the top names in Christian and Gospel music.
Album opener “Noel” showcases the beloved voice of Southern Gospel mainstay Guy Penrod. Penned by Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Ed Cash, the popular contemporary worship anthem is reimagined in anticipatory reverence, setting the stage for a collection of classic carols and Christmas standards—all hallmarked by Chosen Road’s signature bluegrass sound.
In addition, country music icon Jimmy Fortune joins the band for The Statler Brothers’ classic “Who Do You Think”; GRAMMY®-nominated trio Point of Grace is featured on a new arrangement of Andrew Peterson’s tenderly emotive “Labor of Love”; and multi Dove Award-winner Allan Hall of Selah shares lead vocals on Chosen Road’s joyful rendition of “Light of the Stable.”
The project also features the sacred carols “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Away In A Manger,” alongside a down-home instrumental arrangement of “Sleigh Ride,” and bluegrass favorites “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” and Ralph Stanley’s “Christmas Is Near,” among other selections.
“It was so much fun to interpret these Christmas songs through the lens of bluegrass and Appalachian styles of music, and all the collaborations on the album represent very special moments with some of our musical heroes,” says Chosen Road founding member Jonathan Buckner. “We hope listeners will feel the same joy, peace and Hope that we know. There’s turmoil in the world all around us, and music is a universal language that speaks to everyone. Appalachian Christmas gives us an avenue to remind people of the Hope and joy found in the love of Jesus Christ—the greatest gift that’s ever been given.”
“We are thrilled to relaunch our Thoroughbred label with this fantastic, star-studded Christmas album by Chosen Road, our first signee to the label,” shares Ed Leonard, president, Daywind Music Group. “Their commitment to excellence in sound, touring, and ministry makes them the bellwether group for the bluegrass Gospel genre, and this album will be on the ‘must-have’ list for all lovers of Christmas music for years to come.”
Gospel recording artist Lamont Sanders was the top winner at The 7th Annual Avidity Awards, in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 14, 2022, at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education.
Hosted by social media influencers Aldren McClullar of “The Aldren Brand” and Marquis Jelks of “Church Stuff,” Sanders took home three awards for Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for “He Kept Me”.
Lamont Sanders recently charted his first Billboard Gospel Airplay No. 1 song with “He Kept Me” earlier this year. Sanders performed “He Kept Me” at this year’s Avidity Awards and also on BET’s 2022 Stellar Awards show, which aired on Aug. 7th.
The New Jersey-based crooner recently released new music with a new digital track “I’m Blessed.” The song, which is produced by Darkchild Gospel’s Fred Jerkins III is out now on all music retail outlets. Stream or download here: https://sc.lnk.to/8fVkJU
ABOUT LAMONT SANDERS:
Lamont Sanders initially launched into the music industry as an R&B artist when he landed a record deal with Interscope Records. He eventually answered the call of God and ministry and returned to his gospel roots by recording and releasing music full-time. The singer-songwriter is also CEO of Bear Tag Entertainment and is in a partnership deal with Darkchild Gospel, an Atlanta-based record label run by GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter and producer Fred Jerkins who in his storied career has written and/or produced for Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Brandy to name a few.
Powerhouse vocalist and gospel recording artist Kim Person takes home an Avidity Award for Female Artist of the Year this past weekend. The 7th Annual ceremony took place at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education in Memphis, TN.
The North Carolina native also performed her Billboard charting single “Wonderful” at the Avidity Awards and this year’s Stellar Awards Pre-Show in Atlanta. Watch her Stellar Award pre-show performance of “Wonderful” here.
On Saturday, October 8, Kim Person was honored by TCP Magazine’s Peggy Tatum as a “Hometown Hero.” Person was honored for her unselfish service to her fans, supporters, the kingdom, and the Raleigh/Durham communities which have brightened the lives of so many and propelled the community forward. She also received her Billboard Gospel Indicator #1 plaque during the October 8th event, which she held for 2 consecutive weeks earlier this year. Her radio promoter Patrick Noble Allen presented this award. During this honor Pastor, Shirley Caesar paid a tribute to congratulate Person on all her recent success.
Kim Person was nominated earlier this year for three 2022 Stellar Award nominations for Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, and Traditional Album of the Year (for Journey 2.0). Watch the “Wonderful” music video here: https://youtu.be/1Wrn6kwhw6M.
ABOUT KIM PERSON: A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, JOURNEY 2.0 is the follow-up to her 2019 album release THE JOURNEY. The album peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and in the Top 25 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart. The project earned Kim Person her first two Stellar Award nominations in 2020 for New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year.
Sensational Nigerian urban Gospel minister Ada Ehi has crossed the 100 million views milestone on Youtube with the video for the song “Only You Jesus”.
Ada Ehi becomes the second gospel artist in Africa after Sinach to attain this colossal milestone achievement. Her youtube channel has a total of well over 360,000 Million views and 1.46 Million subscribers.
She was recently was awarded the Achievers award in the UK and also won CLIMA Africa award 2022 as the best collaboration song for “Congratulations” featuring Buchi.
“Only You Jesus,” the video by Ada Ehi was released in the year 2016. The song is also included in the 2017 album titled “Future Now”. It was produced by Kelly Lyon (Spiritual Beatz), while the video was shot by Carel Films.
Watch The Video Below:
Congratulations to Ada Ehi on the 100 million views milestone!
The 7X GRAMMY® winner and Christian music titan TobyMac hit the road for The Theatre Tour with special guest Terrian to spread “the goodness” from his new album Life After Death, which was just released August 19th.
Fans on the tour’s last stop at the beautiful Carpenter Theater in downtown Richmond, Virginia experienced eight songs from the new album along with some old favorites. They were thrilled. Emotions were high as Toby shared some of the struggles from the last three years since the death of his firstborn son, and voices from the compassionate crowd yelled, “We love you, Toby!”.
The theme from the night in both Terrian’s and TobyMac’s sets seemed to be that God will always be faithful, and it was amazing to see smiles all around. Check out the joy, emotion, and the beautiful production captured in the images below by Annette Holloway.
Curb | Word Entertainment’s Sidewalk Prophets co-founders Dave Frey and Ben McDonald are proud to announce their new children’s book, The Luckiest Star, penned alongside Elizabeth Cardella Hayes. Illustrated by David Leonard, who illustrated the band’s album cover for Merry Christmas To You (Great Big Family Edition), with a forward by Paul William Young, New York Times bestselling author of The Shack, the book tells a new Christmas story families will be excited to hear for years to come. Pre-order The Luckiest StarHERE.
“The Luckiest Star was such a dream to create,” shares Frey. “Since we wrote our song ‘Hey Moon,’ I had always hoped to write an accompanying book that I could someday read to my child. Since I became a dad a couple years ago, it was finally time. I hope that it will bless your family this Christmas and all year long, as we all discover what it means to be known, loved, and made for an important purpose.”
The Luckiest Star, a true labor of love which took four years to create, edit, and execute, tells the story of Hemmy, the smallest, silliest little star in the galaxy. With his best friend, the moon, lighting his path, Hemmy sets out on a quest to find the place in the galaxy he truly belongs. A sudden encounter with the Maker at Christmastime helps Hemmy realize he was made to shine, and he soon learns his light was destined to illuminate the greatest gift the world has ever known.
McDonald adds, “This has been such a special project to collaborate on. Dave and I have been writing songs together for years, but it was really special to work creatively together in a different format. We’re so blessed to work with talented creatives like our co-author Elizabeth Cardella Hayes and our illustrator David Leonard. Every single person on the team pushed this story to new heights, and we can’t wait to share this special labor of love with the world.”
Last week, Sidewalk Prophets announced their 4th annual “Great Big Family Christmas Tour,” bringing their Great Big Family together for a time of carols, fellowship, and celebration this holiday season. Fans can look forward to creating special memories with their families as well as fun surprises and giveaways throughout the show. Like past years, each show will be in support of a local individual or organization in need, with an offering collected after the show. To date, the “Great Big Family Christmas Tour” has raised over $150K for local individuals and organizations around the country, with a goal to raise over $1M dollars in the coming years. Fans can purchase tickets HERE now.
Pre-order The Luckiest Star HERE and reach out with any other inquiries at bookinquiries@sidewalkprophets.com. Pre-order Sidewalk Prophets’ Merry Christmas To You (Great Big Family Edition) on vinyl HERE.
“Believe Again,” a new single from Alicia & Whitney, sister singer/songwriters, authors and worship leaders, is set to release to radio today, going for adds to Christian AC-formatted radio outlets.
In addition to music, the sisters host a weekly podcast titled “Coming Up Higher with Alicia & Whitney,” where their goal is to encourage others to cultivate atmospheres for God to move in everyday life. Whitney also hosts a new podcast, “The Beauty of Becoming: the Single Ladies Podcast,” meant to encourage single ladies to walk out God’s purpose for their lives. Both podcasts are available on all podcast platforms.
The sisters, who grew up in a musical family, have been singing since they were young. The death of their father when they were young adults rekindled a passion for songwriting as they worked through their grief by writing songs. It was during this time that the young women felt God urging them to go back to the core of who He created them to be and to help others come to know Him and the purpose He has for each person. Their debut album, “Core,” is a collection of songs meant to help others reflect and heal from the inside out through the love of Jesus.
In recent years, Alicia & Whitney have toured throughout the United States, sharing their ministry of music and speaking. They also have traveled internationally to Honduras, Tanzania and Israel.
In addition to writing and performing music, Whitney is an author. Her debut book, “Beauty for My Ashes,” was written to help people cope with grief in a healthy way after losing a loved one. Her second book, “Occupy While Waiting,” is a singles guide to pursuing God, purpose and healthy relationships. Alicia also has authored a book titled “Reset, Recalibrate, Restore: My Journey from Broken to Breakthrough and the Lessons I Learned Along the Way.”
The 17th edition ofThe Experience, an all-night Gospel music concert will be held live at the Tafewa Balewa Square, Lagos this year.
This was disclosed through its official social media handle. It wrote: “Nothing beats the sound of the drums, the feel of the worship, the excitement of the crowd, the shout, the dance, and the blessed moments of heartfelt expressions of love and adoration to the God who inhabits the praises of His people.
The Experience is back in TBS and God is set to do the impossible. How excited are you? Show us with an emoji”
Recall that The Experience was unable to hold its concert physically in 2020 and 2021 but virtually due to restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. However, there’s a great turnaround and everyone is excited about this.
Convened by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of House On The Rock, Lagos, Nigeria, the inception of this event started on 1st December 2006 with an attendance of about 40,000 people and has since grown exponentially to hundreds of thousands of worshippers, making it arguably the largest Gospel concert in the world.
It is highly anticipated by Christians and non-Christians alike, and it averages an annual attendance of over 500,000 people at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Nigeria, with masses more watching online from all over the globe, creating a digital footprint in all 7 continents of the world.
The concert features exceptional Gospel music from some of the most celebrated, international, and indigenous recording artists of our time. Some of the world-renowned, award-winning, international, and Nigerian gospel artists who have graced The Experience stage including Chevelle Franklyn, Don Moen, Donnie McClurkin, Gabriel Eziashi, Hezekiah Walker, Israel Houghton, Micah Stampley, Nathaniel Bassey, Sonnie Badu, Todd Dulaney, Travis Greene, Tye Tribbett, William McDowell, Yolanda Adams, Chioma Jesus, Chee, Eben Eno Michael, Frank Edwards, Mercy Chinwo, Sinach, Tope Alabi and many more.
