On October 11th, Naomi Raine launched “Journey: The Docuseries,” a seven-part behind-the-scenes look at the GRAMMY, Billboard Music, Dove and Stellar Award-winning artist’s life and her process of self-discovery while creating her incredible solo album ‘Journey’ (7.8 via TRIBL Records). Parts two and three are both available now on her YouTube channel. The episodes will continue to roll out weekly over the next month, as well as acoustic performance videos for each song on her recently-released ‘Journey: Acoustic Sessions’ (10.5).

Part two of the engaging new docuseries focuses on her powerful track “World On Fire” featuring Ryan Avery, a song that offers hope in a world filled with painful experiences and disheartening headlines. Naomi highlights her mindset while creating the song and gives an inside look at how the song morphed between inception and release. She discusses how to deal with long-term pain, accepting “what is,” the fear of embarrassment that comes with the truth and more.

Part three highlights the creative process behind “Paper Plates,” which sees Naomi living in the moment and putting her value in the experiences in her life rather than spending time worrying about material possessions. In the episode, Naomi talks about being real with God, choosing love over fear, telling her personal truth openly and more, while showing snippets of the recording process with producer Adale Jackson.

Naomi is set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on October 29th. Her song “Jireh,” written for Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music, was nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s GMA Dove Awards, which took place last Tuesday.

Fair Trade Services is celebrating multiple stand-out Dove Award wins for both CeCe Winans and Phil Wickham during the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards.  The two artists took home awards in the coveted categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year (Artist), Worship Album of the Year and Worship Song of the Year.

In front of a live audience at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, TN., Winans was presented with Song of the Year for “Believe For It” and Artist of the Year, raising her career Dove Award tally to 29. Additionally, Winans made history becoming the first African American female to win Artist of the Year.

“All I wanted for this record was for it to touch the hearts of people so they would be encouraged and filled with hope,” said Winans. “But its success far exceeded all that I could have imagined. To God be the glory!”

Award-winning artist, songwriter, and worship leader Phil Wickham took home three Dove awards for Worship Song of the Year (“Hymn of Heaven), Worship Album of the Year (Hymn of Heaven) and Song-Writer of the Year (Artist).

“Floored once again by God’s grace and kindness that I even get to do this,” remarked Wickham. “What a joy and privilege it is to write new songs for the church to sing, and to do it alongside this beautiful family/community. Thank you Jesus for giving me reason and purpose, a future Hope and a present joy. You are and will forever be the center of my song.”

The GMA Dove Awards were taped live in Nashville, TN, on October 18th, 2022 and aired exclusively on TBN and the TBN app October 21st.  An encore presentation aired on October 28th, 2022 at 8:00p.m. ET and 10:00p.m. ET.

1K Phew & Lecrae won the coveted Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year Award at The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards for their collaborative album, No Church In A While, released December 3, 2021, on Reach Records.

1K Phew accepted the award for himself and Lecrae backstage as the “Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of The Year Award” w previously announced this year. In addition to their big win, Reach Records label mate Hulvey also won a Dove Award in the Rock Contemporary Recorded Song Of The Year category for his feature on Crowder’s “Higher Power.”

While Lecrae has won countless awards in his illustrious career, this Dove Award, represents a second for 1K Phew who won in the same category at the 37^th Annual Stellar Awards. Their collaborative album, No Church In A While, released December 3, 2021, on Reach Records, featured ten tracks, including “Wildin,” “Ready Or Not,” “Move It,” “One Call,” “What We Gon Do,” “Amen,” “Blockhead,” “Born Sinner,” “Save Us,” and the title track.

The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, co-hosted by Erica Campbell and Chris Tomlin, were handed out on October 18th, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee. See the complete list of winners here. This year’s broadcast aired exclusively on TBN and the TBN app on Friday, October 21st, 2022. To watch the 53rd GMA Dove Awards on demand on the TBN app: CLICK HERE. In addition, the entire awards show audio broadcast includes exclusive backstage interviews with winners, performers, and presenters from SiriusXM The Message only in the SXM App: CLICK HERE. Tune in for the encore presentation on October 28th, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. ET and10:00 p.m. ET.

Today, successful independent label Black Smoke Music Worldwide announces its distribution and label partnership with Motown Gospel and Capitol CMG’s Re:Think. Led by Founder & CEO Kerry Douglas, Black Smoke Music Worldwide is already making way for the release of new music from 11-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike, Jr. with the infectious new radio anthem, “Impossible” feat. James Fortune.

“I am elated to be an architect in bringing forth the ‘new deal’ in Gospel music,” says Kerry Douglas. “The music industry is ever-changing; it’s no longer business as usual. This alliance with Capitol CMG—the world’s largest Christian music company—and Motown Gospel—a name synonymous with legendary hitmakers—affords us the opportunity to give wings to our vision, propelling it to the next level and beyond.”

In addition to his label group, Douglas is also an in-demand promotions consultant who has also muscled countless hit songs to the top of the Billboard Gospel Airplay charts, including recent Maverick City Music’s “Jireh” and BeBe Winans’ “He Promised Me.”

“Black Smoke Worldwide has ascended to become one of the most influential independent labels in Gospel music,” shares Phil Thornton, SVP, Capitol CMG. “Kerry Douglas has built an inspiring brand the last two decades. We’re excited to partner with Black Smoke Worldwide for Pastor Mike Jr’s forthcoming release and exploring new business verticals together.”

The historic partnership is also the first formal collaboration between the Motown Gospel and RE:Think divisions of Capitol CMG, demonstrating the significant potential that the faith-based market leader sees in its new partner.

EJ Gaines and Monica Coates, Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel, share, “For decades, Kerry Douglas has led the charge on some of the biggest songs in gospel music. We believe that the iconic Motown Gospel label and our best-in-class team at Re:Think are perfectly suited to serve the needs of Black Smoke and Pastor Mike, Jr. in this next chapter.”

Capitol CMG artist and songwriter Anne Wilson took home two awards at the 53rd annual GMA Dove Awards for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for her breakthrough single “My Jesus.” Making a splash at her first-ever Dove Awards appearance, the evening brought Wilson’s touching performance of “My Jesus” to center stage. Wilson then enlisted the help of Hillsong Worship’s Brooke Ligertwood for a poignant rendition of “What A Beautiful Name” in honor of her late brother, Jacob Wilson, as his photos filled the screen behind her. The Dove Awards aired worldwide on TBN on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, fans who missed Friday night’s show can catch it on TBN’s YouTube channel or on the TBN app.

“I never imagined I’d be here tonight, standing on this stage and getting to be among all of you incredible artists,” Wilson shared in her emotional New Artist of the Year acceptance speech. “I want to thank my sweet brother in heaven who has inspired me. That’s why I do what I do, to honor Jacob, and I’m so grateful.”

While accepting her New Artist of the Year Award, Wilson also thanked “My Jesus” co-writer and mentor Matthew West and announced their continued partnership. West will oversee Wilson’s management as the founder of Story House Collective, alongside Crowd Surf’s co-founder Jade Driver, who will assist in a strategic management capacity.

The coveted Dove Award wins come on the heels of a recent announcement of Wilson’s first-ever American Music Award nomination for Favorite Inspirational Artist. The 2022 American Music Awards will air live from Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. EST/PST on ABC.

Wilson’s new single “Hey Girl,” which Billboard notes “further heightens her country ties” is an uplifting, energetic anthem connecting with fans across the country. Since its release, “Hey Girl” hit No. 1 on the TikTok Country playlist with 8.2M views on TikTok. Wilson had a multitude of fans join her for the making of the official “Hey Girl” music video, which was released in September, in support of the “Hey Girl” movement. Wilson has now launched “Hey Girl Nation” as a community for her fans to connect, encourage self confidence and remind members of their self-worth.

Expanding upon her record breaking year, the artist with “unmistakable strength and unique country flair” (American Songwriter) readies to release her first book My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope from Thomas Nelson on Oct. 25. Drawing from her personal experiences of tragedy and loss, Wilson shares her detailed path to healing in this book that she hopes will help those going through similar experiences. You can catch Wilson live on tour opening as direct support for Casting Crowns this fall, and Phil Wickam later this year.

Story House Collective proudly announces they have signed Anne Wilson to a management deal and brought in Crowd Surf as a strategic management partner led by company co-founder, Jade Driver. Story House Collective is a multifaceted company born out of Matthew West’s desire to impact culture by incubating and championing the next generation of storytellers, creatives and artists whose mission is to bring hope to a hurting world through music, books, film and other creative outlets.

Wilson made the announcement Friday night (10/21) during her GMA Dove Awards acceptance speech for New Artist of the Year. Her breakout hit “My Jesus” was named Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year where she and West united alongside co-writer Jeff Pardo to accept the award.

“Our Story House team is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with an artist as remarkable as Anne,” exclaims West. “I’ve been a believer in her since our very first writing session a few years ago. She’s the real deal. Her talent is undeniable, her story is powerful, and her mission is clear. We are honored to serve her artistic vision and beyond excited to help plot the course for even bigger and better things ahead for her.”

“I’m so excited to announce that I’ve signed with Story House Collective,” shares Wilson. “I’ve been blown away by their expertise but also their love for Jesus. So grateful for their hard work and all that’s to come! God is good!”

The pairing is a natural fit as West has served as a mentor to and co-writer with Wilson as she has navigated her breakout year. In addition to writing her hit “My Jesus” together, they also collaborated on West’s latest number one song “Me On Your Mind” and released a duet version of the track this Summer – listen here.

American Idol finalist and fan favorite Colton Dixon made his OPRY debut this past weekend, receiving two standing ovations, blowing the singer-songwriter away, in the midst of a night that was a dream come true.

“This is crazy, my heart is pounding out of my chest standing on the original stage,” he remarked. “This is a lot to take in!”

Dixon performed a medley with “I’ll Fly Away/Made to Fly,” “Let Them See You,” and of course his current No. 1 smash “Build A Boat,” which is surpassing one million weekly streams. The song is quickly becoming the biggest success story Dixon’s career, and as referenced in a new Religion News Service article, is “launching the Idol alum to new heights.”

With incredible increases in spin rotation each week, the track is currently spending its fifth week at No. 1 on the Billboard’s AC Indicator chart, hit No. 1 on Mediabase Christian AC this week, rose to No. 2 on Billboard’s AC Monitored chart,  and is at number 4 with a bullet on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart – with no signs of slowing down.

PEOPLE.com exclusively premiered the studio performance video for  “Build A Boat,” which also launched Dixon’s partnership with Mercy Ships and the Build A Boat campaign. Designed to raise awareness, support and inspire fans to volunteer abroad with Mercy Ships, fans can go to www.coltondixon.com/buildaboat to watch the story and learn more about how they can “go, send, or share” to make a difference. Dixon unveiled the official studio acoustic performance video for recently as well, which can be seen on Dixon’s YouTube channel.

World Vision presents Winter Jam Tour, hosted by Newsong & produced by Premier Productions, Christian music’s biggest tour, is back for 2023 with headliners We the Kingdom and Jeremy Camp and a solid lineup of acts including Andy Mineo, Disciple, Austin French, NewSong and featuring for the first time Dove Award-winning new artist of the year Anne Wilson.

“I can’t wait for Winter Jam 2023,” said Eddie Carswell, Co-Founder of NewSong Ministries & Winter Jam. “I’m so excited about the lineup this year. I think it’s one of my all time favorites. I’m excited to have some people we haven’t toured with as much like We The Kingdom, Anne Wilson, and Disciple. Also, it’s always great to be back with long time friends like Jeremy Camp, Austin French and my ping pong buddy Andy Mineo. Bring your youth group, your family, your friends; these will be nights you don’t want to miss!”

We The Kingdom will join Winter Jam following their Fall 2022 tour and the release of their new namesake album We The Kingdom. The band received the awards for Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Holy Water at the 2021 GMA Dove Awards and is known for #1 songs like “Holy Water” and “God So Loved.”

“We are SO incredibly excited to announce that we are going to be a part of Winter Jam 2023,” said We the Kingdom. “Several of us grew up going to Winter Jam – what a powerful time to unify together and let the love and hope of God be poured out in the room over every heart each night. We are so looking forward to getting to play some new songs off our new record as well as some familiar ones. Every single artist or band on this roster is incredible and we are so excited to get to partner together with them. Thank you, Winter Jam, for having us – we could not be more grateful. We’ll see YOU out there this winter! Let the party begin!”

Jeremy Camp is a chart-topping, Grammy-nominated artist with 40 number one hits. He is known for songs like “I Still Believe,” “Walk By Faith” and current hit “Keep Me In The Moment” and is the subject of the 2020 inspirational biopic I Still Believe. Jeremy joins the tour following the release of his 2021 album When You Speak and his Fall 2022 tour.

“I always look forward to touring with many of my favorite bands on Winter Jam,” said Jeremy Camp. “The community that Winter Jam provides and cultivates is always encouraging to my group and I love that their heart for the Gospel and reaching people are always front and center of what they do!”

Winter Jam kicks off this year’s tour on January 13th in Tampa, FL and will hit a total of 40 cities around the country including, Columbus, OH; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; St. Louis, MO; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; before heading to the northwest for the first time in five years with stops in Boise, ID; Tacoma, WA; Portland, OR, and Spokane, WA.

Winter Jam’s Pre-jam party will be led by Thrive Worship, Sean Be and RENEE. Pastor and author Zane Black will be the speaker. No tickets are needed and admission is $15 at the door.

Created and hosted by one of Christian music’s most beloved bands, NewSong, Winter Jam exploded from a single show in 1995 to become Christian music’s benchmark tour. Throughout two decades, Winter Jam has helped provide a powerful platform for the Gospel in major arenas nationwide, consistently showcasing the genre’s top artists.

Curb | Word Entertainment’s Francesca Battistelli earned the GMA Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for “God Is Good” at the 53^rd Annual GMA Dove Awards, which aired exclusively on TBN and the TBN app on October 21. The win marks Battistelli’s 7^th career GMA Dove Award win. Listen to the winning track HERE.

“It’s always an honor to win a Dove, but it’s extra special when it’s for a song that means so much to me,” shares Battistelli. “I’m thankful to see that ‘God Is Good’ has impacted others in a meaningful way and excited to see how the Lord continues to use it!”

“God Is Good,” which was Battistelli’s first new music offering since her second full length Christmas album, This Christmas, can also be found in God’s Not Dead; We the People, a film released in 2021 in which Battistelli has a starring role.

Battistelli also shares of the song, “The last few years have shown me that no one is immune to difficult times. They are actually promised for the believer. Having a song to point to as a reminder of God’s faithfulness is helpful, and this song in particular has been a huge comfort when ‘tears fall.’ I hope you are encouraged that no matter what you’re facing today, if you’re in Christ, it’s all for His glory and your ultimate good. What a promise! God is always good.”

This Christmas season, fans can catch Battistelli on NewSong’s “The Very Merry Christmas & More Tour” – find more information HERE. Fans can also hear her alongside Sanctus Real on current radio single, “Won’t Let Me Go” – listen to the single HERE.

Reigning Southern Gospel Artist of the Year Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s Keeping On won the 2022 GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year. Produced by Wayne Haun, Kris Crunk and Brian Eads, Keeping On was released in July 2021 from StowTown Records. The album of mostly original songs offers listeners a source of encouragement during trying times.

“I’m thrilled that Keeping On won the Dove Award for Southern Gospel Album of the Year! I’m delighted for my teammates, for our amazing production team and, most of all, that this recording has impacted so many people,” exclaimed Haase. “It’s not our job to remind people how bad the culture is today. It’s our job to remind them that ‘God can be trusted, and there is nothing that takes Him by surprise. You aren’t forsaken, so don’t be shaken. Just lift up your eyes… and Keep On Keeping On!’”

JubileeCast lauded, “Ernie Haase and Signature Sound’s Keeping On returns to the Big Band days where saloon crooners such as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra reigned the airwaves. A time when the lush orchestration of strings and the brassy blast of horns and trumpets were the accompanying sound. Keeping On is a time capsule back in time.”

American Songwriter praised the title track’s “glistening production and pounding percussion,” noting that Ernie Haase & Signature Sound “seem to reach into a deeper creative well than ever before” with Keeping On. Parade described “Good to Be Home,” the album’s second release, as a “head-bobbing, smile-inducing trip through nostalgia.”

Keeping On’s track listing also includes “Overcome,” which received a 2022 GMA Dove nomination for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. The radio single was written by Sunset Gallery Music songwriters Aaron Stewart, Jason Davidson and Jeff Bumgardner.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound followed Keeping On with Decades of Love. From the Beatles to the Bee Gees to Bublé, the group serenades listeners on the 29-song, two-CD recording. In support of the new release, they recently embarked on the Decades of Love Tour, featuring a two-hour, two-act musical revue. For tickets and more information, visit ErnieHaase.com.

Keeping On also received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Roots Gospel album. This marked Haase’s ninth GRAMMY nomination individually and the group’s fourth collective nomination. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound remains a radio favorite in the United States and internationally as well as a leader in CD sales and long-form music video sales with several RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum DVDs.