Category: NEWS

Billboard Music Awards Announces 2024 Finalists

The Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), one of the most anticipated nights in music, announced that FOX, Paramount+, and Amazon’s Fire TV Channels will all air the 2024 show in a first-of-its-kind multi-distribution broadcast, bringing access to the star-studded annual event to fans like never before.

This groundbreaking, multichannel partnership will deliver to an expansive audience across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms.

Hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau, the 2024 BBMAs presented by Marriott Bonvoy airs on Thursday, December 12 at 8:00pm ET/PT on FOX and Fire TV Channels, and on-demand on Paramount+, with performances also rolling out across Billboard.com, and via BBMAs and Billboard social channels.

The BBMAs honors the year’s biggest artists, albums, songs, producers and songwriters across multiple genres, as determined by year-end performance metrics on the Billboard charts, the music industry’s ultimate authority and data-driven measure of success. Nominees for relevant Christian and Gospel music categories are below. Congratulations to all the nominees!

Top Christian Artist

Lauren Daigle

Elevation Worship

Forrest Frank

Brandon Lake

Anne Wilson

Top Gospel Artist

Kirk Franklin

Maverick City Music

Chandler Moore

Naomi Raine

CeCe Winans

Top Christian Song

Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore “Praise”

Forrest Frank “GOOD DAY”

Josiah Queen “The Prodigal”

Seph Schlueter “Counting My Blessings”

Tauren Wells with We The Kingdom & Davies “Take It All Back”

Top Gospel Song

Koryn Hawthorne “Look at God”

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine “God Problems”

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard “In the Room”

Victor Thompson X Gunna feat. Ehis ‘D’ Greatest “THIS YEAR (Blessings)”

CeCe Winans “That’s My King”

Top Christian Album

Elevation Worship, CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Forrest Frank, CHILD OF GOD

Brandon Lake, COAT OF MANY COLORS

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02

Katy Nichole, Jesus Changed My Life

Top Gospel Album

Kirk Franklin, Father’s Day

Koryn Hawthorne, On God

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02

CeCe Winans, More Than This

Naomi Raine, Cover The Earth: Live in New York

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Pastor Isabella Announces a Triple Release of 3 New Books on Worship and Prayer

We are thrilled to announce the release of three powerful new books by Pastor Isabella as follows:

Teach Me How to Pray
Simple and Creative Ways to Enhance Your Personal Prayer Life

Understand the Assignment – Volume One
The Calling, Office and Ministry of a Worship Minister

Sharpening The Arrow 
A 31-Day Journey to Transformative Worship Leadership

In a world filled with distractions and spiritual apathy, these books are tools to cultivating an authentic and integral relationship with God through prayer and worship. With scriptural references, deep insight and practical wisdom, the books invite readers to:

* Rediscover the power of prayer and worship through fresh perspectives
* Strengthen personal relationship with the Holy Spirit
* Enrich worship experiences by understanding the heart of true devotion.
* Overcome spiritual stagnation and embrace a life of vibrant faith.
* Create intentional moments with God in everyday life.

Whether a new or seasoned Believer, these books will inspire greater faith, better understanding, and deeper intimacy with God.

All three books are available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon.

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Sony Music West Africa Signs Gospel Sensation, Onos Ariyo

Sony Music West Africa (SMWA) is delighted to announce the historic signing of gospel artist and worship minister, Onos Ariyo. The partnership, celebrated as a groundbreaking milestone, marks Onos as the first gospel artist to join the SMWA roster.

The official signing announcement was made during a press conference held at the Sony Music Lagos offices on Saturday, November 23. The event brought together representatives from various media outlets, key members of Sony Music’s West Africa team, and the management of Onos. It served as a momentous occasion to underscore Sony Music’s commitment to embracing diverse musical genres and talent.

Oluwaseun “Banko” Lloyd, General Manager of Sony Music West Africa, delivered an inspiring opening address. He highlighted the timeliness of the partnership, emphasizing the synergy between Onos’ powerful music ministry and Sony Music’s vision for elevating African talent on a global stage. “This alliance holds immense promise for success, and we are excited to embark on this journey with Onos,” he said.

An elated Onos Ariyo expressed her gratitude and excitement at becoming the first gospel artist to sign with Sony Music West Africa. “This is a humbling and historic milestone for me and for the gospel music industry,” she shared. “Revealing Jesus through music has always been my passion, and I’m grateful for the journey God has taken me on since my debut single in 2009. With this partnership, I look forward to even greater things ahead.”

Known for her critically acclaimed song “Alagbara” and a music career spanning over a decade, Onos Ariyo has released five studio albums and one EP. She now joins an exciting list of renowned music ministers, including Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Kierra Sheard, Mali Music and Koryn Hawthorne, among others, signed to Sony Music labels.

Her music ministry has inspired and touched lives globally, cementing her as one of Africa’s most respected gospel artists.

The partnership between Sony Music West Africa and Onos Ariyo signals a new chapter in the gospel music industry, as both parties aim to amplify her ministry and reach new audiences across the globe.

About:

Onoriode Ebiere Ariyo, professionally known as Onos Ariyo, is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and worship minister renowned for her impactful music and heartfelt lyrics. She gained widespread recognition for her critically acclaimed song “Alagbara,” written and produced by Nigerian music producer, Wilson Joel.

Her ministry has touched lives across the globe, earning her a place among the Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in September 2018.

Onos was born in Delta State, Southern Nigeria, where she completed her primary and secondary education. She later pursued higher education at Delta State University, Abraka, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in French. Her journey into music began in her early years, singing in choirs and musical groups during her primary school days.

This passion continued to grow, culminating in her move to Lagos in 2004, where she began recording her first official single, “Dance” produced by FLO.

Over the years, Onos has established herself as a leading voice in the gospel music scene, delivering soul-stirring performances and releasing numerous projects that resonate with audiences worldwide. She continues to inspire and uplift through her music, which remains a beacon of faith and hope.

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Jekalyn Carr Celebrates 10 Years Of Ministry

Waynorth Music celebrates a decade of chart-topping hits and life-changing moments by GRAMMY-nominated triple-threat, Jekalyn Carr.

Jekalyn Carr marks a momentous milestone as she celebrates 10 years in the music industry, all this coming on the heels of a brand-new Billboard and Mediabase Gospel number one single, “You Carried Me.” Carr’s entire decade of chart-topping success has been backed by her independent family-owned label, WayNorth Music.

Since her debut at just 15 years old, Carr has captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and unwavering message of faith and hope. Now, a decade later, she continues to reach new heights as an artist and an inspiration, celebrating a career that has broken records and touched lives across the globe.

Jekalyn Carr Celebrates 10 Years Of Ministry

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Carr is the youngest artist in the gospel music industry to have stayed at the top of the charts for an entire decade, including accomplishing nine #1 Billboard hit radio singles for an entire decade: “You Will Win,” “You’re Bigger,” “It’s Yours,” “Changing Your Story,” “Jehovah Jireh,” “My Portion,” “I Believe God,” “Live Again,” and “You Carried Me.”

From the start, Carr’s journey has been defined by her commitment to faith and authenticity. Her debut single, “Greater is Coming,” quickly climbed the charts, and earning her, her first Stellar Gospel Music Award, solidifying her place in gospel music and setting the stage for a remarkable career that has seen multiple #1 songs, chart-topping albums, and national television appearances.

Her distinctive voice and message have resonated far beyond traditional gospel circles, earning her fans across all walks of life and a reputation as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary gospel.

Reflecting on this milestone, Carr shared, “These past 10 years have been such a blessing, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the love and support I’ve received. It’s been my joy to share God’s message with people around the world, and I’m looking forward to what He has in store for the next chapter.”

Carr can also be heard weekdays on Atlanta’s Praise 102.5 as the host of her midday show “Jekalyn Carr Family Affair Show.”

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Anthony Evans & Tasha Layton Set To Perform At Candlelight Christmas Celebration In Nation’s Capital

Museum of the Bible and the Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced today their premiere candlelight Christmas celebration “Everlasting Light: Singing the Story of Christmas.” Five performances will be held at Museum of the Bible’s World Stage Theater December 19-21, 2024. These special events will be an enchanting candlelight celebration of Christmas just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building.

In the tradition of a candlelight Christmas service, “Everlasting Light: Singing the Story of Christmas” will include a tapestry of timeless Christmas carols and hymns from artists Anthony Evans and Tasha Layton and elevated by a world-class orchestra, band, and the Indiana Wesleyan University Chorale led by Davy Chinn. Songs have been arranged by world-renowned orchestrator and producer Phillip Keveren and Jared Haschek in partnership with PraiseCharts.

“At a time when so many in our country are yearning more than ever for peace and goodwill, this will be a can’t-miss chance to recapture the spirit of Christmas. Families are invited to come together to sing the greatest songs of Christmas, old and new, that bring generations together to honor what Christmas is truly about.

They will hear the words of Scripture brought to life by world-class singers and musicians, bringing the timeless and sacred Christian tradition to the heart of our nation’s capital at the height of the Christmas season,” said Garrett Hinton, chief revenue officer at Museum of the Bible. “We invite people everywhere to come experience this precious opportunity to make memories that will last through the years.”

Museum of the Bible’s World Stage Theater seats 476 people, making every seat feel like you’re in the VIP section. The theater’s new 3D-mapping technology turns the inside into a digital canvas for a uniquely immersive experience.

For more than a decade, Anthony Evans has voiced the Gospel with a melodic, thought-provoking style that has emerged him as one of Christian Music’s premiere male vocalists, songwriters, and worship leaders.

His time in Los Angeles with NBC’s hit show The Voice led him to think more progressively about his music–without compromising his faith and message, Anthony wants to speak in terms that connect with people spiritually, no matter where they are at in their faith journey. Anthony’s groundbreaking, Billboard #1 album Back To Life features unconventional, stereotype-shattering production and is a much needed breath of fresh air within modern worship.

Since first captivating radio audiences in 2020, Tasha Layton has become one of Christian music’s most celebrated artists. Her 2022 full-length debut, How Far, features the back-to-back #1 hits “Look What You’ve Done” and the title-cut, as well as her breakthrough single “Into The Sea (It’s Gonna Be OK).” Named one of Billboard’s Top 5 female Christian artists in 2020 and 2021, Layton has been spotlighted on ABC’s GMA3:

What You Need To Know; made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022; and was featured on TobyMac’s 32-city Hits Deep arena tour earlier this year. Host of the K-LOVE OnDemand series Boundless, based on her prayer journal of the same name, Layton is also the author of Look What You’ve Done: The Lies We Believe & The Truth That Sets Us Free, published from K-LOVE Books.

“Everlasting Light: Singing the Story of Christmas” will run at the World Stage Theater December 19-21, 2024, with evening shows on all three days and matinée shows on Friday and Saturday. Tickets range from $35-$85; for tickets, those interested may visit the event site.

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CMA Country Christmas To Feature Amy Grant, Cece Winans, For KING + COUNTRY

’Tis the holiday season! The Country Music Association and ABC have revealed this year’s hosts and performers for its 15th annual holiday television special, “CMA Country Christmas.” Hosted by Country Music stars Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, “CMA Country Christmas” airs Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8/7c on ABC and next day on Hulu and Disney+. Catch a sneak peek of this year’s “CMA Country Christmas”.

Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the festive special showcases one-of-a-kind musical performances of Christmas classics from Country Music’s biggest stars. Returning co-hosts Grant and Yearwood take the stage and perform “Sing Your Praise To The Lord” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

Grant also takes the stage to perform “Tennessee Christmas” and Yearwood delivers a fun and festive Christmas medley. Alongside the night’s hosts, the lineup includes 

for KING + COUNTRY with Carin León (“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”), Cody Johnson (“White Christmas“) and (“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”), Ashley McBryde and Brittney Spencer (“Man With The Bag”), Jon Pardi (“400 Horsepower Sleigh”) and CeCe Winans (“Joy To The World”).

“CMA Country Christmas” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Milton Sneed is the Director and Jon Macks is the Writer.

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Amy Grant Is Ringing In The Holiday Season

For Six-Time GRAMMY-winner AMY GRANT, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year but also the busiest time of the year. Grant completed her fall tour last week, was a featured artist along with Sheryl Crow on No Small Endeavor’s Live Event at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and now turns her attention to numerous Holiday Season events.

Grant will once again co-host “CMA Country Christmas” with Trisha Yearwood.  The show will air Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8/7c on ABC and next day on Hulu and Disney+.  Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the festive special showcases one-of-a-kind musical performances of Christmas classics from Country Music’s biggest stars, including Grant and Yearwood taking the stage to perform “Sing Your Praise To The Lord” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”

Grant also performs “Tennessee Christmas.”  The lineup includes for KING & COUNTRY with Carin León (“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”), Cody Johnson (“White Christmas“) and (“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”), Ashley McBryde and Brittney Spencer (“Man With The Bag”), Jon Pardi (“Horsepower Sleigh”) and CeCe Winans (“Joy To The World”).

amygrantcmachristmas

Grant is also hosting ABC Audio’sWhen I Think Of Christmas Holiday Special, running over Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas week. The special features the all the best new holiday music from artists like Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay and Megan Moroney, plus old favorites and songs from Grant and Vince Gill’s new holiday albumWhen I Think of Christmasa treasury of seasonal songs that capture the spirit of their much-loved “Christmas at the Ryman” concerts. 

In addition, stars like Parker McCollum, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Chris Janson, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson and Thomas Rhett will be sharing memories and thoughts on holiday decorating, gifts, traditions, music and more!

Starting this Friday, November 29 through December 21, Grant and Gill will once again bring one of the most successful residencies in the history of Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry), “Christmas at the Ryman” which has presented over 100 shows in front of nearly a quarter-million people.

whenithinkofchristmas

Grant will also once again be joining Nashville’s Lipscomb University to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its traditional start to the holiday season with beloved the annual Lighting of the Green. This year’s edition is set for Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena Mall. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with the FREE concert to follow at 6 p.m.

Grant and Gill have hit the media circuit this fall as well in support of When I Think of Christmassharing fun stories and traditions with Entertainment Tonight, American Songwriter and USA TODAY.  They’ll also be featured in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE magazine.

Wrapping up all things holiday-media, Grant is also this year’s guest artist for SXM Disney Hits “Be Our Guest,” airing the week of December 2nd, as well as for the popular podcast Songcraft: Spotlight on Songwriter’s annual holiday episode.

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Billboard Music Awards Announces 2024 Finalists

The Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), one of the most anticipated nights in music, announced that FOX, Paramount+, and Amazon’s Fire TV Channels will all air the 2024 show in a first-of-its-kind multi-distribution broadcast, bringing access to the star-studded annual event to fans like never before. This groundbreaking, multichannel partnership will deliver to an expansive audience across broadcast, streaming and digital platforms.

Hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau, the 2024 BBMAs presented by Marriott Bonvoy airs on Thursday, December 12 at 8:00pm ET/PT on FOX and Fire TV Channels, and on-demand on Paramount+, with performances also rolling out across Billboard.com, and via BBMAs and Billboard social channels.

The BBMAs honors the year’s biggest artists, albums, songs, producers and songwriters across multiple genres, as determined by year-end performance metrics on the Billboard charts, the music industry’s ultimate authority and data-driven measure of success. Nominees for relevant Christian and Gospel music categories are below. Congratulations to all the nominees!

Top Christian Artist

Lauren Daigle

Elevation Worship

Forrest Frank

Brandon Lake

Anne Wilson

Top Gospel Artist

Kirk Franklin

Maverick City Music

Chandler Moore

Naomi Raine

CeCe Winans

Top Christian Song

Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore “Praise”

Forrest Frank “GOOD DAY”

Josiah Queen “The Prodigal”

Seph Schlueter “Counting My Blessings”

Tauren Wells with We The Kingdom & Davies “Take It All Back”

Top Gospel Song

Koryn Hawthorne “Look at God”

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine “God Problems”

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard “In the Room”

Victor Thompson X Gunna feat. Ehis ‘D’ Greatest “THIS YEAR (Blessings)”

CeCe Winans “That’s My King”

Top Christian Album

Elevation Worship, CAN YOU IMAGINE?

Forrest Frank, CHILD OF GOD

Brandon Lake, COAT OF MANY COLORS

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02

Katy Nichole, Jesus Changed My Life

Top Gospel Album

Kirk Franklin, Father’s Day

Koryn Hawthorne, On God

Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol 02

CeCe Winans, More Than This

Naomi Raine, Cover The Earth: Live in New York

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[Download] Plans – Sarah Reeves

Singer-songwriter Sarah Reeves made her feature film debut in God’s Here, a recently released family drama about faith, forgiveness, and new beginnings. In addition to her onscreen role, she composed the film’s five-song soundtrack. “Plans” is an original song written specifically for God’s Here and that track can now be heard streaming below.

Plans – Sarah Reeves

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Inspired by a true story and written and directed by Bill McAdams, Jr., God’s Here follows Jack Gilmore (McAdams, Jr.), a decorated firefighter and man of deep faith whose wife and son are killed in a texting-and-driving crash three weeks before Christmas.

In the wake of his loss, Jack is charged with a DUI and required to complete community service, during which he meets a young girl with whom he shares a conflicted and painful past. Meanwhile, as Detective Kent Powers (Kevin Sorbo) investigates the fatal accident, he uncovers a shocking revelation that personally ties him to the case.

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Amrit Ghatore Returns to the Music Scene with a Soul-Stirring New Single that Explores the Depths of Self and Spirituality

London, UK – After a powerful period of introspection and creative transformation, the highly anticipated return of singer-songwriter and music producer Amrit Ghatore is finally here. Known for his emotionally driven and melody-rich compositions, Amrit’s latest single is set to release on November 22, revealing a fresh, authentic sound and reflecting a deep sense of purpose.

The single marks a bold new chapter in his career, showcasing themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and profound personal growth that promise to captivate listeners on a meaningful level.

Amrit’s creative process behind this track stems from a deep exploration of life’s intricacies, the nature of love, and the quest for a connection to something beyond oneself. This new release transcends the traditional music experience, instead inviting listeners into a space of reflection and insight.

With this single, Amrit allows his listeners to witness his artistic evolution and, through his music, opens a doorway to their own inner journey. His rich, soulful resonance connects personally and universally, touching on what it means to find fulfillment within oneself.

“This song is about understanding that while relationships with others are important, true fulfillment begins within,” Amrit shares. “I wanted to create something that speaks to our inner relationship with ourselves and, for me, with something greater.”

At its core, the song addresses the pursuit of inner harmony and the beauty of spiritual awakening, themes that are both relatable and profound. Amrit’s music provides a sense of solace, inviting listeners to reflect on their lives, their connections, and the quest for a deeper sense of purpose. Through evocative lyrics and a captivating melody, Amrit taps into the universal desire for growth, peace, and self-understanding, making this release a deeply moving experience.

Accompanying this release is a visually stunning music video, set to premiere on Vevo, that brings Amrit’s message to life through powerful symbolism. The video features a dynamic interplay between two characters, representing the conscious self and the soul, who embark on a journey of spiritual discovery and connection.

Through this visual narrative, Amrit explores the complex yet beautiful relationship between self-awareness and a higher calling. The video’s imagery, vivid and deeply resonant, serves as a powerful metaphor for the song’s theme, offering an experience that is both artistic and immersive.

This single and its accompanying video highlight Amrit Ghatore’s commitment to meaningful artistry and to creating work that resonates deeply with his audience. This release isn’t just a song; it’s an invitation to explore the nuances of one’s inner world, to find peace within, and to seek fulfillment through self- discovery and connection.

Amrit’s music and visuals come together in perfect harmony, creating an experience that listeners are sure to carry with them long after the last note fades.

Available on all major platforms beginning November 22, this release offers a listening experience that fans won’t soon forget, marking an exciting new chapter in Amrit Ghatore’s musical journey. His latest single promises to leave a lasting impact on those who seek not only musical enjoyment but also a journey into the heart of self-discovery.

Amrit Ghatore Returns to the Music Scene with a Soul-Stirring New Single that Explores the Depths of Self and Spirituality

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