Multi-award winning singer-songwriter-producer, Charles Jenkins celebrates a huge win at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards.

Charles’ big day includes winning three big awards; “2025 Songwriter of The Year,” “2025 Most Performed Song of The Year” for his #1 hit song, “God Be Praised” and “2025 Most Performed Song of The Year” for his 2nd #1 hit song of the year “Look at God” performed by Koryn Hawthorne. This momentous occasion brings Charles Jenkins to a total of eight BMI Trailblazer Gospel Awards.

“Winning BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year and being honored with 2 additional Trailblazer Awards was a dream come true! I am grateful for my mentor Cathy Hughes, BMI President and CEO, Michael O’Neill, VP of Creative, Catherine Brewton, Assistant VP of Creative, Wardell Malloy, Kobalt, Vydia, Tracey Artis, Radio Stations, Program Directors, and Announcers everywhere.

This is a testament to the fact that independent artists can win too! My deepest gratitude to my family, team, friends, fans, and above all, to God. But this recognition also belongs to everyone who has been touched by these songs,” mentions Charles.

Charles Jenkins is currently working on a feel-good EP entitled “Wishing You The Best.” The EP includes an infectious soulful birthday anthem entitled, “It’s My Birthday Month” accompanied by a spectacular and festive heartwarming video featuring world renowned DJ Steve Aoki, and produced by David Kang (who has produced videos for Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, and Katy Perry). The “Wishing You The Best” EP, will be released in May 2025.

Charles Jenkins continues to spread The Good News with messages of love, hope and inspiration to fans across the globe, while shining as the true trailblazer that he is.

His name is MAJOR., and he is making a major impact in music and entertainment. From his EP HOPE OF MY SOUL, the single “I Prayed For You (said a prayer)” has soared to #7 on the Billboard Gospel Radio Airplay Chart and is still gaining momentum.

You can watch MAJOR. sing his chart-topping single today, Wednesday, April 9, on the Tamron Hall Show airing at 2 PM EST (check local listings).

This first quarter year has been epic for MAJOR. For “I Prayed For You (said a prayer),” he received a 2025 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® recognized his philanthropic efforts by awarding him the 2025 St. Jude Champion’s Spirit Award.

MAJOR. was recently recognized at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music as one of the Songwriters and Publishers of the MOST-PERFORMED SONGS of the Year for his songwriting contributions on the hit single “Able” recorded by Jonathan McReynolds.

BMI celebrated the best in Gospel music over the weekend at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of his artistry and inspiring influence on the genre throughout his prolific career spanning over 40 years.

BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his signature blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel music that continues to resonate with fans around the world across generations and genres. O’Neill presented Kee with the ceremony’s top honor, saluting his “extraordinary contributions that have greatly influenced the Gospel genre and deeply touched the community.”

The musical tributes to Kee kicked off with Lena Byrd Miles giving her moving interpretation of “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” The tributes continued with Kelontae Gavin singing “Never Shall Forget” and Jekalyn Carr giving a passionate performance of “Standing in the Need,” both of which brought the audience to their feet. 

Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia paid homage to Kee with their amazing renditions of “Lily in the Valley” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence and The Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an uplifting performance of “Jesus is Real.” 

Upon receiving the honor, Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel,” thanked his family and friends, many of whom were in the room, for their love and support.

While humbled by their affirmations of the tremendous impact he’s made on them through his mentorship and guidance, he shared, “Every time you win an award, I win an award… I’m just a proud Uncle John.” He went on to say that he was going to “flip the moment” by presenting BMI’s Brewton with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her “vision and determination that have paved the way for future generations of women in business.”

The ceremony concluded with Kee singing the opening line to his hit, “New Life” and he was joined with an impromptu celebration from many of the Gospel greats in the room, including Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks and Marvin Sapp.

Throughout the afternoon, BMI saluted the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the highly anticipated BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA) and Jason Ingram. Performed by CeCe Winans, the hit single reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, #15 on US Hot Christian Songs and peaked at #2 on Hot Gospel Songs. It also spent an incredible 118 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Songs Sales.

Kirk Franklin and Charles Jenkins tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Franklin was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love,” securing his fourth Songwriter of the Year award, which now includes three for Gospel and one for Christian.

Jenkins was recognized for his hit songs, “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,” marking the first time he’s received this coveted title and bringing his total to eight BMI Awards garnered over his successful career. 

BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Capitol CMG for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs, including BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, “Goodness of God.”

Singer, songwriter and worship leader Patrick Mayberry has found a new label home! Provident Entertainment has officially announced signing Mayberry to their roster of artists with an Instagram post on Monday. 

Congratulations to Patrick and the Provident team and we can’t wait to see (and hear) what is ahead!

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Monday, April 7th, GRAMMY.com launches the first video in the GMA x The Recording Academy Positive Vibes Only series celebrating Christian Music Month. Tauren Wells is the first artist to premiere with his performance of “Making Room.”

Stream & Enjoy

“Making Room” is included in Tauren’s newest release, Let The Church Sing EP, available now. He is also releasing a new book, Joy Bomb, available May 20th.

In honor of Christian Music Month, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) is partnering with The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, to launch four exclusive performances of their Positive Vibes Only series, which celebrates gospel and Contemporary Christian music. Featuring Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Julissa, and Fred Hammond, each video will premiere on GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy YouTube Channel throughout April:

April 7th – Tauren Wells

April 14th – Josiah Queen

April 21st – Julissa

April 28th – Fred Hammond

The numbers are proof—if you haven’t been watching House of David on Amazon Prime, you’re missing out!

The faith-based historical drama debuted its final episode on Thursday, April 3, with the battle between David and Goliath. 

After premiering at No. 3 on Amazon Prime’s streaming charts, the series has now officially hit No. 1 following the release its finale episode.

Fans of the show will be happy to know that the hit series has already been renewed for a second season coming soon.

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The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has named 70 finalists for the 2025 Christian Book Award program. The finalists represent the year’s best in Christian publishing among 12 book and Bible categories.

The Christian Book Award finalists represent the work of 29 Christian publishers and imprints. Scores were close with ties announced in eight of the twelve categories in Audio, Children, Christian Living, Devotion & Gift, Faith & Culture, Ministry Resources, New Author, and Young People’s Literature.

Christian book awards

The winner in each category along with the 2025 Christian Book of the Year®, will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held April 29 in Nashville during the ECPA Leadership Summit, to an audience of Christian publishing executives, managers, and industry guests.

The evening will be hosted by Dr. Carolyn Weber (Surprised by Oxford), and include special honors for the contributions of authors Josh McDowell and Kay Arthur, the milestone anniversaries of NavPress and Paraclete Press, and more. The 2025 Christian Book of the Year® will be named and virtually announced by last year’s recipient and New York Times bestselling author Beth Moore (ALL MY KNOTTED-UP LIFE, Tyndale Momentum).

“It’s always a joy to recognize excellence in Christian publishing as we reveal the finalists for these prestigious awards,” said ECPA President Jeff Crosby. “I extend my sincere congratulations to all authors and publishers who have been recognized, and look forward to our celebration together in Nashville.”

The finalists of the 2025 Christian Book Award program are:

AUDIO

How Great Is Our God, Chris Tomlin; narrated by Mark Smeby, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by K-Love Books, B0CWPRPL9S

I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t, written and narrated by Lysa TerKeurst, produced by Sydney Mathieu, Harper Audio, book published by Thomas Nelson, B0CZ4LP8B6

Mostly What God Does, written and narrated by Savannah Guthrie, produced by Sydney Mathieu, Harper Audio, book published by Thomas Nelson, B0CK9S123W

My Story Your Glory, written and narrated by Matthew West, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by K-Love Books, B0CX352ZCP

My Utmost for His Highest-Modern Classic Edition, Oswald Chambers; narrated by Mark Smeby, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by Our Daily Bread, B0D1M2ZVN4

Parenting Teens with Love and Logic, Foster Cline and Jim Fay; narrated by Chris Fabry, produced by ONE Audiobooks, book published by NavPress, B0D68R1LBD

BIBLES

CSB Men’s Daily Bible, Robert Wolgemuth and CSB Bibles by Holman, Editors; B&H Publishing Group, 9781430094111

CSB Oswald Chambers Bible, CSB Bibles by Holman, B&H Publishing Group, 9798384509240

NET Timeless Truths Bible, Thomas Nelson, 9780785290124

NLT Every Woman’s Bible, Naomi Cramer Overton, General Editor; Misty Arterburn, Assoc. Editor; Stephen Arterburn, Consultant Editor, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496452993

NLT Go Bible for Kids, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496455710

BIBLE REFERENCE WORKS

40 Questions About Pentecostalism, Jonathan Black, Kregel Academic, 9780825448249

Dictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, G. K. Beale, D.A. Carson, Benjamin L. Gladd, and Andrew David Naselli, Baker Academic/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781540960047

Habakkuk: The Christian Standard Commentary, Susan Maxwell Booth, Holman Reference, B&H Publishing Group, 9781535941204

Mere Christian Hermeneutics, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Zondervan Academic, 9780310234388

The NIV Application Commentary on the Bible: One-Volume Edition, Christopher A. Beetham and Nancy L. Erickson, General Editors, Zondervan Reflective, 9780310530800

BIBLE STUDY

Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice, Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes, and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Christian Resources, 9781087790312

The Epic of Eden: Deborah Bible Study Guide plus Streaming Video, Sandra L. Richter, PhD, HarperChristian Resources, 9780310166498

Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks, Revised and Updated, Max Lucado, HarperChristian Resources, 9780310161707

God’s Goodness for the Chosen: An Interactive Bible Study Season 4, Amanda Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, Dr. Douglas S. Huffman, David C Cook, 9780830784585

Luke in the Land: Walking with Jesus in His First-Century World, Kristi McLelland, Lifeway Christian Resources, 9781087788944

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

27 Summers, Ronald Olivier with Craig Borlase, Thomas Nelson, 9781400239122

Ghosted: An American Story, Nancy French, Zondervan, 9780310367444

The Shape of My Eyes, Dave Gibbons, Worthy Books/ Hachette Nashville, 9781546003236

Well Lived, Sally Clarkson, Harvest House Publishers, 9780736985475

You Are Safe Now, Tricia Lott Williford and Jana Richardson, NavPress, 9781641582803

CHILDREN

All Creation Waits: Children’s Edition, Gayle Boss; illustrated by Sharon Spitz, Paraclete Press, 9781640608283

Build, written and illustrated by Emily Lex, Harvest Kids, 9780736987424

God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook, N.T. Wright; illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia, Tommy Nelson, 9781400246878

Indescribable Atlas Adventures, Louie Giglio; illustrated by Nicola Anderson and Lynsey Wilson, Tommy Nelson, 9781400246137

Up Toward the Light, Granger Smith; illustrated by Laura Watkins, Tommy Nelson, 9781400241668

When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful, Kate Rietema; illustrated by Jennie Poh, B&H Publishing Group, 9781087787664

CHRISTIAN LIVING

The Mary We Forgot, Jennifer Powell McNutt, Brazos Press/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781587436178

Practicing the Way, John Mark Comer, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593193822

Praying Personalities, Janet McHenry, Kregel Publications, 9780825448188

The Scandal of the Kingdom, Dallas Willard, Zondervan, 9780310367949

Untangle Your Emotions, Jennie Allen, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593193419

Waiting Isn’t a Waste, Mark Vroegop, Crossway, 9781433590979

What Happens Next, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, 9781400260003

The Wood Between the Worlds, Brian Zahnd, InterVarsity Press, 9781514005620

DEVOTION & GIFT

Feel, Anjuli Paschall, Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764238536

House Rules, Myquillyn Smith, Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800744748

Letters to Grief, Kate Motaung, Christian Art Gifts, 9781639524648

Live It Out, Dan Scott, Orange Publishing, 9781635702347

Women Who Followed Jesus, Dandi Daley Mackall, Paraclete Press, 9781640608511

Word before World, Gretchen Saffles, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496446350

FAITH & CULTURE

Brown Faces, White Spaces, Latasha Morrison, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593444825

Exiles, Preston Sprinkle, David C Cook, 9780830785780

How to Tell the Truth, Preston Perry, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496466891

Jesus and the Powers, N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, Zondervan Reflective and SPCK Publishing, 9780310162247

Kingdom of Rage, Elizabeth Neumann, Worthy Books/ Hachette Nashville, 9781546002055

The Spirit of Justice, Jemar Tisby, Zondervan Reflective, 9780310144854

MINISTRY RESOURCES

Fighting Shadows, Jon Tyson and Jefferson Bethke, Thomas Nelson, 9781400243303

Forming Faith, Matt Markins, Mike Handler and Sam Luce, Moody Publishers, 9780802433381

How Not to Waste a Crisis, Tod Bolsinger, InterVarsity Press, 9781514008669

Proclaiming the Word, David J. Jackman, Crossway, 9781433592102

Scripture Hymnal, Randall Goodgame, Rabbit Room Press, 9781951872250

You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry, Crossway, 9781433590573

NEW AUTHOR

Advent for Exiles, Caroline Cobb, B&H Publishing Group, 9781430095842

The Brain Change Program, Dr. Alan Weissenbacher, BroadStreet Publishing Group, 9781424566624

Church Girl, Sarita T. Lyons, WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, 9780593601167

Even If He Doesn’t, Kristen LaValley, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496478528

How to Tell the Truth, Preston Perry, Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496466891

Priests of History, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, Zondervan Reflective, 9780310160908

YOUNG PEOPLE’S LITERATURE

The Action Bible: Faith in Action Edition, Sergio Cariello, David C Cook, 9780830787005

Get Your Hopes Up, Carlos Whittaker, Tommy Nelson, 9781400247141

Integrity Music is thrilled to announce the signing of Holly Brand to the roster. An NBC The Voice semifinalist (Season 23), Brand blends her classic country melodies with her love for worship music to create a beautiful and diverse style in the genre. Now living in Nashville full-time with her husband, she has been cultivating songs for her upcoming debut project, partnering with many of the industry’s influential writers and playing live shows.

“Our team is very excited to be partnering with Holly; from our first meeting we were impressed with her maturity, vocal talent, and strong work ethic,” shares Blaine Barcus, President of Integrity Music. “Beyond all these great qualities is her sincere walk with Jesus and unwavering commitment to tell others about Him through her music.”

Hailing from a small town in Mississippi, Brand wants her music to share powerful stories and point the audience to Jesus. Growing up as a music minister’s daughter, Brand felt called to Christian music at the young age of 14. It took many years for the Lord to show her how to blend the love of singing and music to honor the Lord.

Holly Brand adds, “When moving to Nashville, I prayed fervently that the Lord would surround me with the right team who understood the vision I have for my music, help pave the path I hope to create and carry out the dream He has placed in my heart. I am truly so honored and excited that Integrity Music is that team. I will never take for granted the blessing it is to be believed in and supported by the best group of kingdom-minded individuals.”

Brand recently joined the Platform Artist team for booking as well and will be announcing exciting new music and touring on the horizon.

LAVON MUSIC is proud to announce the signing of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) artist Britt Dené to their growing roster. This exciting partnership marks a new chapter for Britt Dené, who is thrilled to join the LAVON MUSIC family.

Britt Dené, known for her soulful voice and powerful lyrics, has been a rising star in the CCM community. Her latest single, All I Need, was released on April 1st and is already receiving early praise. The song, written by Britt’s good friend Seth Brasher, beautifully captures themes of faith, trust, and God’s unwavering provision.

“I am beyond excited to join the LAVON MUSIC family,” said Britt Dené. “Lavon Coleman and her team have created an incredible platform for artists like myself, and I am honored to partner with them to share music that glorifies God and connects with listeners on a deep level. ‘All I Need’ holds a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful to Seth for his collaboration on this song.”

Lavon Coleman, Owner and CEO of LAVON MUSIC, expressed her enthusiasm for the new signing: “I am thrilled to welcome Britt Dené to our roster. Her talent, heart for ministry, and unique sound make her a perfect fit for LAVON MUSIC. I can’t wait to see what the future holds as we work together to bring her music to even greater audiences.”

The collaboration comes at a pivotal moment in Britt Dené’s career, as she continues to expand her reach and deepen her impact on the CCM industry. Fans can look forward to new music and exciting projects from Britt Dené including her new EP titled, ALL I NEED, set to release on May 2nd.

Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neill covered a Brandon Lake classic as a duet for the American Idol head to head round. Nix moved on to the next round, while O’Neill’s time on the show came to an end, after hearing their cover of “Gratitude.” Jelly Roll, the artist in residence for this season, shared the performance live with Lake, who he then brought out to speak virtually with Nix and O’Neill.

American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8pm ET.