BMI celebrated the best in Christian music tonight at the 2025 BMI Christian Awards held at its Nashville office on Music Row.  The evening paid tribute to the top Christian songwriters and music publishers behind the 25 most-performed songs of the previous year, and also revealed BMI’s Christian Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.

In addition, Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association and the GMA Foundation, was honored with the BMI Spotlight Award for her unwavering dedication to the genre and illustrious career. The private event was hosted by BMI’s AVP, Creative, Leslie Roberts.

As BMI’s Spotlight Award honoree, Patillo was celebrated as a visionary leader and for her dedication to shaping and championing the world of Christian and Gospel music. As a surprise tribute, GRAMMY nominated and five-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, accompanied by Bernie Herms, gave a compelling performance of her very first recording, “I Am Not Alone.”

After receiving the Spotlight Award, Patillo thanked her family, friends, and those who have impacted the community, including BMI, “for championing songwriters and composers… and for recognizing the beauty of Christian and Gospel music.” She said, “This is more than just a business. We are all making a difference and impacting culture, and that’s what we get up for every day.

I don’t know that anyone really feels worthy, but I truly feel this is what amazing grace looks like.”  In receiving this honor, she joins an exclusive group of music creators, including Dottie Leonard Miller, Randy Edelman, and Frank Gari.

BMI’s Christian Song of the Year went to “Praise,” written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Stephen Furtick and Chandler Moore. The hit song from Elevation Worship’s eleventh album, CAN YOU IMAGINE?, spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, reached the Top 20 on the Christian Airplay chart and currently has over 171 million streams on YouTube.

Leading up to Song of the Year, BMI named the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year including “GOOD DAY,” written by Forrest Frank, “I Believe” written by Chris Davenport, Jonathan Smith and Phil Wickham, “Praise You Anywhere” written by Hank Bentley and Ben Fielding (APRA), “That’s My King” written by Lloyd Nicks Jr. and Jessica Patrice Russ, and “What Are We Waiting For?” written by Sean Douglas, Josh Kerr and Luke Smallbone, among others. In naming the top songs, BMI also recognized 18 first-time award winners.

Jeff Pardo was named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year for writing five of the 25 most-performed songs including “Don’t Stop Praying,” “Heaven Changes Everything,” “Praise The Lord” with Jake Henry and Micah Tyler, “Running Home” and “Strong” with Anne Wilson. The previously named 2023 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has made an impact on the genre as a musician and producer and has successfully crossed genres as well, working with artists such as Lady A, Ben Rector, Tauren Wells and more.

Capitol CMG Publishing brought home Publisher of the Year for representing 17 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year including BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, “Praise,” as well as “Don’t Stop Praying,” “I Believe,” “Jesus Does,” and “Take It All Back,” to name a few.

The 2025 BMI Christian Awards featured special moments during the ceremony including Roberts calling BMI’s 2019 Compass Award winner Elwyn Raymer up to the stage to start the celebration with a prayer and country songwriter Jordan Rowe giving the audience a preview of his unreleased song, “Way Back,” and first-time BMI award-winner Seph Schlueter sharing his uplifting hit “Counting My Blessings.”

One of the most iconic bands in Christian music history, the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-platinum rock band THIRD DAY is thrilled to announce its upcoming 30th anniversary tour today.  Set to hit arenas across the U.S. in spring 2026, the THIRD DAY 30th Anniversary Tour will span 30 once-in-a-lifetime shows with a finale in the band’s hometown Atlanta market.

For the first time in 11 years, the hall-of-fame band’s original four members, Mac Powell, Mark Lee, David Carr and Tai Anderson will reunite on stage for an unforgettable victory lap. Fans will experience an electrifying, can’t-miss live event featuring a bucket-list of crowd favorites, pulling from THIRD DAY’s impressive 31 No. 1 singles across 14 albums.

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m. local time at www.ThirdDay.com and www.AwakeningFoundation.com. Fueled by THIRD DAY’S 2018 farewell tour making history by selling out in 12 minutes, there is enormous anticipation for the anniversary tour ticket sale date. The tour is being produced by the Awakening Foundation.  Full list of 2026 dates and markets below.

Founding members Mac Powell and Mark Lee recently shared their excitement on getting back on tour with Third Day, with Powell saying, “I’ve been getting asked the question for many years, ‘when is Third Day going to do a tour again’ and I’ve always said… One day soon I hope!” He continues, “I’m so excited that we finally get the chance to play music together again on stage and give our fans what they’ve been waiting for.”

Lee adds, ” Third Day has always been, first and foremost, a live band. The best way to celebrate 30 years is to get back together for a tour. I can’t wait to get back out on the road with these guys and put on a big show for our fans.”

Kicking off March 19, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fl., at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, the industry-pioneering band will perform to arena-sized audiences in venues including the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, Ca., Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and wrapping this reunion tour for the first and last time in THIRD DAY’s hometown Atlanta area, at the Gas South Arena on May 10, 2026.

Third Day Announces 30th Anniversary Tour For 2026

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Acclaimed GRAMMY-Award winning artist Zach Williams is also slated to appear on THIRD DAY’s 30th Anniversary Tour. Known for massive hits including “Chain Breaker” and his “There Was Jesus” duet with Dolly Parton, Williams will bring his in-demand soulful and gritty faith-based rock to the show.

“Celebrating 30 years of THIRD DAY is a true honor, and bringing Mac, Mark, David & Tai back to the stage is something fans have been waiting for,” said Dan Fife, CEO of Awakening Events. “Adding Zach Williams as a very special guest makes this tour even more powerful. This is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime night of live music and celebration for all generations to experience.”

This monumental THIRD DAY 30th Anniversary Tour event celebrates the immense impact of the band’s unparalleled 30 years since their self-titled, major-label debut in 1996 on Reunion Records.

One of music’s coolest crooners, Jason Nelson, has earned nine Stellar Gospel Music Awards (the inspirational genre’s Grammy Awards equivalent) for his current album, You Belong: Live in Durham (Jaelyn Song/Fair Trade/ Tyscot).

The twelve-track set features his Billboard No. 1 Gospel Airplay chart smash, “Yahweh,” a dynamic collaboration with Grammy Award nominated vocalist, Melvin Crispell III. The 40^th anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards ceremony takes place August 16, 2025, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN.

Jason Nelson is competing with the likes of rapper Pastor Mike Jr. (who ties with Nelson for the most nominations: nine) and CeCe Winans for the coveted Artist of the Year award. The full album was nominated in the categories of Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year and Praise and Worship Album of the Year.

The “Yahweh” track earned attention in the Song of the Year and Praise and Worship Song of the Year fields. Nelson earned notice in the Male Artist of the Year and Contemporary Male Artist of the Year categories. Nelson and his frequent producing partner Dana Sorey also earned a nod in the Producer of the Year category.

One of the most popular songs from the project is entitled “Made New.” The warm collaboration with satin-smooth vocalist Madison Ryann Ward has racked up over six million digital streams. The public enthusiasm for the track compelled the duo to record a new live audio and video version of it at as “Made New (Radio Edit)” at the City Winery Nashville recently.

Over the last two decades, Jason Nelson’s amiable tenor has distinguished itself on gospel radio hits such as “Nothing Without You,” “Residue,” and “Forever.” Five of them have hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. He’s amassed over 300 million digital streams. Nelson has also recorded with R&B singer Chrisette Michele and Jazz bassist John Patitucci. He’s also recorded with gospel greats John P. Kee, Donald Lawrence, Naomi Raine, and his twin brother, Jonathan Nelson.

Karew Entertainment proudly announces that it has been honored with a total of four nominations at this year’s biggest night in gospel music, the prestigious Stellar Awards. As a result of Karen Clark Sheard’s critically acclaimed album Still Karen, Sheard has been nominated for “Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year”, “Contemporary Album of the Year” and “Music Packaging of the Year”.

The album’s Co-Executive Producer J. Drew Sheard II, was also nominated for “Producer of the Year” on the same project. The winners will be announced at the upcoming award ceremony in Nashville on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The Grammy and NAACP Image Award-nominated album, Still Karen, is Sheard’s sixth solo album and combines the sounds from producers Anthony Brown, J Moss and co-Executive producers Pharrell Williams and J. Drew Sheard II.

The album’s leading single, “Send it Down” spent two weeks at #1 on Billboard and MediaBase and the second single, “Completely Yours” has just entered Top 30 with the expectation to head to the top of the chart as well. 

The music from the album has received an overwhelmingly positive response and has been referred to by many as “a no skip album”. During last year’s Stellar Awards ceremony Sheard rendered a special performance of “Yes” and later joined by her Grammy-nominated daughter Kierra Sheard for a performance of “Look at Me” both of which are also on the album.

When asked about the album’s success and four Stellar Award nominations Sheard II says , “I’m truly thankful for the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received from this album. It was truly a passion project for me and KCS to pull a lot of the elements from her iconic record Finally Karen and put a spin on it that speaks to today.

Now to receive four nominations from the Stellar Awards is truly a blessing that I don’t take lightly and I pray that it causes those who haven’t heard it to listen and be blessed by it as well.”

When asked about his nomination as “Producer of the Year” he says, “Wow, to be nominated in a category among so many other great producers is truly an honor for me. I’ve been producing for many years and to be chosen to be recognized in a category with them is truly amazing and I will forever cherish this moment.”

The Stellar Awards will take place at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Saturday, August 16th at 4:30pm in Nashville, TN.

Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-Platinum selling band Third Day is teasing an upcoming announcement! Last week, the band’s official website started displaying a countdown for the anticipated announcement, which is slated to happen on Wednesday, June 18. Today, the group posted on social media a teaser video promising an announcement coming at 11am ET. No official word on what the announcement may be.

In 2018, the band announced they would hit the road one last time for a farewell tour, which concluded an extraordinary touring career that spanned 25 years and boasted legions of loyal fans from around the world. During their time together, Third Day earned an impressive 31 No. 1 radio singles. Former frontman Mac Powell has continued to release new music as a solo artist.

Multi-platinum hitmaker, ten-time GRAMMY nominee, and dynamic faith leader Tauren Wells is celebrating a breakthrough spring with the release of his highly anticipated debut book, Joy Bomb. Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus’s Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life, released via Zondervan, quickly became a bestseller across multiple categories, earning the following accolades on Amazon:

• #1 New Release | Christian Inspirational
• #1 New Release | Christian Books & Bibles
• #1 New Release | Christian Living
• #1 New Release | Christian Self-Help
• #2 Overall | Religion & Spirituality

In addition, Joy Bomb is an ECPA Bestseller, currently holding the #13 spot on the prestigious list. The book offers a powerful and practical roadmap for reclaiming joy in every area of life, blending biblical insight with Tauren Wells’ signature candor and charisma. Joy Bomb marks his first foray into publishing and further solidifies his role as one of the most impactful and accessible voices in contemporary faith and culture.

“We are thrilled with the reception of Joy Bomb among readers, who have been captivated by the power, energy, and richness of its message. The book’s immediate appearance on the ECPA bestseller list reflects the book’s widespread appeal, and we are proud to partner with Tauren in changing lives through his book publishing,” said Webster Younce, VP and Executive Editor, Zondervan Books and HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

At the same time, Wells continues to reach new heights musically. His latest breakout hit “Take It All Back” has amassed more than 86 million global streams and spent multiple weeks at #1 on both the Billboard Christian Airplay and Mediabase Audience charts. Tauren Wells’ newest music release, the Let The Church Sing EP (Capitol CMG), further builds on that momentum—offering a high-energy, Spirit-led worship experience that reflects the heartbeat of the global church.

Together, Joy Bomb and Let The Church Sing represent a season of bold, joy-filled expression from an artist committed to awakening the spirit of a generation—one page, one song, and one stage at a time.

Decorated Recording Artist Tamela Mann and Multi-Hyphenate Actor and Director David Mann scored four 2025 Stellar Awards nominations for their TillyMann Music label this week marking the latest recognition for Tamela’s NAACP Image Award-winning album Live Breathe Fight.

The 2025 Stellar Awards ceremony will be taped live from the prestigious Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on August 16.

TillyMann Music’s 2025 Stellar Awards nominations include:

• Artist of the Year – Tamela Mann
• Album of the Year – Tamela Mann “Live Breathe Fight”
• Contemporary Album of the Year – Tamela Mann “Live Breathe Fight”
• Video of the Year – David Mann (director), Tamela Mann (artist) “Deserve To Win”

“All glory to God for this amazing opportunity to share our music,” Tamela said. “I’m thankful to the SAGMA family for recognizing Live Breathe Fight and its powerful message of resilience and strength.”

The “Deserve To Win” music video is directed by David, and the single took the No. 1 spot for multiple weeks at Gospel radio.

“It’s my hope that someone hears and watches the ‘Deserve To Win’ music video for the first time and realizes God has a purpose for their life and they deserve greatness, no matter their current circumstances.” David added.

Tamela’s NAACP Image Award-winning album Live Breathe Fight is produced by Tamela, David, Phillip Bryant, and Jevon Hill. It is a collection of many of the most compelling and deeply vulnerable songs of Tamela’s decorated career.

Penned by Tamela, Bryant and Tameka Mintze aka “Tia Sharee,” the single “Working for Me” dominated gospel radio as her fastest climbing single to date and earned Tamela a place in Billboard history with her 11^th No. 1 hit, more than any other gospel artist. “Deserve To Win” surpassed that record, marking 12 No. 1 hits, solidifying Tamela’s historical accomplishment on the Billboard Gospel Radio chart.

A coalition of faith-based organizations and their partners will host a concert on Wednesday, June 18—featuring contemporary Christian singer Amy Grant—to bring renewed attention to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program and other global health issues in a moment when the church’s leadership is desperately needed.

Launched with bipartisan support, PEPFAR stands as one of the most impactful initiatives in global health, transforming the fight against HIV/AIDS for over two decades. The program has provided critical funding for pediatric HIV services, reduced child mortality rates and helped save more than 25 million lives. Wednesday’s concert will raise awareness for the initiative, which has five years to reach its long-term health care goals.

The concert will also include performances by award-winning artists Charlie Peacock, Steve Taylor, Brandon Heath and Matt Maher.

WHAT:            Christian Concert in Support of Global Health Featuring Amy Grant

WHEN:          Wednesday, June 18, 2025

           Concert: 7 p.m. CT

WHERE:        Otter Creek Church

          409 Franklin Road

          Brentwood, TN 37027

Over the last weekend, the Christian Festival Association (CFA), comprised of North America’s leading Christian music festivals, celebrated the start of the summer festival season as their member festival Resound Fest kicked off the first member festival of the year in Bethany, MO.

“We as a CFA are excited to kick off this 2025 festival season,” said Christian Festival Association Executive Director Julie Ten Haken. “All of our member festivals happening this summer provide a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and experience community, belonging, and the love of Jesus. You don’t want to miss this. Make plans now to find a festival near you this summer!”

The Christian Festival Association Celebrates Start Of Summer Season

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The Christian Festival Association (CFA) was formed in 2006 and is comprised of North America’s largest Christian music festivals united by a common goal: to bring glory to God. The CFA’s purpose is to support and resource Christian Music festivals through best practice collaboration, financial accountability and sustainability, and peer-to-peer development helping build festivals that represent our Christian faith with professionalism and passion.

Their 26-member festivals, together, draw over 750,000 guests annually in attendance at events across the country, including such longtime festivals as Lifest, Uprise Festival, Kingdom Bound Festival, RiseFest, Unity Festival, and more stretching from coast to coast.

“One of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters,” (Billboard) 5x GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning artist Matthew West is hitting the road again this fall, extending his headlining Don’t Stop Praying Tour into 2025. West will make 13 stops nationwide with support from special guest Peter Burton.

After consistently selling out show after show during the tour’s initial 34-city run last year, Matthew West extends the tour inspired by his hit Christian radio single “Don’t Stop Praying,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart. Presale begins today, June 13 at 10:00 a.m. local time. Onsale begins Monday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m. local time. For tickets and more information, visit matthewwest.com.

“I’m so excited to hit the road this fall for the Don’t Stop Praying Tour! There’s nothing like being in a room full of people, singing, worshiping and sharing stories of how God shows up in the middle of our real lives,” shares Matthew West. “These nights are for you — the fans who’ve been praying, believing and holding on. I can’t wait to see your faces, hear your voices and be reminded once again that we’re all in this together.”

The tour announcement follows West’s recent appearance as co-host for the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards, where he also performed his Top 10 Christian radio hit “Unashamed” and took home the Book Impact Award for his seventh book, the 30-day devotional “My Story, Your Glory.”

On May 9, West released “Growing Up & Growing Old,” an ode to his wife in celebration of 22 years of marriage. Written by West and AJ Pruis, the sentimental track shares the inspiring message that love conquers all in life.

The song details their love story and the cherished memories they share together, marking his first release since his 13th studio album, Don’t Stop Praying. GRAMMY.com noted “the contemporary Christian stalwart’s latest body of work uplifts throughout its 12 tracks” while K-LOVE praised it as “a masterclass in storytelling…proving 12 times over why he continues to be one of the best songwriters of our time.”

Don’t Stop Praying Tour dates with special guest Peter Burton:

Nov. 6, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio at Genoa Church

Nov. 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Md. at Trinity Baltimore

Nov. 8, 2025 in Johnson City, Tenn. at The Martin Center

Nov. 9, 2025 in Akron, Ohio at Goodyear Theater

Nov. 13, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis. at Riverside Theater

Nov. 14, 2025 in Bourbonnais, Ill. at Centennial Chapel

Nov. 15, 2025 TBA

Nov. 16, 2025 in Wabash, Ind. at Ford Theater*

Nov. 18, 2025 in Rapid City, S.D. at Monument Fine Arts Theatre

Nov. 20, 2025 in Fargo, N.D. at Bethel Church

Nov. 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minn. at Grace Church

Nov. 22, 2025 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at Paramount Theatre

Nov. 23, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa at Stephens Auditorium

*Onsale will be announced at a later date