Category: NEWS

Lauren Daigle Announces 10th Annual Behold Christmas Tour

This December, two-time GRAMMY Award Winner and multi-platinum selling artist Lauren Daigle will welcome the Christmas season with her 10th Annual “Behold Christmas Tour” in select cities. The wildly popular tradition will bring feature some of Lauren’s seasonal favorites from her best-selling Christmas album, Behold: A Christmas Collection.

Lauren Daigle Behold Christmas Tour

This year, performances will see Daigle in two of the cities she is proud to call home with two performances at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN and one at the legendary Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, LA with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band opening, followed by a performance at Orlando, FL’s Dr. Phillips Center.

In addition to the shows, Lauren looks forward to continuing the tradition of giving back to these communities through her foundation, The Price Fund. Tickets will officially go on sale Friday, September 18th at 10 am local at www.laurendaigle.com/tour . Fan will have the opportunity to join a special Krewe Pass presale on September 15th via Lauren’s official app, The Krewe Pass, which also features exclusive content only found on the app.

The Behold Christmas Tour 2026:

December 2 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

December 3 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

December 5 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre

December 12 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center

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Tim Dukes Joins Collective Heads as Partner

Collective Heads, a media consulting, fractional management and marketing group, announced today that Tim Dukes, former president of Hope Media Group and a veteran leader in Christian radio, has joined the company as a partner.

Dukes most recently served as president of Hope Media Group following his role as the company’s chiefoperating officer, which he took on in 2022 following Way Media’s merger with Hope Media Group. He also served as Way Media’s COO and interim CEO beginning in 2021. He joined Christian radio in 2015 as general manager of WayFM when the Contemporary Christian outlet launched in Dallas-Fort Worth, later taking regional responsibilities for its stations in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Indiana. From 2011 to 2015, Dukes served as chief operating officer of the Halftime Institute, a faith-based nonprofit in Dallas.

Before entering Christian media and nonprofit leadership, Dukes spent 24 years in radio programming and on-air roles at legendary major-market stations, including The Loop/Chicago, 96rock/Atlanta, KGB and KIOZ/San Diego, WEBN/Cincinnati, The Power Pig/Tampa and Y107/Nashville.

“I’m honored to join the group at Collective Heads who are among the best programmers I’ve collaborated with and/or competed against in my 30+ year management career”, said Dukes. “Given my Contemporary Christian experience these last 11 years, it will be a great joy to continue working with people in that format so they can also benefit from the tremendous think tank of Tim Richards, Jimmy Steal, Jim Lawson, and Joe Lindsay to advance their stations in reach, impact, and revenue.”

Tim Richards, founder and managing partner of Collective Heads added, “We are beyond excited to have Tim join the Collective Heads team. I’ve known him for decades and have admired his career for as long as I’ve been in the business. He is a world-class executive, programmer, marketer, and most importantly, a great person. The strength of the collective is the many skill sets we all bring to the table, and Tim joining this team dramatically elevates every aspect of our endeavor. “

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God Behind Bars Named Inaugural Recipient of First-Ever Community Impact Award for Peace & Purpose, Presented By Jesus Calling

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) will introduce a new honor at the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards, recognizing an organization whose work is creating meaningful, faith-driven impact beyond the music industry. The Community Impact Award for Peace & Purpose, presented by Jesus Calling will make its debut during this year’s ceremony, with God Behind Bars named as its inaugural recipient. Emmy Award-winning television personality Julie Chen Moonves, longtime host of Big Brother and former co-host of The Talk, will introduce and present the honor.

Inspired by the heart and legacy of the late Sarah Young, author of the best-selling Jesus Calling devotional franchise, the honor celebrates organizations bringing hope, purpose and the message of Jesus to people and communities in need. God Behind Bars is dedicated to introducing incarcerated individuals and their families to Jesus and reaching one of the most unchurched populations in the United States, with approximately 1.2 million people incarcerated at any given time. Through worship, community and discipleship, the ministry helps individuals grow their faith, heal trauma and emotional wounds, break cycles of addiction and dysfunction, and prepare for a transformed life beyond prison.

“Prison ministries have always held a special place in my heart,” shares Chen Moonves. “As someone who has had their life touched by Jesus Calling, I am so very grateful, humbled and honored to have the privilege of presenting this first-ever honor to God Behind Bars. They bring the hope, love and promises of Jesus to people who often feel hopeless and forgotten about. But hope is a choice…and it’s undeniable when you choose Jesus first. He is always calling us.”

The honor comes at a significant moment for the Jesus Calling brand, which surpassed 50 million copies sold worldwide this past year and is now available in more than 35 languages. Published by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, the devotional series from the late Sarah Young continues to invite readers into daily moments of stillness, Scripture and deeper connection with God.

First published in 2004, Young’s writings grew out of her personal prayer journaling and were rooted in Scripture and her lifelong love for Jesus. Today, Jesus Calling has become a cherished resource across generations and denominations, with well-known voices including Amy Grant, Reba McEntire, Rita Wilson, Max Lucado, CeCe Winans, Chris Tomlin, Savannah Guthrie, Terry Bradshaw, Ann Voskamp, Kathie Lee Gifford and Zach Williams sharing its impact on their lives.

The connection between Jesus Calling and God Behind Bars offers a powerful example of the devotional’s reach into unexpected places. Through the God Behind Bars app, Jesus Calling has become one of the most-read devotionals among incarcerated users, demonstrating how its message of hope and faith continues to reach people navigating some of life’s most challenging circumstances.

The impact of Jesus Calling has continued to expand beyond books through children’s and teen editions, seasonal devotionals and additional titles, as well as a popular podcast approaching 500 episodes and a television series on UP Faith & Family featuring personal testimonies of faith in daily life.

The 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards will celebrate the best in Christian and Gospel music, with eight-time Dove Award winner Tauren Wells returning to host for the fourth consecutive year. Presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, the 57th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The show will broadcast exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ App Friday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET, with a rebroadcast airing Friday, October 16, at the same times. Fans can also listen on SiriusXM’s The Message (Channel 65) during the October 9 simulcast.

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Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock the Universe Returns Jan. 22 – 23, 2027 With an All-Star Concert Lineup Including Elevation Worship, Josiah Queen, Jamie MacDonald, Cain and More

Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, returns to Universal Studios Florida on January 22 – 23, 2027 – inviting guests to experience a powerful weekend of faith, fun and live musical performances from some of today’s top Christian artists.

This year’s concert headliners include GRAMMY award-winning group Elevation Worship, Billboard Christian chart-topper Josiah Queen, Spotify Artist to Watch Jamie MacDonald, American Music Award nominated trio CAIN, Dove award-winning singer Katy Nichole and more. See below for the complete concert lineup for Rock the Universe 2027.

Rock the Universe 2027 Weekend Lineup
Friday, January 22Saturday, January 23
Elevation WorshipJosiah Queen
Jamie MacDonaldKaty Nichole
Rave JesusFranni Cash
Benjamin William HastingsCAIN
Strings & HeartMegan Woods
1K Phewgio.
Joseph O’BrienPeter Burton
Maddi JaneSam Wesley
John AllanTorey D’Shaun

From uplifting worship experiences to world-class theme park thrills, Rock the Universe offers an unforgettable weekend of faith and fun. Guests can participate in worship experiences throughout the event, including a moving Sunday morning service on January 24, serving as the weekend’s grand finale. Attendees may also enjoy access to Universal Studios Florida’s most exhilarating attractions during the event, including Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast, Revenge of the Mummy and more.

Tickets and vacation packages for Florida’s biggest Christian music festival will go on sale beginning September 15, including single-night tickets and the popular “Rock Your Weekend” ticket – which gives guests access to all Rock the Universe festivities for the weekend plus Universal’s theme parks during the day.

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Porter’s Call Celebrates 25 Years with Evening of Stories

Porter’s Call celebrated 25 years of caring for the heart and soul of music at its annual fundraiser, Evening of Stories, presented by The Cook Family Foundation, held September 1 at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville.

The intimate evening brought together the music community for a night of stories, performances, and generosity, raising $860,427, exceeding the organization’s fundraising goal by 40 percent. Proceeds support Porter’s Call and its mission to provide free and confidential care for recording artists and their partners.

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Melinda Doolittle and Dave Barnes hosted the evening

Hosted by Dave Barnes and Melinda Doolittle, guest artists shared songs and stories throughout the night, including a special tribute to Grant by Natalie Hemby, Ellie Holcomb, and Hillary Scott, as well as a performance by Lady A.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Founder’s Award to six-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 2022 Kennedy Center Honoree Amy Grant, recognizing her enduring impact on the music community and longstanding support of Porter’s Call and its mission. First presented to Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews in 2023, the award recognizes individuals whose lives embody the organization’s spirit of hospitality, care, and generosity.

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Amy Grant receives kind words from Porter’s Call founder Al Andrews as he names her this year’s honoree

“Amy Grant is a legend. What an honor to be a part of celebrating her talent, generosity, authenticity, and love last week at Porter’s Call ‘Evening of Stories,’” shared Ellie Holcomb. “She embodies the heart of Porter’s Call, being a mentor and trusted friend who often holds space for other artists to feel seen and safe. She lives a wide welcome and has shown so many of us a path to playing songs for the whole world, while remaining grounded in love. Amy is a bright light, and I was honored to share a stage with so many other amazing artists to celebrate the way she shines.”

Founded in 2001, Porter’s Call has spent the last 25 years caring for the hearts and souls of touring recording artists, enabling them to share their music with the world. The nonprofit provides free, confidential support to help artists and their partners thrive mentally, emotionally, and creatively. Available to artists worldwide, Porter’s Call provides one-on-one support, couples and band sessions, retreats, and workshops, all tailored to the unique challenges of life on the road and in the spotlight.

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“Acoustic Storytime With Jason Gray” on Siriusxm’s the Message Celebrates 75th Episode and 100th Guest Artist This Weekend

SiriusXM The Message’s “Acoustic Storytime with Jason Gray” marks its 75th episode this weekend and welcomes its 100th guest artist, GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award winner Francesca Battistelli, who is making her long-awaited musical comeback with new music after an eight-year hiatus. Hosted by acclaimed singer-songwriter Jason Gray and SiriusXM’s Doug Hannah, the milestone episode also features returning guest Dustin Lolli, lead vocalist of the twice-GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning band Sanctus Real.

Recorded at a sold-out event Aug. 4 at The Well in Brentwood, TN, this episode premieres today (Friday, Sept. 11) on SiriusXM’s The Message, channel 78, at noon EST with encores today at 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.; Saturday at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Sunday at 9 p.m. (all times EST) and on demand on the SiriusXM app.

“It has been a remarkable and meaningful journey to this 75th episode,” shares Gray. “‘Acoustic Storytime’ continues to be about sharing the songs and the stories behind them, and I’m incredibly grateful for Francesca, Dustin and all the artists that have participated in this journey.”

During the 75th episode, Gray performs his first radio hit, “More Like Falling in Love,” and is joined by Lolli for an acoustic rendition of “Land of the Living,” the Psalm 27-inspired title track from Gray’s 2023 studio album.

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“Acoustic Storytime” airs on SiriusXM’s The Message on the second Friday of each month at noon ET. Now in its sixth year, the show has featured genre-defining artists including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, NEEDTOBREATHE, Brandon Heath, Katy Nichole, Rachael Lampa, Matthew West, CAIN, Josh Baldwin, Tasha Layton, and Drew and Ellie Holcomb.

In addition to hosting “Acoustic Storytime,” Gray remains one of Christian music’s busiest touring artists, performing his hits and fan favorites across the country. His latest studio release, Greatest Hits (Acoustic), features newly reimagined acoustic performances of 12 career-spanning songs. These hits have generated more than 131 million streams, and the album is also available in Dolby Atmos.

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44th Annual Administrators of Gospel Music Conference Coming to Brentwood, TN October 5th

The Administrators of Gospel Music (AGM) will host its 44th Annual Conference on Monday, October 5, 2026, bringing together Christian music professionals from across the industry for a full day of education, networking, worship, and meaningful conversation.

The conference will take place at Grace Community Church, 5711 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

AGM 2026 Conference Graphic(1)

Since its founding in 1983, AGM has served as a collaborative community for music publishing and administration professionals, providing opportunities to address common challenges, share knowledge, build professional relationships, and stay informed about the rapidly changing music industry. Today, AGM brings together professionals working across Christian music publishing, record labels, artist management, entertainment law, administration, and related areas of the music business.

“We are excited to gather together again for another year of learning, connecting, and worshiping as a community,” said AGM President, Tegan McCormick. “As the music industry continues to evolve, the Mission of AGM remains true: To foster standards of excellence in Christian music rights administration through education, professional relationships, and the sharing of information.”

A Full Day of Education, Connection & Worship

Featured speakers for this year’s conference include:

• Joe Brazil, Entertainment Lawyer

• Greg Seneff, Sr. Attorney – The Seneff Law Office

• Ashley Joyce, SVP Legal & Business Affairs – NMPA

• Ryan O’Grady – Assistant VP Member Services – ASCAP

• Andrew Mitchell – Chief Analytics & Automation Officer – The MLC

• And MORE!

Additional speakers and sessions will bring together professionals with expertise in publishing, administration and more.

Registration is now open for the 44th Annual AGM Conference.

Date: Monday, October 5, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Grace Community Church

Address: 5711 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027

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WayFM and Eight Days of Hope Partner to Launch Disaster Relief Initiative

WayFM has partnered with Eight Days of Hope to launch WayFM’s Disaster Relief Team, powered by Eight Days of Hope, a mobile ministry designed to provide communications, prayer and resources to communities affected by natural disasters. The initiative will be ready to deploy beginning September 7, 2026.

At the center of the initiative is a mobile response vehicle equipped with satellite Wi-Fi and staffed by volunteers who will bring help and hope directly into disaster-affected communities. Serving as a mobile care center, the vehicle will give individuals and families a place to connect with loved ones, access critical information and resources, and receive prayer and encouragement.

WayFM Disaster Relief Vehicle1 (1)

The vision for the initiative began after Hurricane Helene, when WayFM’s morning show host Wally volunteered with relief efforts in North Carolina. While serving families affected by the storm, he saw how the loss of internet and cellular service prevented people from contacting loved ones, filing insurance claims, and locating essential supplies and services. That experience inspired the idea for a mobile ministry that could help restore connection while sharing the hope of Jesus.

“No one should ever have to wonder whether their loved ones are safe after a natural disaster. WayFM’s Disaster Relief Vehicle was born from my own experience of being unable to reach my daughter after Hurricane Helene to find out if she was okay. I remember thinking, ‘We’re a communications ministry—let’s use what we know to help reconnect people during the storm after the storm.’ Our partnership with Eight Days of Hope is a perfect fit because we share the same passion: caring for people and sharing the love of Jesus when they need it most,” said Wally, host of WayFM’s The Wally Show.

Each deployment of WayFM’s Disaster Relief Team will focus on three essential areas:

• Communications — Providing satellite Wi-Fi and connectivity so people can contact family members, access information, file claims, and take important steps toward recovery.

• Prayer — Creating opportunities to listen, encourage, pray with people, and share the hope of Jesus during times of crisis.

• Resources — Connecting individuals and families with relief organizations, supplies, services, and other practical assistance.

Eight Days of Hope will power the initiative’s onsite relief efforts through its extensive disaster-response experience, volunteer coordination, specialized equipment, and operational support. The organization has responded to more than 130 disasters during the past 20 years, providing the infrastructure and expertise needed to serve communities safely and effectively.

“At Eight Days of Hope, we believe the easiest way to bring the hope of Jesus Christ to those who are hurting is through meeting their most practical needs in the aftermath of a disaster,” said Stephen Tybor III, President and CEO of Eight Days of Hope. “Because of this, we are excited to partner with Hope Media Group, allowing us to restore the power of connection in the midst of chaos. Together, we will mobilize volunteers and resources to love and serve in communities, generating hope and healing for those who need it most.”

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Josiah Queen Announces First Ever Arena Tour, The Damascus Road Tour, for Spring 2027

Fresh off the release of his new album, Damascus Road, Josiah Queen is bringing his most anticipated tour yet to 17 cities across the US and Canada this spring. Featuring brand-new music alongside the songs that have made him one of Christian music’s fastest-rising artists, this tour promises an unforgettable evening filled with passionate worship, honest moments, and powerful ministry.

Known for his raw, heartfelt songwriting and unmistakable voice, Queen has built a devoted audience by pairing deeply personal stories of faith with songs that speak directly to a generation navigating questions of identity, purpose, doubt, and hope.

“Damascus Road is really personal to me because that story is all about being changed by an encounter with God and never being the same after,” said Queen. “That’s what so many of these songs represent in my own life. My hope is that this tour feels like more than just a concert and that people walk in one way and leave changed by God. I really believe the Damascus Road Tour is going to be something special, and I can’t wait to sing these songs with everyone!”

The Damascus Road Tour begins a major new chapter for Queen as he makes the jump to arenas for the first time. As his reach continues to grow beyond the Christian music community, Damascus Road offers a deeper look at the faith and experiences shaping Queen both as an artist and a person. The album explores what it means to encounter God, be transformed by that encounter, and live differently because of it, making the album a natural foundation for his first-ever arena tour.

The Damascus Road Tour is an invitation to gather, worship, and celebrate together. An exclusive pre-sale begins Monday, September 14th, with tickets available to the public starting Friday, September 18th at 10am local time.

TOUR DATES:

Thursday, April 8, 2027 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
Friday, April 9, 2027 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
Saturday, April 10, 2027 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sunday, April 11, 2027 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
Tuesday, April 13, 2027 – Toronto, ON – Coca-Cola Coliseum
Thursday, April 15, 2027 – Worcester, MA – DCU Center
Friday, April 16, 2027 – Hershey, PA – GIANT Center
Saturday, April 17, 2027 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
Sunday, April 18, 2027 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
Friday, April 23, 2027 – Hoffman Estates, IL – NOW Arena
Saturday, April 24, 2027 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
Sunday, April 25, 2027 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Thursday, April 29, 2027 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
Friday, April 30, 2027 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Saturday, May 1, 2027 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Friday, May 7, 2027 – Cedar Park, TX – H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Saturday, May 8, 2027 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena

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Philip Anthony Continues Three-Single Series with Reflective New Release “REMINISCE”

Independent hip-hop artist Philip Anthony continues his three-single rollout with Reminisce, releasing September 11, 2026.

Where “Iconic” explored the mindset of building in silence, Reminisce turns inward.

Inspired by the relationships and defining moments that shaped his journey, the record reflects on the tension between honoring the past and continuing to move forward, namely with his relationship with his sister.

REMINISCE – Philip Anthony

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Philip Anthony’s vivid storytelling and restrained delivery allow listeners to revisit formative memories without becoming trapped in nostalgia. The song recognizes that growth often requires looking back — not to relive yesterday, but to better understand today.

As the second installment in a connected series, Reminisce expands the emotional depth of the campaign while reinforcing Philip Anthony’s commitment to authentic, experience-driven hip-hop.

“‘Reminisce’ is about remembering where you came from without letting it define where you’re going,” Philip explains.

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