Last night at the Billboard Music Awards, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson claimed the prestigious honor of Top Christian Album for her debut album, My Jesus. Released on April 22, 2022, the 15-song album was the biggest debut album by a CCMG artist in over 15 years – it reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian & Gospel Albums and the Top 200 Christian and Gospel charts, culminating in over 800M total global streams.

“These songs have impacted so many lives across the world and I’m so grateful that the world has used this record to bring glory and honor to his name,” Wilson shared in her acceptance speech. “Thank you guys so much, thank you Billboard, I love y’all!”

The song that started it all, “My Jesus,” was recently certified PLATINUM by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The “deeply personal breakout ballad” (Billboard) has continued to fuel Wilson’s unstoppable career, notching over one million units sold and counting with numerous awards and accolades to its name.

“My Jesus” hit No.1 on Billboard‘s Christian Airplay chart, making her the first debut female Christian artist in chart history to reach No.1,

and was nominated for a Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song. The single also went on to be named ASCAP’s 2022 Christian Music Awards Song of the Year, reaching Spotify’s Viral 50, the Shazam Top 200, and Rolling Stone’s Top 25 Trending charts.

Already garnering immense support from critics, Country Now acknowledges she “puts her spirited vocals on full display” and Billboard hails her sound as “rootsy and soulful” with “ceiling-scraping vocal capabilities.” “The crashing, echoey production of this anthem sounds like ’70s rock, which means she should fit right in,” adds MusicRow. 

Released as part of her new chapter of music titled REBEL (The Beginning) which fuses the Christian and Country genres, Holler noted that this three-pack of songs “clearly outlines Wilson’s new country-leaning mission statement,” as two of the songs simultaneously make waves at Christian radio (“Strong”) and Country radio (“Rain In The Rearview”).

Last month, Wilson concluded her first-ever headlining My Jesus Tour with special guest Josh Baldwin.

The 20-stop tour sold out in every market across the country including stops in major cities such as Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis, and Chicago. Come January, Wilson will embark on a tour with Scotty McCreery for his Cab In A Solo Tour. For dates and more information, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com.

The “2023 Billboard Music Awards” (BBMA), which honor the year’s most successful artists in categories across all genres of music, broadcast live coast-to-coast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, November 19 at 8 p.m. ET.

The annual live broadcast showcased spectacular performances, unexpected collaborations, and buzzworthy pop culture moments that keep fans talking all year. This year’s awards are based on music consumption reflected on Billboard charts dated November 19, 2022, through October 21, 2023.

“Billboard Music Award” winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including audio and video streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay, and touring.

Winners for relevant Christian and Gospel music categories are below. Congratulations to all the nominees.

Top Christian Artist
Brandon Lake
Elevation Worship
for KING & COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle – WINNER
Phil Wickham

Top Christian Album
Anne Wilson “My Jesus” – WINNER
Brandon Lake “House of Miracles”
CAIN “Rise Up”
Elevation Worship “LION”
Lauren Daigle “Lauren Daigle”

Top Christian Song
Brandon Lake “Gratitude” – WINNER
Chris Tomlin “Holy Forever”
for KING & COUNTRY with Jordin Sparks “Love Me Like I Am”
Lauren Daigle “Thank God I Do”
Phil Wickham “This Is Our God”

Top Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Elevation Worship
Kanye West – WINNER
Kirk Franklin
Maverick City Music

Top Gospel Album
Jonathan McReynolds “My Truth”
Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin “Kingdom Book One” – WINNER
Tye Tribbett “All Things New”
Whitney Houston “I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston”
Zacardi Cortez “Imprint (Live in Memphis)”

Top Gospel Song
CeCe Winans “Goodness of God” – WINNER
Crowder & Dante Bowe ft. Maverick City Music “God Really Loves Us”
Elevation Worship ft. Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson “More Than Able”
Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin ft. Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore “Fear is Not My Future”
Zacardi Cortez “Lord Do It For Me (Live in Memphis)”

GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE showcased their “stellar” live performance (Paste Magazine) Wednesday (11/15) night at hometown venue Bridgestone Arena with Judah & The Lion and special guests Old Dominion and Carly Pearce.

Currently touring in support of their acclaimed new album CAVES, NEEDTOBREATHE welcomed the multiplatinum award-winning Carly Pearce to the stage for the emotional duet “Fall on Me.” The band also welcomed Matthew Ramsey of CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” Old Dominion for album favorite “Wasting Time.”

NEEDTOBREATHE Bridgestone Arena Setlist:
The Cave
State I’m In
Don’t Bring That Trouble
Let’s Stay Home Tonight
Drive All Night
Hard Love
Who Am I
Riding High
Wasting Time (with Matthew Ramsey of Old Dominion)
Everknown
Banks
West Texas Wind
Fall on Me (with Carly Pearce)
Outsiders
Girl Named Tennessee
Baba O’Riley
Brother
Multiplied
We Could Run Away
Temporary Tears
Dreams (with Judah & The Lion)
Washed By The Water

The band has built a “massive live following” (Rolling Stone) with their undeniable mainstream appeal and “Bear Rinehart’s perfect Southern rock voice” (Nashville Scene.) CMT recently wrote that “The live aspect of NEEDTOBREATHE has always held the utmost importance to the band. The group developed a fanbase that comes as much for the first song as the last…they’re not just waiting for the hits.”

NEEDTOBREATHE’s tour with Judah & The Lion continues tonight in Birmingham, AL. Visit NEEDTOBREATHE.com for more information and to buy tickets.

The Awakening Foundation, powered by Awakening Events, announces “K-LOVE Live In Honolulu” on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

To be held at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, this first-of-its-kind summer concert event will feature TobyMac, Crowder, Mac Powell, Cochren & Co., and Terrian.

The one-night-only concert is supported by K-LOVE Radio, Air1 Radio, World Vision, and Altrua Health Share.

“We are thrilled for ‘K-LOVE Live in Honolulu’ and this outstanding lineup,” said David Pierce, K-LOVE Chief Media Officer. “The Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell is as iconic as they come, and we are delighted to share this amazing night of music and worship with our K-LOVE community.”

Concert goers will experience an epic summer concert under the Hawaiian stars with Diamond Head in the background while getting to experience the power of music from many of today’s biggest artists live from Waikiki Beach. Tickets go on sale December 1 at 2pm CT / 3pm ET.

GRAMMY-winning, multi-Platinum-selling group Casting Crowns is celebrating their 20th Anniversary as a band this fall and were recently awarded their 15th RIAA Gold certified single, “Scars In Heaven.” This single is from the band’s last studio project, Healer, that broke global first-day streaming records for a Christian song debut on Amazon Music at the time.

Commemorating their 20th Anniversary as a band, the group was also honoured by their label, Provident Entertainment, with a special celebratory plaque of their anniversary and more than 13 million albums sold. Casting Crowns also just wrapped up the first leg of the “Casting Crowns’ 20th Anniversary Tour: A Live Symphony Experience.” 

In just two weeks on November 30th, the one-night premiere of the band’s documentary, Casting Crowns: Home By Sunday, will be in select theaters nationwide. Home By Sunday, shares the stories behind the journey, music and ministry of Casting Crowns. 

From their unique beginnings to the inspiration behind one of their most beloved songs and a near-life-ending diagnosis, Home By Sunday gives a behind-the-scenes look into the mission and mindset that has driven Casting Crowns for the last two decades. The release includes exclusive performances of “Praise You In This Storm,” “Only Jesus” and “Nobody” that can only be seen during this cinema engagement.

Casting Crowns Receives 15th RIAA Gold Song Certification & Celebrates 20 Years

Stream & Enjoy

https://youtube.com/watch?v=4J0B8srCjd0%3Ffeature%3Doembed

2024 Grammy-nominated, Sony Music recording artist, Ryan Ellis, performed the national anthem at the annual Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Valor Awards, held Monday, November 13, at the iconic Los Angeles Dodgers stadium. VALOR 2023 honored members of the LAFD who earned the Medal of Merit, Letters of Special Commendation, and LAFD Unit of the Year Award.

Additionally, the Community Impact Award and the Foundation of the Year honor were presented to “those who have stood steadfastly alongside the Department in supporting key programs and initiatives that have greatly strengthened [the Los Angeles] community.”

Ryan Ellis creates worship music that blends pop and R&B, yet, born in a generation that had access to all types of music, he sees no reason he can’t bring all of these influences of sound and texture into the art he creates. “Just because it’s a pop song doesn’t mean it can’t have substance,” says Ellis. “

Just because it’s a Christian song doesn’t mean it can’t get people on their feet. Being asked if I want to be a pop artist or worship artist is like asking me if I want to be Filipino or white. I’m both.”

Most recently, Ellis earned a 2024 Grammy nomination as co-writer of Maverick City Music’s hit, “God Problems.” He jumps back into the studio right after Thanksgiving to begin work on his full-length Provident/Sony album, penciled in for a mid 2024 release.

Multi-GRAMMY Award winning and RIAA Platinum-selling Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING + COUNTRY, received a 2024 Grammy Award nomination with multi-Platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks for their recently released song, “LOVE ME LIKE I AM.” 

The single is up for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song” and marks the eighth Grammy nomination of the duo’s career (with four wins).

Says for KING + COUNTRY, “The idea that God is loving us right where we are and as we are, and the importance of extending a hand and loving each other in the same way is profound and seems to be something we need in this moment in time. When we first connected with Jordin about this song, we could never have imagined the reception it’s received.

It continues to show up in places we could never have imagined. Our deepest thanks to each of you for encouraging, supporting, and spreading these ideas wider, as well as to the Recording Academy. And to dear Jordin, for lending her voice to it!”

Adds Sparks, “I am extremely honored to share this Grammy nomination with the incredible ‘for KING + COUNTRY. It’s amazing what can happen when you are open and say yes. I can’t wait to see everyone on music’s biggest night!”

for KING + COUNTRY Garners GRAMMY Nomination With Jordin Sparks For “Love Me Like I Am”

Stream & Enjoy

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FhpOA7YvmSI%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Written by Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Josh Kerr, and Michael Pollack (BMI Pop Writer of the Year; “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus; Justin Bieber, Beyonce); and produced by for KING + COUNTRY, Josh Kerr (GRAMMY winning songwriter), and Jeff Sojka, “LOVE ME LIKE I AM (feat. Jordin Sparks),” was the duo’s 13th #1 hit single on Billboard’s Christian Airplay Chart, followed by their recent single.

“What Are We Waiting For?,” which marks their 14th #1 track (and 9th consecutive #1 hit single) on Billboard airplay.

Additionally, the duo is gearing up to embark on their highly anticipated “A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | THE 2023 TOUR EXPERIENCE,” which kicks off on Nov. 25 in Chicago, IL. Their annual holiday spectacle will feature an extraordinary production, blending festive visuals and stunning lighting and staging effects, for a high-octane show that for KING + COUNTRY has become known for.

With multiple sold-out dates and high demand for tickets, the duo will perform in 16 major markets at some of the largest venues across North America and Canada.

For the fourth consecutive year, for KING + COUNTRY will also bring its annual show to Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House, marking this as the first ever concert residency at the Opry House. The duo will close the holiday tour in their hometown with three consecutive performances in Nashville before wrapping up with a world-wide livestream concert event on Dec. 22.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, and will broadcast on CBS and Paramount+.

Daywind recording artists, The Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Brian Free & Assurance (BFA), both earned GRAMMY nominations for Best Roots Gospel Album.

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet continue their legacy as a pillar in Gospel music as they received their nomination for their full-length album, Tribute to the King. The album, released in memory of Elvis Presley, perpetuates the timeless message of peace and life found through Christ.

Brian Free & Assurance received their first GRAMMY nomination in their illustrious, award-filled, 30+ year career with Meet Me At The Cross. Uplifting and powerful, this brilliant proclamation of hope produced by Ricky Free captivates audiences and beautifully reminds them of the power of the Cross.

“The Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Brian Free and Assurance are synonymous with Gospel music. We are so fortunate to have long relationships with both groups, experiencing their tremendous impact on culture and souls around the globe,” stated Daywind President, Ed Leonard.

“They are true to their call and continue to make incredible music. We are thankful they are being recognized in this way.”

Billy Blackwood commented on the nomination of Tribute To The King saying, “We are so honored to be nominated for a GRAMMY in the Roots Gospel Album category this year, especially since this project highlights the unique relationship that the Blackwood Brothers had with Elvis Presley and continue to have with Graceland.

These songs are timeless and the message never grows old.”

Brian Free celebrated the nomination by stating, “It’s truly an honor for Meet Me At The Cross to be acknowledged by the Recording Academy. We are so blessed to be nominated alongside friends who are out to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well.

We hope these songs continue to make an impact to whoever and wherever they may reach. It’s a blessing to be recognized and nominated for this GRAMMY award, and we hope these songs change lives.”

’Tis the holiday season! The Country Music Association has revealed this year’s hosts and performers for its 14th annual holiday television special, “CMA Country Christmas.”

Hosted by Country Music stars Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, “CMA Country Christmas” features performances by Jordan Davis, Grant, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, Lindsey Stirling, The War And Treaty, Zach Williams, Lainey Wilson and Yearwood.

Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the holiday special showcases one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from Country Music’s biggest stars. “CMA Country Christmas” airs Thursday, Dec. 14 (8:00-9:02 PM/EST) on ABC.

“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.

CMA partnered with Balsam Hill, who provided their beautifully realistic artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor to decorate the “CMA Country Christmas” stage again this year. Product information about what you see on stage can be found at balsamhill.com/c/cma.

On November 26th, Grant and her long-time friend and collaborator Michael W. Smith will begin their 2023 Christmas Tour.  Joined by special guest Michael Tait of the Newsboys, Grant and Smith will co-headline nine holiday shows, including their first appearance together on New York City’s iconic Carnegie Hall stage (Dec. 5). 

Following this, will be one of Music City’s most treasured traditions with Grant and husband Vince Gill, their beloved “Christmas at the Ryman” residency. The 12-concert run is scheduled for December 13-14, 16-17, 19-20 and 22-23 and will once again feature matinee performances of the beloved show.

Becky Isaacs, a distinguished artist known for her soul-stirring musical prowess, has recently earned a monumental achievement in her career with her first solo Grammy nomination for her album Songs That Pulled Me Through the Tough Times. 

This nomination serves as a resounding acknowledgement of Isaacs’ artistry and the profound impact her music has had on audiences, particularly during challenging moments.

Songs That Pulled Me Through the Tough Times is more than just an album; it’s a heartfelt collection of melodies and lyrics that resonate with the human experience. The nomination recognizes not only Isaacs’ exceptional vocal abilities but also the emotional depth and authenticity she brings to her work.

The album stands as a testament to Isaacs’ ability to create a musical tapestry that offers solace, inspiration, and connection to those navigating difficult chapters in their lives.

Fans and critics alike are celebrating this nomination, recognizing the album’s impact on the emotional and cultural landscape. Each track becomes a beacon of strength, a source of comfort, and a reminder that music has the power to transcend hardships.

Isaacs’ ability to channel her own experiences into the universal language of music has struck a chord with listeners, making her nomination not only a recognition of her talent but also a celebration of the collective human experience.

Stream & Enjoy

Isaacs’ journey to this Grammy nomination is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her commitment to creating music that makes a meaningful impact. The nomination not only honors her past achievements but also opens new doors for her future endeavors. It marks a pivotal moment in Isaacs’ career, signifying that her art has not only been noticed but deeply appreciated on a grand scale.

Becky Isaacs commented on the nomination stating, “When I had the vision to make this “dream come true” project to honor my guitar heroes and sing with some of my dearest friends, little did I know what lay ahead for me.

Surviving a life changing car accident just six weeks after this project was released, proved once again that these are still Songs That Pulled Me Through The Tough Times. I am humbled and grateful for this nomination. I love you!”

As the music community eagerly awaits the Grammy Awards, Isaacs and her fans share in the excitement and pride of this well-deserved recognition. The nomination for Songs That Pulled Me Through the Tough Times is a moment of triumph not only for Becky Isaacs but for the transformative power of music to heal, uplift, and unite us all.