Best Female Christian Vocalist of All Time

Half a decade ago, I shared my thoughts on who I thought were the best female Christian vocalists of all time.

Criteria include song quality, vocal prowess, ability to play an instrument and/or craft a song, and of course my personal bias...

An updated list:

10. Nichole Nordeman

9. Crystal Lewis

8. Margaret Becker

7. Natalie Grant

6. Mandisa

5. Ginny Owens

4. Britt Nicole

3. Jaci Velasquez

2. Joy Williams

1. Amy Grant

Honorable Mentions:

Francesca Battistelli

Lisa Bevill

Christine Dente (Out of the Grey)

Brooke Fraser

Rachael Lampa

Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer)

Rebecca St. James

Kathy Troccoli

Thoughts?

Here Comes the Boom

New movie, Here Comes the Boom, starring Kevin James and Salma Hayek, is apparently named after P.O.D.'s song "Boom" and the commercials feature the song.

Comedy for a Cause Fundraiser to Feature Jeff Foxworthy and Henry Cho

"Comedy for a Cause," the theme of this year's Rocketown fundraiser, to be held at the popular Nashville-based youth outreach facility on Oct. 9, will feature an all-mobile bidding auction sponsored by Kroger and powered by MobileSmartBid. Among those items up for grabs are Atlanta Braves and Chicago Bears sports packages as well as a unique NYC/Carnegie Hall weekend that includes hotel accommodations for two and the opportunity to sing onstage with Michael W. Smith.

An annual event to help raise funds for the venue which serves at-risk youth, the 2012 benefit is chaired by last year's featured performer, comedian Jeff Foxworthy, and his wife Gregg. Coined "Comedy for a Cause," the evening will include performances by comics Jeff Allen and Henry Cho. All are invited to bid either at the event or remotely via their mobile phone on items including a VIP treatment in Miami, four tickets to a Chicago Bears game, and Atlanta Braves game tickets directly behind home plate complete with field passes. Auction items will be updated frequently at www.michaelwsmith.com or www.rocketown-auction.com, and the bidding goes live the week of Oct. 9.

Nowhere But Up: Justin Bieber's Mom Publishes Life's Story

Justin Bieber's mom, Pattie Mallette, left home at 16. To support herself and pay for her destructive habits, she turned to petty crime and pot dealing. At 17, she threw herself in front of a truck and landed in a mental ward.

It was there that she was led to a Christian life, though her faith faltered soon after and she fell back in with her old friends and became pregnant. There was no returning home and she went on government assistance after Justin was born. She worked part-time jobs for diapers and rent, wondering how to proceed without a high school diploma, wondering how she could go back to school with no one to care for Justin.

With the help of a neighbor who paid for a year's worth of daycare, Mallette slowly earned her degree, followed by college training in website design on scholarship.

Meanwhile, her son's perfect rhythm on the drums, his guitar playing and singing talent, surfaced early.  He earned extra cash as a busker on guitar and a djembe drum he had received as a gift. Singing on the streets for money is something Mallette said she never forced him to do but earned them thousands of dollars after the first time he tried for fun at age 6.

Success snowballed when Justin was 12 on the strength of YouTube videos Mallette posted for faraway relatives that were quickly discovered by young people and exploded with millions of views. Along came Scooter Braun, a persistent manager who launched Justin's career at barely 13, fresh out of junior high.

Mallette first told Justin about her past when he was about 12, after she began sharing at small-group meetings.

"I felt like he was old enough, mature enough to hear my story, and, you know, talk about it," Mallette said. "I feel like it's really important for us to talk, and I've always asked him a lot of questions and always tried to protect him from going through the same sort of thing."

At 21, Mallette made a choice to abstain from extramarital relations. Still never married and holding strong, she is ready let go of another promise, this one to Justin when they first moved to the states that she wouldn't date until he was 18.

"It's time to start dating," she smiled.

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Denzel Washington Minister of Movies

Denzel Washington, the multiple Oscar award winner, may be known for many of his gangster roles in movies like "Training Day" but the thespian is also adamant about sharing his love for Jesus Christ.

In an interview with GQ magazine, Washington opened up about his Christian values, telling the publication that he made sure to read his Bible every day.

"I read from the Bible every day, and I read my Daily Word," Washington revealed. "I read something great yesterday. It said, 'Don't aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.'"

The Christian actor also told the publication about his experience with feeling the Holy Spirit during a service at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.

"That was thirty years ago, at the church I still attend. The minister was preaching, 'Just let it go.' I said, 'I'm going to go with it.'"

The acclaimed actor has remained vocal throughout the years about his Christian faith. In a previous interview with Beliefnet, Washington spoke about the importance of his spirituality in not only his life, but also his career.

"Spirituality is important in every aspect of my life," Washington said. "I mean, that's why I'm here. That's what I've been blessed to do."

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Lisa Whelchel Announces Divorce

When she left her Texas home to compete on Survivor: Philippines, Lisa Whelchel was hiding a secret that only her close friends knew: Her 24-year marriage to Steve Cauble was ending.

"The divorce was final on March 1, and [I] went out to be on Survivor on March 10," Whelchel tells PEOPLE magazine. "Going out to Survivor was helpful for me, to divert my attention and not just dwell on the loss."

"I just never thought it would happen to me," says Whelchel, who has worked in Christian ministry with Cauble since The Facts of Life ended in 1988. "It was painful to realize that it wasn't going to work out."

Whelchel, 49, and Cauble, 61, have three grown children. Despite the divorce, they remain close – even watching the premiere of the show together with their kids.

"We will always be friends," Whechel says. "And we will always be family, too."

'Facts of Life' star and devout Christian Lisa Whelchel says she's ok with nudity on 'Survivor'

To many, Lisa Whelchel is forever linked with Blair Warner, the spoiled, preppy rich girl she played on the long-running ‘80s sitcom, “The Facts of Life.” But Whelchel may change that image forever with her turn on “Survivor: Philippines.”

“Being on ‘Survivor’ has been a dream of mine since the show first got on the air,” Whelchel told FOX. “I just love the show. I’m a huge fan – I’ve watched every episode!”  Whelchel was so eager to be cast on the 25th season of her favorite show, she pleaded her case on two popular social networking sites.

A devout Christian, Whelchel was also concerned about how her deeply held religious convictions would come across on a reality show.

“Going into it, I really didn’t want to even pray,” said Whelchel. “Even though that is a part of my everyday personal life, it usually doesn’t translate well on television, especially in the context of a game.”

Whelchel also wanted to make it clear that she was not asking God for any special favors during the competition.

“There’s a part of me that thinks, ‘Yes, God is interested in each of our lives,’ so if we’re playing ‘Survivor,’ then He’s interested in us playing ‘Survivor,’” explained Whelchel. “But in the big scheme of things, I really don’t think God cares who wins ‘Survivor’ or who wins what challenge. I don’t think He has a favorite a football team or a favorite country, and so I didn’t want it to come across that I was asking God to be on my side to help me win a challenge or win a million dollars. That just doesn’t seem to line up with who God is, and it’s hard to translate having a conversation with God in prayer that’s personal in the context of a game. So, I didn’t even want to pray, even though that’s a big part of my life personally.”

The mother of three did bring a copy of the Bible as her luxury item, along with some trepidation about what most “Survivor” players resort to in order to win the game.

“I was really concerned about the possibility of having to lie on ‘Survivor,’ confessed Whelchel. “I didn’t want to lie and I wasn’t planning on lying if I could avoid it, but I also knew the game and I knew what it took to play the game and I knew that it would be naive to think that you could play the game without lying. Although I was worried about – especially Christians – judging me, because they might say, ‘OK, you say you’re a Christian, you’re supposed representing God and you’re lying.’ And they would have felt it was just an excuse to say, ‘Yes, but it is just a game.’ But the truth is that it IS a game. The rules of the game are, ‘There are no rules.’ Everybody signs up for the same game. I would just hope that I would be able to keep that mindset while playing the game.”

Even if Whelchel had some reservations about lying during “Survivor” gameplay, she’s not too concerned about the cursing and occasional nudity on the show.

“It doesn’t bother me,” declared Whelchel. “Maybe because, personally, I have experienced so much judgment myself, I go overboard on the mercy. So, I have a whole lot of leeway with (my competitors) and I celebrate whoever they are. I have actually really learned to seek out people who are way different from me and way outside my comfort zone, because I find them so fascinating and interesting. It makes me want to get to know them – it’s like going on a trip to a foreign country, learning about something that I don’t experience in my every day life.”

If Whelchel eventually wins to top prize on “Survivor,” she already has plans for the million bucks.

“My brother just started a church in a really poor neighborhood of California, and they have been doing just the most wonderful things, like giving away fully decorated Christmas trees at Christmas, bicycles and backpacks filled with school supplies,” Whelchel said of the Freedom Church in Chatsworth, Calif. “I love what he’s doing and it would be a joy to give away 10 percent to him. Then, after that, I have a daughter that’s getting married in October and another one that’s marrying age, and three in college – so I hope that there’s something leftover for me to start a new career!”

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Lecrae Defies Gravity with Top 3 Premiere and TobyMac Remains in Top 10

Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae and his "Gravity" set, bows at No. 3 with a career-high 72,000 sold. Until this week, the artist had never sold more than 27,000 of an album in a single week - with 2010's "Rehab" (when it debuted at No. 17). Further, Lecrae had never gone higher than No. 15 in 2011, with "Rehab: The Overdose."

Lecrae's success comes hot on the heels of fellow Christian act TobyMac, who debuted at No. 1 last week with "Eye On It." The set became the first Christian album to reach No. 1 since 1997. This week, it slips to No. 8 with 26,000 (down 63%).

American Idol Finalist Colton Dixon Signs Record Deal

American Idol's season 11 Top 10 finalist Colton Dixon has signed a recording deal with EMI CMG Label Group, joining a roster that includes noted artists from the legendary Amy Grant and current Billboard 200 chart-topper TobyMac to Season 5 Idol finalist/multi-Grammy nominee Mandisa.

Colton says, “Two of the most important things in my life have always been my faith and my music. I am now blessed with the chance to combine both of these passions in working with 19 recordings/EMI CMG. With their support, I know I will be able to make an album that I am proud of and showcases who I am as an artist.”

The 20-year-old Tennessee native was widely embraced by TV viewers for his strong voice, outspoken faith, and original songwriting ability. Colton will release his first single “You Are” on October 19, with his highly anticipated debut album set to follow in February 2013. Watch here for more exciting details shared directly by Dixon.

Mac Powell Puts His Faith in Country Music

For two decades, Mac Powell has delighted audiences as a member of the popular Christian rock band Third Day. However, there is another side to the soulful singer, as he explores on his new self-titled debut country disc.

"It's something I have listened to since I was a little kid," he tells Billboard.

Country music was something he heard around the house growing up on a daily basis, and his parents helped spread the love of the format. "They loved playing acoustic guitar, and would sing around the house."

However, his musical journey would take him in a different direction, but he never forgot his love of the music.

Powell says that about two years ago, he began being approached by people asking whether he'd ever thought about making a country record

"When you have random people saying that, you start to think, 'Maybe I should be doing this,'" he says. "I knew I loved it, but I had been in this other genre for so long. So, I had a little time off at the end of last year, and got together with some friends of mine, and started working on some songs. I liked what I had come up with, and played it for some other people who did, and thought 'Maybe I need to get this out there."

Though the music on his solo disc is a much different sound, that doesn't mean that Third Day is calling it a day. "We've been together for twenty years, and it's one of things I still love doing. I have a great time playing with those guys. We actually have a new record coming out soon. It's fun to be able to do this. As a songwriter and musician, doing a country record gives me another outlet. I've had these other song ideas, and things I've wanted to do, but couldn't within Third Day, so this gives me a chance to do it."

Two of the highlights on the album are the first single, "June Bug," and "Sweet Georgia Girls," of which Powell says "It was one of the first songs we wrote for the record. There are several semi-autobiographical cuts on it, and it's not totally true. Like many writers, I tried to take some things that have happened in life, and tried to make a song out of it. I grew up in Alabama, and moved to Georgia, met my sweetheart, and now I have a house full of Georgia girls like the song talks about."

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Christian Music Overheard in MLB Telecasts

We've written in the past about Christian music being used promotionally by Major League Baseball, as 'at bat' songs in the Playoffs and World Series, and stars promoting Christian music, but it's still refreshing to hear during the season.  It was noted last night that Milwaukee Brewers' players Jonathan Lucroy (Red's "Let Go"), Travis Ishikawa (TobyMac's "Ignition") and Jeff Bianchi (Jeremy Camp's "Tonight") had Christian songs as their 'at bat'/'walk up' songs.  According to the Brewers' site, Corey Hart has Newsboys' "Born Again" and Mark Rogers' pitching entrance music is P.O.D.' "Lights Out."

Francesca Battistelli's Paper Heart is Golden

Francesca Battistelli, received a surprise onstage Friday night at Disney World's "Night of Joy" when she was presented with a gold album for her debut release My Paper Heart. This marks the first debut album from a CCM artist in nearly a decade to receive RIAA-certified Gold status for sales in excess of 500,000 units. Casting Crowns' release in 2003 was the last debut album to receive RIAA Gold certification.

Battistelli's 2008 debut album features the No. 1 single, "Free To Be Me," and Top 10 hits, "I'm Letting Go," "It's Your Life" and "Beautiful, Beautiful."  Since her debut in 2008, Francesca Battistelli has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Performance) and six Dove Awards. On October 16, the singer is set to release her first solo Christmas album, Christmas, which includes classics and newly-penned tunes. She also has songs showcased on two additional holiday albums due out the same day: Word Record's A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth and A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary benefitting the Special Olympics.

Disney's Night of Joy Turns 30

"Disney cares about the family like we care about the family," says Brandon Heath, one of the Christian artists who performed this weekend at Walt Disney World's 30th annual Night of Joy. "It's a common goal that we have to enrich families. They can come enjoy the rides and attractions, and they can enjoy great music."

Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Francesca Battistelli, MercyMe, Chris August, Royal Tailor, Red, Disciple, Thousand Foot Crutch, NEEDTOBREATHE, Lecrae, Kutless, Dara Maclean and Yolanda Adams were among the acts performing at three different stages Friday and Saturday nights (Sept. 7-8) at Disney' Magic Kingdom.

It's been three decades since Disney launched the first Night of Joy with a line up that included Scott Wesley Brown, David Meece, Shirley Caesar, Leon Patillo, Benny Hester, Petra, Phil Keaggy and Sheila Walsh. Since then the festival has become one of Christian music's premiere events drawing fans from all over the world with an audience heavily populated by church youth groups. During the event, Disney hosts a special lounge for youth pastors where they can interact with artists.

Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall and fellow Casting Crowns members Juan DeVevo and Hector Cervantes were surprised with a huge Stars Wars cake recognizing their birthdays. Third Day's Mark Lee and Mac Powell, Moriah Peters, and members of Red and Royal Tailor were on hand to sing and celebrate.

Hall, who has long been known as a big Star Wars fan, recently auctioned off his collection to benefit charity. "We raised about $20,000 selling my collection," he told Billboard. "We sold the Han Solo desk, the emperor's chair, helmets and paintings and all sort of stuff I accumulated over the years. My son and I started a collection several years back. I'm trying to teach my son: 'Stuff is cool, but ultimately people are more important than stuff.' To prove that to him I said, 'hey man, I really felt like God is wanting us to do this.' So it was something we did together and he got to see that you can have your hobbies, but it needs to lead to something bigger. The money went to World Vision and we supported water efforts in Rwanda."

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The Civil Wars, Josh Turner Reach Gold

The Civil Wars' 2011 debut album Barton Hollow and Josh Turner's single "Time Is Love" have been certified gold by the RIAA for shipments of 500,000 units each. The Civil Wars also appear with Taylor Swift on the single "Safe & Sound," which reached platinum status in July. Meanwhile, Turner's "Time Is Love" is his fifth gold-certified single, following "Why Don't We Just Dance," "Would You Go With Me," "Your Man" and "Long Black Train."

Fox News on Top CD Being Christian: What Took So Long?

One of Foxnews.com top articles has the headline: TobyMac first Christian album to top Billboard charts in 15 years: What took so long?

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Lecrae Conquers the Charts

An evangelical Christian rapper has taken over the iTunes hip-hop/rap chart. Three of the top 10 spots, including slots one and two, have belonged to Lecrae ever since his new album, Gravity, dropped on Sept. 4.  The deluxe version is also the #2 selling album on the Top Albums chart and Lecrae is expected to sell 60,000 copies in his first week, easily a first for a Christian rapper.

He has also has some high profile fans.  Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin have all praised him for his straightforward Gospel-inspired message. Lin said, “An artist you have to check out is Lecrae … he raps a lot about the Gospel and I really enjoy his lyrics.”

Just last week, TobyMac premiered at #1 on the Billboard charts - the first time for a Christian artist since 1997.

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Chuck Norris endorses 'Last Ounce of Courage,' powerful new film about patriots, religious freedom

For the first time ever, acting legend Chuck Norris has extended his official “Seal of Approval” to a film that he doesn’t even star in, the independent war drama “Last Ounce of Courage,” which follows the life of a father, son and grandfather who each take a stand for the rights of religious freedom and public expression.

"It was an easy choice to endorse this film because it’s message is consistent with my life principles and core values," Norris, a devout Christian and champion of American values and those who serve our nation, told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column.

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TobyMac First Christian Artist to Reach Number 1 on Billboard 200 Since 1997

For the first time since 1997 -- and only the third time ever -- a Christian album is No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart premiering higher than hip-hop super group Slaughterhouse and Alanis Morissett.

TobyMac gets his first chart-topper with "Eye On It," as it bows with 69,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The last time a Christian CD led the Billboard 200 was on the Nov. 1, 1997 chart, when country star LeAnn Rimes' "You Light Up My Life - Inspirational Songs" spent its third and final week at No. 1. (It debuted in the top slot on Sept. 27.) That effort included a fair amount of inspirational tunes (hence its title).


Before that, the only other Christian effort to crown the Billboard 200 was Bob Carlisle's "Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace)." It notched a pair of weeks at No. 1 earlier in 1997 (June 28-July 5), fueled by its hit title track, Father's Day gift-giving and an appearance by Carlisle on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

"Eye On It" also bows at No. 1 on the Digital Albums chart, with 35,000 downloads sold -- or, 50% of its overall debut. Also, a significant chunk of the set's sales (27%) were driven by Christian retailers and bookstores.

Previous to TobyMac's achievement this week, we've had some recent close calls at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In 2011, Casting Crowns' "Come to the Well" and Red's "Until We Have Faces" both debuted and peaked at No. 2, while this year, David Crowder Band's "Give Us Rest" also topped out in the runner-up slot.

As for TobyMac himself, he's no stranger to hits on the Billboard 200. "Eye On It" becomes his ninth entry and third top 10. As part of the trio DC Talk, he claimed five more hit albums on the tally, including the No. 4 set "Supernatural" in 1998.


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'The American Bible Challenge': Jeff Foxworthy Introduces New Game 'The Eye Of The Tebow'

"The American Bible Challenge" was back for a second week, and it brought a new challenge with it, dubbed "The Eye of the Tebow." The premise was simple enough, if certainly difficult for anyone who's not either a hardcore fan of NFL player Tim Tebow, or really knows their Scripture.

Contestants had to fill in the blanks of Bible verses Tebow wore under his eyes during his college football days. They even had a picture to look at to draw inspiration from.

Only, it wasn't a picture of Tim Tebow. It was host Jeff Foxworthy's face instead.

"You know, I never realized Tim Tebow was so good looking. He’s always got that helmet on," Foxworthy said. "That is a handsome man right there."

The audience was loving the show in the studio, as were viewers at home. Broadcasting & Cable reported that 2 million viewers tuned in for last week's series premiere, setting a record for GSN.