Amy Grant Appears on Katie Tomorrow

Amy Grant will appear on the talk show Katie tomorrow. Hosted by veteran TV personality Katie Couric, Grant will discuss the holiday season, her family and her new album How Mercy Looks From Here which released earlier this year. Grant will also perform her cherished holiday classic, "Tennessee Christmas."

Group 1 Crew's Blanca Exits Duo To Pursue Solo Career

Today, Blanca Callahan, one-half of Group 1 Crew, has announced that she is leaving the hip hop/pop group to pursue her own solo career. Manwell will be continuing Group 1 Crew without Blanca, while she prepares for her first solo project. I first learned of this at the Dove Awards, but agreed to not share until she was ready to go public. 

On Group1Crew.com, Blanca made the following announcement, and shared an announcement video:

Dear Group 1 Crew Family,
As many of you know, in July of this year, my husband and I welcomed a new member to our family - our baby boy London. I never thought someone so small could affect my life so much, but he has done just that. Our whole world has changed in so many ways. Prior to him arriving, I felt a transition coming in my life. It was as if the Lord had been preparing me not only for the birth of my child, but also for the birth of a brand new season. As I’ve wholeheartedly welcomed my son, I welcome this new season. No matter how scary it all may feel, I've never been more excited to trust the Lord with whatever he has in store for my life. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamt of the moment when I’d get to fully share my heart and voice with the world, and I’m humbled that moment has finally arrived. So with that said, this letter is to announce that I will be stepping down from Group 1 Crew.
This decision did not come easy, but after months of prayer, we knew that it was the right one. It will be sad for me to leave the Group 1 Crew family, but I am confidant God is in this transition. Looking back, Group 1 Crew has been ten of the most amazing years of my life. When I first started with the group, I was a 17 year old new believer in Christ who was terrified of the stage. I will forever be grateful to the Lord for placing Manny and Pablo in my life at that time. They taught me so much about my identity in Christ and encouraged me to be confident in the voice that He has given me. We have so many great memories of everything God has done over this last decade. Having been given the privilege of making music, touring all over the world, and changing lives for Christ, was more than I could have ever dreamed of! I am SO THANKFUL for Group 1 Crew and all of you who have loved and supported us since the very beginning!
Though I am leaving the group, a beautiful part in all of this is that Group 1 Crew will be continuing on. Manwell will be leading the group into their new season, and will keep giving you that great music that we all love so much. The vision that we carried together for years, remains the same today, and I know Manwell is going to give his all in keeping that vision alive. I too will be making new music of my own, and cannot wait to share it with you. So many of you have been a part of my journey thus far. Whether it's been me, as the "new girl" in Christian Music, the death of my Father, marrying my best friend, or the birth of my son, you all have been there to walk through it with me. This new season will just be the next chapter in our book together. I pray that you will continue to support Manwell and I in our new endeavors.
As I reflect on my time in Group 1 Crew, I’m at peace knowing that if I’ve ever touched a life, brought someone hope, or turned someone to Jesus, I’ve done my part. I have given you the best that I have, and can promise that I will continue to do the same in this next chapter. If I've learned anything in this process, it's that life is all about walking out of what’s comfortable and into the unknown. When God has called you to something you can't be afraid to step out. It's in those moments that you are challenged the most, God can use you the most and you truly understand the meaning of trusting Him. I love you all so very much, and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continual love, prayers and support!
Love,
Blanca E. Callahan

TobyMac's Nirva Ready to Release Project

I Need You, the debut from  leading background vocalists Seth & Nirva, is set to bow on iTunes December 17. The album is highlighted by “All Praise” (featuring TobyMac); the piano-driven title cut (feat. Shonlock); and the hip-hop based “Praise Him” (feat. GabeReal), among other songs.

“I think we are more dynamic together,” says Seth Ready of the couple’s debut. “Nirva has an incredible range and a powerful voice that brings a lot of energy to a song.”  Nirva adds: “I have always enjoyed being part of a team rather than being on my own, and who better to be teammates with than your best friend and husband.”

Nirva Ready is featured as a singer and dancer in TobyMac’s Diverse City band, touring with the iconic artist’s ensemble for more than a decade. A graduate of Nashville’s historic Fisk University, she was a member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers and has also been a background vocalist for such artists as Mandisa, Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen, among many others.

Beginning his career as a background singer with multi-platinum urban-gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin, Seth Ready has shared the stage with Chris Tomlin, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, among others, as a supporting vocalist. Ready currently serves as pastor of young adult ministry at The Crossing Church in Tampa, Florida.

Jars of Clay Giving Away Song to Help the Philippines

Jars of Clay is giving away the song, "Fall Asleep," from its album, Inland, through a special NoiseTrade offering to raise money for relief efforts in the Philippines. All of the proceeds from the single will be used to support The Red Cross in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, claimed to be the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in recorded history.

The official music video for "Fall Asleep," which premiered on USAToday.com and is now being promoted in various video channels, was created in Manila and stars Filipino supermodel/actress, Rhian Ramos.

"The video was done for us entirely for free, as a gift," says Jars of Clay lead vocalist, Dan Haseltine. "We are so grateful for the gift of such a stunningly beautiful music video. By using the video and the song as a means to raise funds to help in the clean up and restoration efforts currently taking place in the Philippines, we felt it would be a wonderful way to respond in kind."

People are encouraged to watch the video and download "Fall Asleep," leaving a tip for the relief efforts.

"I incorporated the sun and stars from the Filipino flag, as well as the skyline of Manila," says Haseltine of the artwork created for the single. "We are hoping to raise $50,000 to help serve the amazing people of the Philippines and will be working with The Red Cross to insure the funds are used properly and efficiently."

Frontrunner Thanks Christ for Help on 'The Voice'

One one of the frontrunners on NBC's "The Voice", Matthew Schuler, is giving credit to Jesus and says that his faith has helped bring him this far. 

"It has been a wild ride," Schuler told Hollywood Life. "My relationship with Jesus Christ has helped me out the most. I am not doing this for me, I am doing this for the love of God and people. To share my passion of music is what keeps me being me. The weak will inherit the earth, so I want to be humble and bless others."

Schuler is part of Team Christina and grew up singing in church and musicals, according to his site. His Twitter feed is full of thanks for prayers and a list of blessings that Schuler has experienced in his life and during his time on "The Voice."

"I am so grateful for everyone who voted for me and helped make me #1 on iTunes this week. I pray you were blessed as much as I was," Schuler tweeted earlier this month. "I am such a blessed kid… Is this really my life right now? This show has been such an amazing platform for me. I am beyond blessed by all your support."

Schuler has reportedly performed a variety of songs, from Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" to Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" and managed to amaze "Voice" judges and fans alike. After performing "Wrecking Ball," Schuler said he respected Cyrus' art.

"She is doing some groundbreaking stuff right now," Schuler told "Extra." "She is pursuing her own freedoms… I can't say I agree with everything she is doing, but it is her art. I respect her art and respect her as an artist. She's done some amazing things in the music industry and acting and everything. She has my respect.

UP Lists the 25 Best Christmas Albums... and Gets It Mostly Right

UP has published their list of the 25 best Christmas albums and gets it mostly right.  Here's a better list.

Gary Chapman's Wife to Star in new TNT reality series

The wife of Gary Chapman, the Christian and country singer, will star as one of the wives in TNT's upcoming Private Lives of Nashville Wives.  In the sneak peek video, Cassie Piersol, reveals she was also a former Hooters girl.

Stryper's 'No More Hell To Pay' Cracks Billboad Top 40

"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from rockers Stryper, sold around 9,600 copies in its first week of release to debut at No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of Stryper's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.

Stryper's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.

The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.

Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date."

"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER, sold around 9,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.

Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99

"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER, sold around 9,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.

Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99

"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER, sold around 9,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.

Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99

'Duck Dynasty' Christmas Album Tops Billboard Country Music Chart

The new Christmas album from the "Duck Dynasty" clan debuted at the top of Billboard's Top Country Albums chart this week.

"Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas" took over the top spot and also ranked second on the publication's list of Top Holiday Albums behind Kelly Clarkson's "Wrapped in Red."

"Duck the Halls" is currently fourth on the Billboard 200, which ranks top-selling albums for the week across all genres. The Christmas record is situated behind new albums from Arcade Fire, Katy Perry and Clarkson.

The Robertsons are joined on the album by country music stars like Luke Bryan, Alison Krauss, Josh Turner and George Strait.

The Robertsons also share their Christian faith through the album by singing songs like "Away in a Manger," which features a reading from the Gospel of Luke, and "Silent Night." The album concludes with a prayer from Phil Robertson, the family patriarch, and a closing message from Willie Robertson, Phil's son and the president of Duck Commander.

The album was released on Oct. 29, and sold 69,000 copies in a week's time.

'Duck Dynasty' Family to Appear in 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Robertson family of A&E's hit reality television show "Duck Dynasty" will make an appearance at the 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade later this month.

The Robertsons will be joined at the parade by a host of other celebrities, including Jimmy Fallon, Kristin Chenoweth, Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri and many more.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, whose motto is "A Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere," was first held in 1924 and was made up of only about a dozen different attractions. This year's spectacle will include, among other things, 30 floats, 11 marching bands, 1,600 dancers and cheerleaders, 15 character balloons and, of course, Santa Clause.

The parrade is expected to be watched by more than 3.5 million people in person and by more than 50 million people nationwide.

The parade doesn't commence until Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. ET, though the Robertsons have already been busy preparing for the holiday season.

Last week the family's Christmas album, "Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas," was released. In addition to performances by members of the Robertson clan, country stars like Alison Krauss, Josh Turner and Luke Bryan also performed on the record.

Willie Robertson, president of Duck Commander, told Reuters last week that his family is proud of the album.

"It is definitely from our perspective of a down-home middle-America Christmas," Robertson told the news wire. "There is some funny stuff and then there is some serious stuff."

Between 55,000 and 60,000 copies of the Christmas album may have been sold in its first week, according to Billboard, and it may land in the top five of the Billboard 200 chart this week. The Billboard 200's top 10 list will be released on Wednesday.

Britney Spears' Favorite Author is Pastor Max Lucado

Pop singer Britney Spears was asked by one of her fans in a recent Twitter Q&A what her favorite book is. Spears replied, “Anything by Max Lucado,” the New York Daily News reported.

Lucado is a bestselling and prolific author of Christian books and minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Some of his titles include “Fearless,” “Facing Your Giants,” and “God Came Near,” among many others.

The media is artificially generating controversy because Lucado wrote an article against gay marriage in 2004, noted the Daily Mail, while she claims her latest single is a tribute to her gay fans

While Lucado’s views are hardly surprising given his conservative evangelical theology, some might be surprised by Spears naming his books as her favorites — for many reasons, although one pointed out by the Daily News is that Spears has been an advocate of gay marriage.

In 2009, the singer responded to a query from gossip blogger Perez Hilton on the topic by quoting herself: “Love is love! People should be able to do whatever makes them happy! – Britney”

Then again, with the Spears family’s Christian background, the singer’s appreciation for Lucado may not be so surprising in the end.

Susan Boyle's First Solo Performance in US to be at Joel Osteen's Church

Susan Boyle, the U.K. singer who in wowed judges on "Britain's Got Talent" and eventually the world with her powerful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream," is set to put on her biggest U.S. performance yet with a show this month at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.

"Victoria and I, like all of America, fell in love with Susan Boyle the first time we saw her," Pastor Osteen said, according to Broadwayworld.com. "We are delighted and honored that she chose Lakewood Church for her first solo performance in this country."

Boyle, who will be singing tracks from her new holiday-themed album, Home for Christmas, said she was looking forward to performing at Lakewood Church.

One of the singles Boyle will perform is her newly-released cover of the Christmas classic "O Come, All Ye Faithful," as a duet with the late Elvis Presley. Boyle, an ambassador for the charity Save The Children, has said proceeds from sales of the holiday single will benefit the U.K. organization.

Lakewood is reportedly Boyle's first stop on her U.S. tour, a promotional effort for Home for Christmas, her fifth studio album. The former church worker will also be making her film debut in "The Christmas Candle" motion picture, based on author Max Lucado's book of the same name.

It was her rendition of the Les Misérables track "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent" four years ago that catapulted Boyle onto the world stage. That same year, in November, Boyle released her debut album, titled I Dreamed a Dream, which topped charts all over the world