Lauren Daigle continues to make headlines this year after her new album “Look Up Child” debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart in September, beating out pop artists like Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and Cardi B.
Since then, the Christian artist has appeared on high-profile TV shows like "Dancing With the Stars," "The Tonight Show," and “Ellen."
Though she took some heat for appearing on a show with a gay host and giving a wishy-washy reply to her stance on homosexuality, Daigle continues to live out her calling by spreading the gospel through her ever-growing platform.
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Switchfoot Requests Prayer for Band Member with Cancer
Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman shared a letter via social media this morning, informing fans of some "sobering news" concerning band member Jerome Fontamillas. "He has cancer. One of Jerome's kidneys has a large mass on it that has been growing for quite some time. The good news is that the cancer has not spread to his other organs. Removing one of his kidneys will hopefully be the first and final cure for Jerome's fight with cancer. The surgeons and the medical team have been incredibly accommodating, making sure that the surgery was scheduled as soon as possible," Jon shared.
"At the end of the month, Jerome will undergo surgery. He is making the best out of a hard situation. He's in good spirits and is facing all of this bravely, (with his signature smile and laughter intact!). He wanted me to reach out to the beautiful community that has supported our band in the highs and lows to inform all of you of the situation. We hope that many of you will join us in praying for Jerome and his family during this difficult season. I'm always blown away by the incredible community that sings these songs with us. Time and time again you will find ways to encourage, strengthen, and rally around the folks that need it the most," Foreman concluded.
The letter wrapped up with a note from Jerome: "I wanted to tell this community firsthand what is going on. It's hard to think about being on the sidelines while we release this album. But the songs have meant so much to me, even through this experience. We've been through so much as a band. This is just one more mountain to climb, one more storm to weather. I know we'll get to the other side. And I look forward to having more reasons to be thankful when all of this is behind us. We will give you an update when we have news to tell you. Thanks again for years of love and support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you, we look forward to telling you some good news in the near future."
Click here to read the full letter, and follow Switchfoot on social media for continued updates as we join Switchfoot in praying for Jerome.
"At the end of the month, Jerome will undergo surgery. He is making the best out of a hard situation. He's in good spirits and is facing all of this bravely, (with his signature smile and laughter intact!). He wanted me to reach out to the beautiful community that has supported our band in the highs and lows to inform all of you of the situation. We hope that many of you will join us in praying for Jerome and his family during this difficult season. I'm always blown away by the incredible community that sings these songs with us. Time and time again you will find ways to encourage, strengthen, and rally around the folks that need it the most," Foreman concluded.
The letter wrapped up with a note from Jerome: "I wanted to tell this community firsthand what is going on. It's hard to think about being on the sidelines while we release this album. But the songs have meant so much to me, even through this experience. We've been through so much as a band. This is just one more mountain to climb, one more storm to weather. I know we'll get to the other side. And I look forward to having more reasons to be thankful when all of this is behind us. We will give you an update when we have news to tell you. Thanks again for years of love and support. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you, we look forward to telling you some good news in the near future."
Click here to read the full letter, and follow Switchfoot on social media for continued updates as we join Switchfoot in praying for Jerome.
Friday, December 14, 2018
Skillet's Unleashed Certified RIAA Gold
2019 will find Skillet once again touring with Breaking Benjamin and Fight The Fury for dates in March and April. Known for their vast tour schedule, the dates will be followed by a trek through the Russian Federation. Tickets for the two month trek are on sale now.
The band’s latest effort, Unleashed, just garnered RIAA Gold status selling over 500K copies. The distinction follows suit with the lead single, "Feel Invincible," which was RIAA Gold certified last year. Unleashed is the fourth consecutive Skillet record to receive certification of either gold, platinum or double platinum. Likewise, "Not Gonna Die" just earned gold distinction, as found on their RIAA Gold certified album Rise.
The multi-platinum selling group will close out 2018 with over 1 billion streams worldwide. Skillet again claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Year-End Christian Streaming Songs Artist Chart – an honor they have held since the chart’s inception in 2014. The now RIAA Gold certified album Unleashed placed No. 9 on Billboard’s Year-End Top Christian Albums Chart. The band's double-platinum track “Monster” topped the Christian Streaming Songs Year-End Chart, while also claiming the No. 7 and 8 spot with “Hero” and “Feel Invincible” respectively. Skillet was No. 5 on the Top Christian Albums Artists Year-End Chart.
The band’s latest effort, Unleashed, just garnered RIAA Gold status selling over 500K copies. The distinction follows suit with the lead single, "Feel Invincible," which was RIAA Gold certified last year. Unleashed is the fourth consecutive Skillet record to receive certification of either gold, platinum or double platinum. Likewise, "Not Gonna Die" just earned gold distinction, as found on their RIAA Gold certified album Rise.
The multi-platinum selling group will close out 2018 with over 1 billion streams worldwide. Skillet again claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Year-End Christian Streaming Songs Artist Chart – an honor they have held since the chart’s inception in 2014. The now RIAA Gold certified album Unleashed placed No. 9 on Billboard’s Year-End Top Christian Albums Chart. The band's double-platinum track “Monster” topped the Christian Streaming Songs Year-End Chart, while also claiming the No. 7 and 8 spot with “Hero” and “Feel Invincible” respectively. Skillet was No. 5 on the Top Christian Albums Artists Year-End Chart.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Francesca Battistelli Performs with Andrea Bocelli for Worldwide TV Christmas Special
Grammy Award winning artist Francesca Battistelli will appear on the holiday special, "Andrea Bocelli: The Heart of Christmas," which is set to air on TBN December 20 at 8 pm. The holiday program will feature Battistelli singing a duet with the world-renowned classical music icon, along with a duet between Bocelli and his son, Matteo, select Christmas songs and more. "Andrea Bocelli: The Heart of Christmas" was filmed in Bocelli's hometown, Lajatico, in the Italian region Tuscany.
"It was the deepest honor to be given the opportunity to sing alongside such an iconic artist," exclaims Battistelli. "It was truly a dream come true to perform with Andrea Bocelli and in his home country. This was an experience I will certainly never, ever forget!"
TBN's foreign partners in Italy, UK, Canada, Germany, Central America, South America and other regions around the world will air the special on the 20th as well. "Andrea Bocelli: The Heart of Christmas," will also re-air on December 24.
"It's been an absolute joy to welcome TBN viewers into the little church in my beloved birthplace, Lajatico--the exact spot where I discovered, as a child, the power of music as an instrument of prayer," said Bocelli.
"It was the deepest honor to be given the opportunity to sing alongside such an iconic artist," exclaims Battistelli. "It was truly a dream come true to perform with Andrea Bocelli and in his home country. This was an experience I will certainly never, ever forget!"
TBN's foreign partners in Italy, UK, Canada, Germany, Central America, South America and other regions around the world will air the special on the 20th as well. "Andrea Bocelli: The Heart of Christmas," will also re-air on December 24.
"It's been an absolute joy to welcome TBN viewers into the little church in my beloved birthplace, Lajatico--the exact spot where I discovered, as a child, the power of music as an instrument of prayer," said Bocelli.
Matthew West's Platinum Motions
Capitol Christian Music Group surprised Matthew West with an RIAA certified platinum (1 million single sales) plaque commemorating his landmark song, "The Motions." No. 1 at Christian airplay for eight weeks with over 170 million global streams, the hit single marks West's first career RIAA certified platinum single.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Michael W. Smith Performs 'Friends' at President Bush Memorial Service
Michael W. Smith had the special honor of performing his iconic song "Friends" at the funeral of George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States.
"Michael is honored to have been asked to perform a song at President George H. W. Bush's memorial service on Wednesday, December 5th in Washington D.C. Michael has been a long-time friend of the Bush Family with a particularly strong connection to our 41st President whom he met in the 1980's," his team posted. Michael also shared a video of the rehearsal.
"Michael is honored to have been asked to perform a song at President George H. W. Bush's memorial service on Wednesday, December 5th in Washington D.C. Michael has been a long-time friend of the Bush Family with a particularly strong connection to our 41st President whom he met in the 1980's," his team posted. Michael also shared a video of the rehearsal.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Sarah Grace Performs "Amazing Grace" on The Voice
Sarah Grace performed "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun" and played the trumpet on The Voice during live Top 10 performances.
Kymberli Joye Performs "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" on The Voice
Kymberli Joye performed Hillsong United's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" on The Voice during the live Top 10 performances.
This is her second Christian song on the Voice!
This is her second Christian song on the Voice!
Thursday, November 29, 2018
'Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas - Presented By Hallmark Channel' to Air December 3
"Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas -- Presented by Hallmark Channel," a one-hour musical special helmed by the multi-platinum-selling singer, songwriter will air Monday, December 3 (8 pm ET). Grant will be joined by husband and fellow Grammy winner Vince Gill, country music and Emmy nominated television star Kellie Pickler and long-time friend, Grammy winner Michael W. Smith for an evening filled with rich performances. Grant will be sharing family Christmas memories and beloved traditions alongside shining a light on the charities that are close to her heart. Among those featured will be Song for Veterans, Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation, Appalachian Relief Fund, World Relief and Barefoot Republic, Grant's own camp for kids. The special is a part of the network's #1-rated programming event, Countdown To Christmas.
Grant recently stopped by the daytime "go-to" destination Pickler & Ben where she performed "To Be Together" from her most recent Christmas album, Tennessee Christmas. Grant will also appear on CMA Country Christmas (Dec. 10 8 PM ABC) and NPR's Tiny Desk Concert alongside being Woman's World December cover girl.
Grant and Gill are soon returning to the famed Ryman Auditorium for an unprecedented twelve-night stand of their beloved Christmas at the Ryman. The resonating holiday tradition is annually sold out and only a few tickets remain for this year's run. Tennessee Christmas (2016) marked her first all-new Christmas album in nearly twenty years and includes original offerings like "To Be Together," "December," "Another Merry Christmas" and "Melancholy Christmas."
Grant recently stopped by the daytime "go-to" destination Pickler & Ben where she performed "To Be Together" from her most recent Christmas album, Tennessee Christmas. Grant will also appear on CMA Country Christmas (Dec. 10 8 PM ABC) and NPR's Tiny Desk Concert alongside being Woman's World December cover girl.
Grant and Gill are soon returning to the famed Ryman Auditorium for an unprecedented twelve-night stand of their beloved Christmas at the Ryman. The resonating holiday tradition is annually sold out and only a few tickets remain for this year's run. Tennessee Christmas (2016) marked her first all-new Christmas album in nearly twenty years and includes original offerings like "To Be Together," "December," "Another Merry Christmas" and "Melancholy Christmas."
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
DeAndre Nico Performs "Take Me to the King" on The Voice
DeAndre Nico performed Tamela Mann's "Take Me to the King" on The Voice during live Top 11 eliminations.
His second Christian song on The Voice!
His second Christian song on The Voice!
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Kymberli Joye Performs "Break Every Chain" on The Voice
Kymberli Joye performed Tasha Cobbs' "Break Every Chain" on The Voice during live Top 11 performances
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Reagan Strange Performs Lauren Daigle's "You Say" on The Voice
Reagan Strange Performed Lauren Daigle's "You Say" on The Voice during live Top 13 performances. It was one of two popular Christian hits last night.
DeAndre Nico Sings "I Can Only Imagine" on The Voice
DeAndre Nico sang MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine" on The Voice during live Top 13 performances.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Lauren Daigle Makes Late-Night TV Debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
Following last month's performance on The Ellen Show, fast-rising CCM artist Lauren Daigle made her late-night TV debut Wednesday with a powerful performance of "Look Up Child" on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Check out the video of what Lauren called a "personal dream" below.
Additionally, Lauren's song "Rescue" was featured in tonight's episode of ABC's Grey's Anatomy.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Selena Gomez Reveals Lauren Daigle Song That Gives Her Strength
Anxiety and depression are often misunderstood and stigmatized by non-sufferers, but Selena Gomez is speaking out
about her struggles with both in a video (as a series of Instagram stories) released just before the pop singer was admitted into a mental health facility.
She reportedly suffered a severe emotional breakdown after recently being hospitalized, and she was “despondent and emotional over an alarmingly low white blood cell count in the wake of her kidney transplant.”
The breakdown occurred when Gomez wasn’t able to leave the hospital.
“A lot of you asked about anxiety and depression in my life yesterday, and I wanted to suggest a song that you can listen to,” she stated in an Instagram story. “As some people know I like to listen to worship music and this song makes me feel like I’m talking about that feeling.”
“It’s really hard to not get worked up or upset when you feel like you’re constantly doing the right thing and you’re showing up for people …but you’re like why am I not feeling good,” stated Gomez.
Last month, the 26-year-old released the video discussing her battles and the Lauren Daigle song that has really helped her face them.
Before admitting herself into the facility, she explained in a deeply personal video how she’s been impacted by Daigle’s song “This Girl” off of her hit album “Look Up Child.”
“Don’t get annoyed that I keep talking about her but she’s speaking my language,” stated the pop sensation before playing a clip of the song that she says she feels she gets to “sing to Jesus.”
Gomez sang part of the song’s lyrics as she played it in the background:
She reportedly suffered a severe emotional breakdown after recently being hospitalized, and she was “despondent and emotional over an alarmingly low white blood cell count in the wake of her kidney transplant.”
“A lot of you asked about anxiety and depression in my life yesterday, and I wanted to suggest a song that you can listen to,” she stated in an Instagram story. “As some people know I like to listen to worship music and this song makes me feel like I’m talking about that feeling.”
“It’s really hard to not get worked up or upset when you feel like you’re constantly doing the right thing and you’re showing up for people …but you’re like why am I not feeling good,” stated Gomez.
Last month, the 26-year-old released the video discussing her battles and the Lauren Daigle song that has really helped her face them.
Before admitting herself into the facility, she explained in a deeply personal video how she’s been impacted by Daigle’s song “This Girl” off of her hit album “Look Up Child.”
“Don’t get annoyed that I keep talking about her but she’s speaking my language,” stated the pop sensation before playing a clip of the song that she says she feels she gets to “sing to Jesus.”
Gomez sang part of the song’s lyrics as she played it in the background:
“I’ve been a winding road, oh, I know You know
Sometimes a stranger in my home
Keep going back and forth through the open door
I’m still learning to be still
This girl ain’t going anywhere
This girl ain’t going anywhere-ere-ere.”
'Russ Taff: I Still Believe' Fills Theaters Across the Country
Premiering in more than 700 movie theaters nationwide for a one-time special presentation, Fathom Events/Fuseic Entertainment's "Russ Taff: I Still Believe" was the #2 per screen average (PSA) movie in America for the night of October 30, according to data collected by Comscore. With multiple screen sellouts in several cities--including Dallas, Minneapolis, Nashville and Tulsa, Oklahoma--the documentary is one of Fathom Events' top faith-based music-themed presentations.
"Russ Taff: I Still Believe" chronicles the Grammy and Dove Award winning artist's unparalleled musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism. Taff candidly reveals how a tumultuous past fueled his own addiction and the ultimate healing he embraced in the power of Christ's love and forgiveness. Immediately following the presentation, theater audiences were treated to a special acoustic session with Taff and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriters Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman.
"I had no idea what it would feel like to sit in a theater with many of the people I love most in this world and watch some of my darkest moments and deepest regrets play out," Taff says of the film's premiere. "What I was completely unprepared for was the wave of unconditional love, compassion, acceptance and encouragement I felt in telling the truth."
"Our prayer is that this movie starts a conversation about the impact of addiction and trauma," he adds. "I believe God can use our story to help coax other hurting people out of the shadows--and that is worth every moment of pain it took to get here."
"We are humbled and overwhelmed by the response we have received from the movie," said director Rick Altizer, Fuseic Entertainment. "God has done amazing things with this story. We are hearing from people struggling with addictions or marriage issues who saw the film and recognized their own need for help. It took courage for Russ and Tori to be this honest, and their heart to see others find healing is apparent in 'I Still Believe.'"
In addition, Taff's debut praise and worship recording, Believe, bowed last week. The full-circle, 12-song release is Taff's first recording in more than seven years and is available at physical and digital retailers everywhere.
"Russ Taff: I Still Believe" chronicles the Grammy and Dove Award winning artist's unparalleled musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism. Taff candidly reveals how a tumultuous past fueled his own addiction and the ultimate healing he embraced in the power of Christ's love and forgiveness. Immediately following the presentation, theater audiences were treated to a special acoustic session with Taff and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriters Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman.
"I had no idea what it would feel like to sit in a theater with many of the people I love most in this world and watch some of my darkest moments and deepest regrets play out," Taff says of the film's premiere. "What I was completely unprepared for was the wave of unconditional love, compassion, acceptance and encouragement I felt in telling the truth."
"Our prayer is that this movie starts a conversation about the impact of addiction and trauma," he adds. "I believe God can use our story to help coax other hurting people out of the shadows--and that is worth every moment of pain it took to get here."
"We are humbled and overwhelmed by the response we have received from the movie," said director Rick Altizer, Fuseic Entertainment. "God has done amazing things with this story. We are hearing from people struggling with addictions or marriage issues who saw the film and recognized their own need for help. It took courage for Russ and Tori to be this honest, and their heart to see others find healing is apparent in 'I Still Believe.'"
In addition, Taff's debut praise and worship recording, Believe, bowed last week. The full-circle, 12-song release is Taff's first recording in more than seven years and is available at physical and digital retailers everywhere.
Josh Turner's 'I Serve A Savior' Debuts at No. 1 Atop Nielsen's Country Albums Chart
"This project was truly a dream come true," commented Turner. "It's something I have wanted to do for a long time. God opened the door and I walked through it. When I look back, this will be one of my favorite projects of my career."
I Serve A Savior marks Turner's first appearance on Billboard's Christian charts, but is the eighth top ten appearance on Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart for the multi-platinum-selling singer.
Adding a new dimension to the GRAMMY® nominee's already acclaimed career, the faith-based collection produced by Kenny Greenburg includes hand-picked hymns, alongside brand-new originals and live recordings of some of Turner's most memorable hits including "Me and God" and "Long Black Train." A portion of the 90-minute live performance DVD released in addition to the project will continue to air this fall on numerous networks throughout the U.S. and Canada. Click here for more information on networks and air times.
On the heels of his release, Turner will be returning to Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium for back-to-back Opry performances tomorrow, Nov. 06 at 7:00PM CT, and again at 9:30PM CT. As one of the youngest members inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, Turner will be performing songs off his latest project. For tickets and more information, go to www.opry.com.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Newsboys Celebrate 10 Million in Career Sales
Platinum-selling Newsboys were honored at their Nashville tour stop earlier this week for total career sales in excess of 10 million units. During a VIP reception at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena, FairTrade Services president/founder Jeff Moseley recognized the band's prolific achievement and rare accomplishment within the genre. Since forming in Australia more than three decades ago and arriving in America in 1987, Newsboys have released 23 recordings and are heralded as one of Christian music's most iconic bands.
Moseley also announced a full-length Newsboys United recording, set for release next year. The FairTrade Services project will showcase Newsboys' current lineup--Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis--along with former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel. The supergroup has performed to numerous capacity crowds around the country since reuniting earlier this year. Showcasing "all the hits... under one roof... for one tour," the "Newsboys United Tour" is set to play a total of 100 shows in 2018.
Additionally, Newsboys United performed fan favorite "He Reigns" during the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards, broadcast earlier this week on TBN. The band was also recently announced as headliners of the multi-artist Winter Jam 2019 Tour Spectacular--Christian music's largest annual tour and one of the biggest first quarter outings in the world. Newsboys United are set to take the Winter Jam stage beginning January 11 in Jacksonville, Florida, delivering a string of the biggest hits from their three-decade career.
One of the most influential bands in Christian music history, Newsboys have amassed eight Gold® certifications, 33 #1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. Their signature songs include "We Believe," "He Reigns," "Miracles," "Born Again" and their Platinum-certified mega hit, "God's Not Dead." The latter inspired one of the most popular Christian film franchises of all time.
Moseley also announced a full-length Newsboys United recording, set for release next year. The FairTrade Services project will showcase Newsboys' current lineup--Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis--along with former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel. The supergroup has performed to numerous capacity crowds around the country since reuniting earlier this year. Showcasing "all the hits... under one roof... for one tour," the "Newsboys United Tour" is set to play a total of 100 shows in 2018.
Additionally, Newsboys United performed fan favorite "He Reigns" during the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards, broadcast earlier this week on TBN. The band was also recently announced as headliners of the multi-artist Winter Jam 2019 Tour Spectacular--Christian music's largest annual tour and one of the biggest first quarter outings in the world. Newsboys United are set to take the Winter Jam stage beginning January 11 in Jacksonville, Florida, delivering a string of the biggest hits from their three-decade career.
One of the most influential bands in Christian music history, Newsboys have amassed eight Gold® certifications, 33 #1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards. Their signature songs include "We Believe," "He Reigns," "Miracles," "Born Again" and their Platinum-certified mega hit, "God's Not Dead." The latter inspired one of the most popular Christian film franchises of all time.
TobyMac's 'The Elements' Charms Critics and Debuts Top 5
TobyMac has once again taken the top spot on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart and debuted Top 5 on Billboard's Top Albums Chart with his latest studio recording, The Elements. Being described as "brave," "compelling" and "fresh," media has taken notice of the latest from the 7X Grammy winner.
"It's electronic arena rock sounds right in step with the millennials in Twenty One Pilots or Imagine Dragons." -- USA Today & The Tennessean
"The Elements is a true work of musical art. It is raw, authentic and powerful." -- Digital Journal
"The new record features his signature catchy hooks, but adds a reflective and slightly somber tone, the result of his experience the past few years."- Guideposts
Among the most talked about tracks on the record is "Starts With Me" centered around racial unity. Tennessean called it "overt," Music Row notes it as "the most arresting on the album" and CBN called it a "powerful one." "Scars" which he shared with Billboard upon the announcement of The Elements was "closest" to him, has also been one of the most asked about on the project -- including from CCM which noted him as the innovative music man.
"It's electronic arena rock sounds right in step with the millennials in Twenty One Pilots or Imagine Dragons." -- USA Today & The Tennessean
"The Elements is a true work of musical art. It is raw, authentic and powerful." -- Digital Journal
"The new record features his signature catchy hooks, but adds a reflective and slightly somber tone, the result of his experience the past few years."- Guideposts
Among the most talked about tracks on the record is "Starts With Me" centered around racial unity. Tennessean called it "overt," Music Row notes it as "the most arresting on the album" and CBN called it a "powerful one." "Scars" which he shared with Billboard upon the announcement of The Elements was "closest" to him, has also been one of the most asked about on the project -- including from CCM which noted him as the innovative music man.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Lauren Daigle Appears on The Ellen Show
Lauren Daigle appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to perform "Still Rolling Stones" from her new album Look Up Child.
Debuting at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, Lauren released her sophomore album Look Up Child earlier this fall. Lauren is currently on the road for her first headlining theatre tour in support of Look Up Child. The tour is slated for 40 stops throughout the next few months, wrapping up in March at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
"So much love for these people... so many others not in this photo that worked hard all day to make @theellenshow happen! Love all you guys so much! Couldn't do this without you," Lauren shared to social media alongside a photo with her band after the performance.
Debuting at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, Lauren released her sophomore album Look Up Child earlier this fall. Lauren is currently on the road for her first headlining theatre tour in support of Look Up Child. The tour is slated for 40 stops throughout the next few months, wrapping up in March at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Chris Tomlin Becomes First Christian Artist to Reach Billion Streams Threshold on Pandora
During an exclusive album preview event in Nashville this week for loyal Pandora listeners, Chris Tomlin was recognized as the first Christian artist to reach the Billion streams threshold on Pandora and was presented with their Billionaire award. Chris is one of only a handful of artists in any genre to reach this benchmark. To date, Chris has 1.8 Billion lifetime spins and averages 4.5 million streams per week. Chris spoke with the Associated Press about the recognition, view it here.
"I'm so honored to represent this amazing genre of music that features so many incredible artists," said Chris. "What this 'billion' honor reminds me of is that every week there are billions of people who gather together in worship. Anywhere there is dirt on this earth people are worshipping God. I'm so thankful to be a part of that."
"The level of Chris Tomlin's performance on Pandora is extremely rare and exceptional in the Christian/Gospel genre, with 1.8 BILLION lifetime streams, 2.6M unique listeners and 20M+ streams each month," says Melissa Chalos, Programming Curator, Christian/Gospel Music | Pandora. "Fifteen of the Top 100 worship songs sung in churches around the globe have his name on them, and 8 of his 11 album releases have reached No. 1. We are excited to welcome worship artist Chris Tomlin to the Pandora Billionaire's Club and to acknowledge the millions of fans engaging with his music here on Pandora. It's our loyal Pandora listeners who determine which artists become Billionaires, and we honor them and their pick in Chris."
"I'm so honored to represent this amazing genre of music that features so many incredible artists," said Chris. "What this 'billion' honor reminds me of is that every week there are billions of people who gather together in worship. Anywhere there is dirt on this earth people are worshipping God. I'm so thankful to be a part of that."
"The level of Chris Tomlin's performance on Pandora is extremely rare and exceptional in the Christian/Gospel genre, with 1.8 BILLION lifetime streams, 2.6M unique listeners and 20M+ streams each month," says Melissa Chalos, Programming Curator, Christian/Gospel Music | Pandora. "Fifteen of the Top 100 worship songs sung in churches around the globe have his name on them, and 8 of his 11 album releases have reached No. 1. We are excited to welcome worship artist Chris Tomlin to the Pandora Billionaire's Club and to acknowledge the millions of fans engaging with his music here on Pandora. It's our loyal Pandora listeners who determine which artists become Billionaires, and we honor them and their pick in Chris."
Rascal Flatts' Jay DeMarcus Launches Christian Music Label
Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus has launched his own Christian music label, Red Street Records. The first two signees to the label were also announced today: new artist Lauren James, a worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and iconic CCM group Avalon.
Marking "the next chapter" for the band, who recently welcomed new member Dani Rocca alongside Jody McBrayer's return after a 12-year absence from the group, Avalon is back in the studio and working on new music. The monumental press conference was live-streamed on Avalon's Facebook page, which you can check out below for a powerful acoustic performance from the group.
While Jay DeMarcus is largely known for his involvement with country superstars Rascal Flatts, his roots are deeply planted in Christian music. DeMarcus was part of Dove-nominated band East to West in the late 1980s before the group disbanded in the early 90's. Even during his time in Rascal Flatts, Jay has continued to stay connected to the Christian music industry, producing records for artists like Jason Crabb and The Martins, in addition to country legend Reba McEntire's recent gospel album.
"I kind of feel like everything I've done up to this point in my life has led to this one moment," Jay shared today. "Christian music was such a huge foundation for me, even as a kid growing up. Before there was ever a Rascal Flatts, I started out in Christian music with East to West, and I've always felt like every time I would come back into the Christian music genre and produce records, I always felt like I was coming back home to a degree. It's always been in my heart, when the timing was right, to do something on my own."
As owner and CEO of Red Street Records, DeMarcus, alongside general manager and producer Don Koch, will produce albums for both Avalon and Lauren James.
Marking "the next chapter" for the band, who recently welcomed new member Dani Rocca alongside Jody McBrayer's return after a 12-year absence from the group, Avalon is back in the studio and working on new music. The monumental press conference was live-streamed on Avalon's Facebook page, which you can check out below for a powerful acoustic performance from the group.
While Jay DeMarcus is largely known for his involvement with country superstars Rascal Flatts, his roots are deeply planted in Christian music. DeMarcus was part of Dove-nominated band East to West in the late 1980s before the group disbanded in the early 90's. Even during his time in Rascal Flatts, Jay has continued to stay connected to the Christian music industry, producing records for artists like Jason Crabb and The Martins, in addition to country legend Reba McEntire's recent gospel album.
"I kind of feel like everything I've done up to this point in my life has led to this one moment," Jay shared today. "Christian music was such a huge foundation for me, even as a kid growing up. Before there was ever a Rascal Flatts, I started out in Christian music with East to West, and I've always felt like every time I would come back into the Christian music genre and produce records, I always felt like I was coming back home to a degree. It's always been in my heart, when the timing was right, to do something on my own."
As owner and CEO of Red Street Records, DeMarcus, alongside general manager and producer Don Koch, will produce albums for both Avalon and Lauren James.
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