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.

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.

Hillsong launches TV channel

Hillsong Church has launched a 24-hour television channel giving world-wide access to their worship, Bible teaching and conferences.

The church has partnered with Christian media company TBN to start broadcasting Hillsong TV.

The channel's now available to more than 100 million households across the world, three quarters of whom are currently in America.

45th Annual GMA Dove Awards Announced Today

The GMA announced today the nominees in 42 categories for the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The awards show will take place on Tuesday, October 7 at Allen Arena in Nashville, TN at 6:30pm CT. TBN will air the awards show.

Artists Hillsong United, Lecrae, Mandisa and Matt Maher have 5 nominations apiece.  The full list of nominees can be found here.

The nominees in 20 categories were revealed today during the press conference and below are two of the top categories announced today.

Song of the Year
“Fix My Eyes” - for KING & COUNTRY
“Hello My Name Is” – Matthew West
“Hurricane” – Natalie Grant
“I Can Trust Him” – The Perrys
“Lord I Need You” – Matt Maher
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” – Hillsong UNITED
“Overcomer” – Mandisa
“Revival” – Karen Peck and New River
“Say Amen” – Brian Free & Assurance
“That’s Why” – Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

Artist of the Year
Casting Crowns
Hillsong UNITED
Lecrae
Mandisa
NEEDTOBREATHE
Switchfoot