Winter Jam #4 of All World Tours

Once again ranking among the biggest first quarter tours in the world, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular brought its 2017 Eastern U.S. run to a close earlier this month. Christian music's largest annual tour landed at #4 on Pollstar’s “1Q YTD Worldwide 2017 Ticket Sales Top 100 Tours” chart, it was recently announced, ahead of tours by such artists as Twenty One Pilots, Drake and Guns N' Roses.

Hitting a total of 46 cities from January through April, Winter Jam played to more than 27,000 people at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, marking not only one of the tour’s largest crowds to date, but the last concert ever at the historic venue. In addition, sellouts continued at St. Louis' Scottrade Center; Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis; Verizon Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas; and the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, among numerous leading arenas. 

Showcasing 10 Christian music artists, Winter Jam featured Crowder, Britt Nicole, Tenth Avenue North, Andy Mineo, Colton Dixon, Thousand Foot Krutch and NewSong.  The tour was also highlighted by a special appearance from “Duck Dynasty” television star Sadie Robertson, as well as a message from acclaimed author, speaker Tony Nolan.

An array of special guest artists and athletes appeared in various cities during Winter Jam’s first quarter outing, including Matthew West, Lauren Daigle; “Duck Dynasty’s” Willie & Korie Robertson; “American Idol” alum Danny Gokey, Francesca Battistelli, Jordan Feliz, Zach Williams, Atlanta Braves great Otis Nixon; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chris Conley; and Nashville Predators captain Mike Fisher.

“This has been such a special year for Winter Jam,” said Eddie Carswell, tour creator and NewSong founding member. “The fantastic lineup, the packed arenas and the special guests who joined us made it an incredible tour, but the best part—as always—is seeing so many people come to Christ through this ministry each year.”

Chonda Pierce to make Big Screen Debut

“Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark,” a one-night only cinema event will premier in select theaters around the country Tuesday, October 27, at 7 pm.

A deeply personal glimpse into the life of Chonda Pierce, the Christian humorist and best-selling female comedian of all-time, the film chronicles a series of tragic circumstances she recently faced, including the loss of her husband. Leaning on her faith in a season of heartbreak, Pierce perseveres—her signature wit intact—hoping to inspire and encourage others with her story.

"I'm nervous! I have allowed a film crew to expose very tender and private moments in my life simply hoping to continue a dialogue about faith, depression, grief and pain to promote healing for brokenhearted people,” Pierce says. “I love the Church, but it's not perfect. I love God, but life is hard. This movie ‘shows’ it all, not just ‘tells’ it all. Mental illness is not a lack of faith and loving Jesus doesn't exempt you from pain. And being a comic doesn't mean you laugh all the time!”

Immediately following the film, theater audiences will have the opportunity to view a special post-event presentation, “Finding Light in the Darkness.” Various celebrities and public figures, including Roma Downey, Kevin Sorbo, Sherri Shepherd, Monica Crowley, Corbin Bernsen and “Duck Dynasty’s” Miss Kay Robertson, are slated to discuss the impact of Pierce’s story.

“This event really brings to light the importance of having faith through life’s most difficult times,” says John Rubey, CEO, Fathom Events. “Chonda’s ability to use humor to overcome her struggles is truly inspiring and a great lesson for us all.”

“Chonda has always been able to do the impossible,” says “Laughing in the Dark” producer Kent Songer. “She’s the best-selling female comedian in history and at the pinnacle of her career she allows her fans full access into her life. She’s an amazingly brave and talented woman, and I am proud to be a part of this unique Fathom event.”

'God's Not Dead 2: He's Surely Alive' to Star Melissa Joan Hart and Jesse Metcalf

"God's Not Dead 2: He's Surely Alive," the sequel to the $60 million grossing 2014 film, hits theaters on Easter of 2016 stars Melissa Joan Hart ("Clarissa Explains It All," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch") and Jesse Metcalf ("Desperate Housewives") and will feature a slew of cameos from well-known celebrities, including an appearance from "Duck Dynasty" star Sadie Robertson.
Robertson will follow in the footsteps of her parents, Willie and Korie, who made a cameo in the original "God's Not Dead" film.

Other cameos include Hayley Orrantia ("The Goldbergs"), Ernie Hudson ("Ghostbusters"), model Robin Givens and singer Pat Boone.

Stars from the original "God's Not Dead" film Trisha LaFache, Benjamin Onyango, Paul Kwo and David A.R. White will be returning for the second installment. The Newsboys will also have a cameo.

"God's Not Dead 2: He's Surely Alive" takes place in the fictional town of Hope Springs, Arkansas, at a high school where teacher Grace Wesley, played by Hart, faces opposition when she tries to speak about Jesus openly in her classroom.

"With the principal and superintendent teaming up with a zealous civil liberties group represented by an attorney with no love lost for God, Grace faces an epic court case with the help of sympathetic and charismatic defense lawyer, that could cost her the career she had always dreamed of — and expel God from the classroom once and for all," reads a description of the film.

While the first "God's Not Dead" film dealt with an antagonistic atheist professor, the new film will address the freedom of religion, a topic that has become even more prevalent since last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made state-level bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional.

"God's Not Dead" is arguably one of the most successful faith-based movies of all time. The film cost just $2 million to make, and grossed over $60 million at the the box office.

Kevin Sorbo, who played an atheist professor in "God's Not Dead," the film's main antagonist, boasted about the film's success after it was released on DVD in September.

"'God's Not Dead,' dollar for dollar, has been the most successful movie this year by far and the most successful faith-based movie," said Sorbo.

The film also debuted at No.1 on the Nielsen Christian Videos Sales Chart, and No. 2 Nielsen VideoScan First Alert and Blu-ray Disc sales charts in August of 2014.

'Unbroken', 'Heaven Is for Real,' 'God's Not Dead' and UP Win Big at Faith-Friendly Awards

Heaven Is for Real and Unbroken took top prizes at the Faith & Values Awards which rewards programming based not only on their entertainment and artistic quality but also their uplifting messaging and Bible-honoring content.

Unbroken, a film about World War II prisoner Louis Zamperini that was directed by Angelina Jolie, was deemed the best film of 2014 for mature audiences while Heaven Is for Real was named the best movie for families.

The 23rd annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala was hosted by Bill Engvall and drew executives from most major — and lots of minor — studios. The event will be broadcast on ReelzChannel on Feb. 21 and again two days later.

The most notable snubs of the evening were the total absence of Noah and Exodus: Gods and Kings, two movies based on the Bible that were controversial in some circles for being insufficiently faithful to the source material.

Unlike the Oscars and most similar affairs, the Faith & Values Awards chooses not only a winner in its top two categories but also nine runners-up that receive trophies.

In the 'family' category, the nine additional movies were: Son of God, God's Not Dead, Big Hero 6, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Dolphin Tale 2, Penguins of Madagascar, Bears, Muppets Most Wanted and Planes: Fire and Rescue.

In the 'mature' category, the nine other movies were: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Giver, The Good Lie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Divergent and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Also unlike other awards shows, the Faith & Values Awards doles out a few cash prizes, supported by a grant from the Templeton Foundation. This year, its $100,000 Epiphany Prize for movies went to God's Not Dead and its $100,000 Epiphany Prize for television went to UP's Love Finds You in Sugarcreek.

There's also a Faith & Freedom Award for movies and television, with the former going to The Giver and the latter to The Gabby Douglas Story.

Presenters included actor Corbin Bernsen, Duck Dynasty personalities Sadie and Korie Robertson and, as has been the case for a few years, several Disney Channel stars: Madison Pettis (Jake and the Never Land Pirates), Shane Harper (Good Luck Charlie); Olivia Holt (Kickin' It), Austin North (I Didn't Do it) and Karan Brar (Jessie).

Stevie Wonder appeared with several other artists in a musical tribute to gospel singer Andrae Crouch, who died in January.

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Winter Jam in Atlanta Adds Sadie Robertson

Winter Jam 2015 Dome Spectacular added Duck Dynasty star and Dancing with the Stars contestant Sadie Robertson to the lineup for Atlanta on February 7. Winter Jam is a 47-city, three month tour.

Sadie is no stranger to the spotlight. She was cast into the limelight as a star on A&E's reality show, Duck Dynasty. Known for her dimples and engaging smile, this 17-year-old high-schooler is more than a pretty face. A popular motivational speaker, Sadie spends her summers on mission trips and speaks at Christian youth camps sharing her message "to live original" as a Christian young person today. She recently competed on ABC's Dancing with the Stars, collaborated on a formal dress line in time for spring prom, and has written a book called "Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values."

"Our very first Dome Spectacular in Atlanta last year was such a phenomenal success with nearly 30,0000 fans and the addition of quality guest artists and celebrities, that it created a daunting task for us to try to top," said Troy VanLiere, tour producer. "But with the announcement of Sadie Robertson being added to our already stellar line-up, we are well on our way! Her character, integrity and the way she lives out her faith for the entire world to see on both Duck Dynasty and Dancing with the Stars is a perfect "heart-match" for Winter Jam. She'll be a big hit on the Winter Jam stage and something people won't want to miss. Plus there is more to come..."

In addition to Sadie Robertson making a guest appearance in Atlanta, the Winter Jam Dome Spectacular lineup will include Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, Family Force 5, NewSong, for King & Country, and evangelist Tony Nolan. The LifeWay Christian Stores Pre-Jam Party will also showcase performances by Blanca, About A Mile, and VERIDIA.
Winter Jam Tour Spectacular is a $10 at the door concert and no tickets are required. The Winter Jam event in Atlanta - hosted at the Georgia Dome for the first time in 2014 - has been aptly dubbed Winter Jam Dome Spectacular for the day. In 2014, the Atlanta event set a Winter Jam attendance record by attracting nearly 30,000 people.

Sadie Robertson Earns 2nd on Dancing with the Stars

Alfonso Ribeiro took the Mirrorball Trophy on a wildly close Nov. 25 season finale of "Dancing With The Stars," leaving Sadie Robertson in second place.

This season has been one of the most competitive, which judges noted during finals yesterday and tonight.

The finale began with "Road to the Finals," a special, one-hour presentation of all that led to tonight's big announcement. Each of the couples heading into the finale had their time to shine, with packages on their favorite performances, turning points, judges' commentary, answers to viewer questions and fun facts.

During Robertson's portion, country stars Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean gave her thumbs-ups. Her family -- celebrities in their own rights thanks to "Duck Dynasty" -- also chimed in.

"She's getting up in front of literally millions and risking falling down or not being very good, and that speaks well for her," said her Uncle Si Robertson. "She's turned into a very well-rounded and extraordinary woman."

The judges offered comments on her innocence and lightness, which they said is so refreshing for the show.

"She is the youngest of our competitors, and she has held her own from the beginning," said judge Bruno Tonioli.

Robertson has impressed fans around the country throughout the season with her loyalty to her standards and to God. Her “light” has even caught the attention of the show’s judges.

“There is a light that you have that just shines so much,” Julianne Hough said after Robertson’s performance last week. “People take that light. ... It’s just so infectious.”

Robertson posted the comment on her Instagram account and called it “the most rewarding comment of the season,” and added “all glory to God for everything.” Robertson also included her own take on Hough's observation: “We know what that light is: ‘You will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the message that gives life’ (Philippians 2:15-16)."

Hough is not the only judge who has recognized Robertson’s light.

“You’re just a bright light,” Carrie Ann Inaba told Robertson following her freestyle dance during part one of the finale Monday night. “And you’re a brighter light now because you dance so much better.”

Before her dance last week, a video package was shown of a young Sadie Robertson delivering a sermon. Robertson later posted an extended cut of the video on Twitter. It includes what could be considered foreshadowing.

“If I was famous ... I would still love the Lord,” young Robertson tells the camera. “I would not just remember about myself. I would love the Lord.”

Sadie Robertson: It's an 'honor' to be compared to the Duggar family

The Robertsons of "Duck Dynasty" are known for their faith and family values so it's not surprise they often get compared to "19 Kids & Counting's" Duggar family.

The comparison is welcome, Sadie Robertson told E! News.

"It doesn't bother me at all," the 17-year-old told E! "I've actually met the Duggars once and they're great people. So to be compared to them is actually an honor, not anything bad."

Like the Duggar girls, the "Dancing With the Stars" finalist has also pledged to remain a virgin until she is married. However, if you're part of the Robertson clan, kissing is allowed pre-wedding.

"I actually wish I could hang out with them more because we actually do have a lot of the same values," she continued.

Like the Duggars, the Robertsons use their fame as a platform to spread their message of faith. Neither families are ones not to speak their minds.

"When we began 'Duck Dynasty,' we weren't starting it for fame," Robertson told Fox News in March. "We started it to get the message of God out there...I think people use fame as an excuse to lose their faith. Faith is obviously my number one priority and I think you need to put God at the top of everything you do."

Duck Dynasty's Sadie Robertson Stuns ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judges

“Dancing With the Stars” kicked off the show’s latest season last night with “Duck Dynasty” star Sadie Robertson taking to the dance floor and stunning the judges.

The 17-year-old danced the cha cha, with parents Willie and Korie Robertson watching from the crowd. And the response to her first performance with partner Mark Ballas was incredible.

“Duckling no more! Here we have a bird of paradise,” proclaimed judge Bruno Tonioli.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba added, ”You’re a star, honey. You don’t even know it yet.”

Watch Sadie’s dance below:


The “Duck Dynasty” family has become known for their overt Christian faith in recent years including the family praying at the dinner table at the conclusion of each episode of the show.

And it seems Robertson isn't planning to stop talking about and showing her faith. In footage that aired on “Dancing With the Stars” before her performance, she was seen praying with her family.

'Dancing with the Stars' Cast Revealed And Includes Famous Christian and Family Friendly Stars

Sadie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" will appear on the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars," as revealed this morning.

The full cast of season 19 of "DWTS" was announced on "Good Morning America" Thursday, when Robertson was announced. The 17-year-old is paired with professional Mark Ballas, and she joins a cast that includes Olympian Lolo Jones and Lea Thompson.  Lolo Jones is an outspoken Christian and Lea Thompson has starred in several family friendly movies on UP.

‘Duck Dynasty’ Season 6 Premiere Ratings Off Significantly

Season 6 of the A&E reality hit premiered Wednesday night, drawing significantly fewer viewers than the Season 5 premiere in January.However, the show still remains the number one cable show on Wednesday night.

Wednesday's “Duck Dynasty” premiere drew 4.6 million total viewers — nearly 4 million less than the 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere.

The slide continues a sharp downward trajectory for the show. The 8.5 million who tuned in for the Season 5 premiere was itself a dramatic drop from the 11.8 million total viewers who tuned in for the Season 4 premiere in August 2013. Granted, the Season 4 premiere set a record for the series, but still — those are pretty big back-to-back declines.

Wednesday night's numbers are also a drop from the Season 5 finale in March, which had 6 million total viewers.

Wednesday night's premiere featured a special guest appearance by Louisiana Gov .Bobby Jindal, who awarded Willie Robertson the inaugural Governor's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence for his success in making the Duck Commander family business a multi-million dollar company.

"It was really neat to have the governor on our show," Willie Robertson told The Daily Advertiser. "His family loves watching the show, and they all came up to West Monroe to participate."

Jindal's guest appearance evidently did not do much to help the show salvage its declining ratings. Although many media outlets are blaming the drop in ratings over controversial statements Phil Robertson made to GQ Magazine last December, others argue that "Duck Dynasty" is simply following the usual, short lifespan of docusoaps.

"Critics and ratings-gazers will be quick to attribute Duck Dynasty's fall from grace to any number of factors -- one of them obviously being star Phil Robertson's controversial persona in the wake of anti-gay comments made in a GQ profile -- but the fact of the matter remains that docusoaps have a short lifespan. And A&E has already milked more out of Duck Dynasty than anybody could have imagined," wrote Michael O'Connor for The Hollywood Reporter.

Winter Jam Once Again Crowned World's Biggest Tour

For the fourth consecutive year, Winter Jam tops Pollstar's First Quarter Year To Date Worldwide Ticket Sales chart - Top 100 Tours, surpassing all other 2014 first quarter tours, including Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Beyoncé, Michael Bublé, Imagine Dragons and Justin Timberlake. Hitting major arenas around the country from January through March, Winter Jam saw 34 sellouts this year, with a combined total audience of more than 550,000 people—the tour's largest attendance in history.

Founded and hosted by NewSong and headlined by multi Grammy-nominated Newsboys and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Lecrae, this year’s all-star line-up also featured Tenth Avenue North, Thousand Foot Krutch, Plumb and Colton Dixon.

"It's been 19 years of continued growth for Winter Jam," says Roy Morgan, Winter Jam promoter. "It's amazing to look back and see how God has orchestrated the smallest of details to grow and use this tour to deliver His message of love and Hope to literally millions of people."

NewSong’s Winter Jam 2014 Tour Spectacular was highlighted by multiple industry-leading innovations and Christian music firsts including the Winter Jam 2014 Dome Spectacular

More than 30,000 people attended the tour’s February stop at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, marking the biggest single event in Winter Jam’s 19-year history. Featuring Guinness World Record-holding high wire artist Nik Wallenda’s tightrope walk across the Dome, the event also included appearances from Reed Robertson of "Duck Dynasty," Grammy-nominated David Crowder and University of Georgia head football coach Mark Richt.

Despite record-breaking inclement weather around the country, causing the cancellation of one of the tour’s 48 slated shows, Winter Jam played to capacity crowds at Chicago’s Sears Centre Arena; Houston’s Toyota Center; Scottrade Center in St. Louis; Cincinnati’s U.S. Bank Arena; and Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, among numerous other sold-out events.  

Faith-Based Movies: In Hollywood To Stay?

Deadline has a nice overview of the recent faith-movie trend:

After the strong staying power of this weekend’s God’s Not Dead and the stronger than expected opening of Noah following on the heels of the surprise opening of Son of God earlier this year, is there any doubt anymore Hollywood that if you build it, they will come? That’s three for three … but wait, actually there’s more. Back in 2008, the Kirk Cameron-starring Fireproof took a lot of people by surprise. On a $500,000 budget raised by Sherwood Baptist church, the faith-based picture ended up grossing $33.4M when it was released. They did it again in 2011, when on a $2M budget, Courageous opened to $9.1M and went onto make $34.5M. Before that, in 2004, the Mel Gibson-directed The Passion of the Christ opened to $83.8M domestically and went on to gross $611M worldwide.

“I think that is a smart assumption,” Megan Colligan, president of domestic marketing and distribution for Paramount told Deadline. 

The next heavenly story up will be Heaven Is For Real, based on the 2010 book written by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent. The book debuted at No. 3 on the New York Times best-sellers list and then rose to No. 1. Sony purchased rights to the book in 2011 and Randall Wallace (Braveheart) is directing. The movie stars Greg Kinnear (As Good as It Gets). Unaided awareness for the film is pretty low at the moment two weeks out, but with the right marketing campaign, Sony could pull off the fourth faith-based film to open decently.

Affirm Films, which typically gears its features toward evangelical Christians, has the family comedy Moms’ Night Out starring Patricia Heaton, Sean Astin and Trace Adkins opening on May 9, Mother's Day Weekend.  Affirm made $43.9 million stateside with the $18 million-budgeted Soul Surfer in April 2011. On October 3, the Nicolas Cage action film Left Behind about a commercial airline pilot steering his plane in the aftermath of the rapture will be released.  Then on December 12, Fox releases Exodus, which is more along the lines of the big-budget Noah. The Biblical tale in Exodus is that of Moses as played by Christian Bale who leads the Israelites out of Egypt to a safe haven. Will it be epic? It’s a Ridley Scott movie.

So will there be more of these Biblical/faith-based films, and can they be sustainable past their first opening weekends and, more importantly, churn a profit for the filmmakers and distributors? “It’s a good question and I don’t know the answer to that,” said Fox’s Chris Aronson. “As far as sustainability and profitability, it’s hard to say because of the differences in the budgets. There are plenty of examples of faith-based films that have been smartly marketing and targeted to a faith-based audiences that have been successful. It proves that there is an appetite for it, but I think that credibility is an issue as well.” He notes that filmmakers and distribs must be involved in catering toward faith-based audiences. “You can’t pull the wool over the faith-based audiences eyes because they will see it and reject it. And I think (Son of God producers) Mark Burnett and Roma Downey had ultimate credibility because they went directly to the opinion makers in the faith-based community and showed that they had the goods.”

Usually, the way these pictures perform is that they open strong and then fall off. That was the case for Son of God which dropped about 60% in its second weekend, but despite that, this re-edited film from History's The Bible series footage, has grossed $57.9M as of this weekend. 

God’s Not Dead had the third-highest per screen with around $7,714 per screen in its second weekend; third only behind Noah ($12,335) and Budapest Hotel ($9,007). Its per screen average is also above the second weekend of Lionsgate’s franchise in the making Divergent ($6,732). It only fell 1% in its second weekend out. Easter is around the corner. So will it do well through Easter or was this second weekend a fluke? Was it helped by the power of Duck Dynasty (with stars Willie and Korie Robertson) who made an appearance and helped to promote the film?

The lesson to studio heads and marketers is — whether its Noah, God’s Not Dead, Son Of God, Fireproof or Courageous – there is an audience for Biblical films. Perhaps, it takes a thoughtful approach to pull it off. Son of God played well across the country, but Roma and Mark had and took the time to meet with church leaders and listen to them and then incorporate marketing and distribution strategies to open the film to the particular audience.

Tapping into the faith-based audience means speaking directly to these infrequent moviegoers in a way that is credible on a budget that is reasonable. They have proven to be bankable. So, say, a major star anchors one of these — instead of a Kevin Sorbo or Kirk Cameron — and makes a financially-responsible deal for all parties involved, it could prove a new audience for that star and also a nice sum for all profit participants. Also at the same time, these pictures give exhibitors the kind of lower-end budgeted movies that are often more profitable than the Hollywood tentpoles.

These individuals may be infrequent moviegoers for mainstream movies, but they are frequent moviegoers for Biblical and faith-based films. And as Fortune 500 companies have found in developing new products for a new market, there are pitfalls, yes, but if and when you hit it’s a goldmine of loyal customers. And for a star, it could be their biggest openings to date, which was the case for Russell Crowe this weekend in Noah. Combining its marketing to faith-based and to mainstream action audiences, Paramount pulled it off. And Crowe and the studio can thank, in no small part, Emma Watson and her team for her strong social media footprint (and savvy on how to utilize it).

Aronson sums it up nicely: “What this shows is that there is an appetite for these type of movies and that there is a particular segment of the population that is being terribly under-served and if you give them the product they want to see, they will come.”

read full Deadline article

God's Not Dead Is America's Fifth Most Popular Movie This Week

At just 780 locations, God's Not Dead earned an incredible $8.56 million. That ranks seventh all-time among faith-based movies, and ranks first among those opening in fewer than 1,000 theaters. It's a bit below Courageous ($9.1 million), but above Fireproof ($6.8 million).

The PG-rated film about a college student who is challenged by his professor to prove God's existence was driven by solid advance ticket sales and by church-based outreach. Kevin Sorbo and Dean Cain starred and Duck Dynasty's popular Willie and Korie Robertson made a cameo which was used in the marketing push.

God's Not Dead had a grassroots marketing effort targeted specifically at Christians, who often feel neglected by Hollywood. In addition to the Duck Dynasty stars, popular Christian band Newsboys (who have an album titled "God's Not Dead") were also featured in the film. At least as important was its intriguing story, which centered around a devout Christian college student's philosophical battle with his atheist professor (Kevin Sorbo).

Distributor Freestyle Releasing is looking to expand the movie next weekend. With good word-of-mouth, this could ultimately earn over $30 million total.

'Duck Dynasty’ Star Sadie Robertson: Fame is Not an Excuse to Lose Your Faith

It's practically a given that kids who get famous at a young age do some pretty crazy things.

But while Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber make headlines for negative behavior, 'Duck Dynasty's' Sadie Robertson is making headlines for a very different reason.

The 16-year-old 'Duck' heiress is famous for putting her faith first and using her fame to help promote family values.

"I think people use fame as an excuse to lose their faith," Roberston told Fox News. "Faith is obviously my number one priority and I think you need to put God at the top of everything you do. When we began 'Duck Dynasty,' we weren't starting it for fame," she said. "We started it to get the message of God out there."

Robertson says her family's show helped to fill a hole in today's television programming by providing wholesome, Christian values for families to enjoy together.

"We could have easily done a reality show like everyone else," she said. "But it's our faith that catches people's eyes because sadly, it's not something we're used to seeing [on TV] these days."

Just because the Robertsons try and put their faith first, doesn't mean the redneck royal family isn't immune to some of the hazards of fame. The family sat down for one of their weekly dinners to set up some ground rules before they signed on for the reality show.

"We had a family dinner before the show started and we talked about if at any time in this journey that God is not first, then we have to put the show away," Robertson recalled.

"If we start to think of ourselves too highly, we remember that we were happy before the show and we will be happy after the show."

They even came up with a secret phrase should any family member start to let the fame get to their heads.

"At the dinner, my Uncle [Si] said, 'Remember the Alamo?" she explained they simply utter the sentence to remind the person to stay grounded.

Robertson has seen success outside of her family's show including co-hosting a popular Youtube series called "The New Different" with "Preacher's Daughters" star Kolby Koloff.

"We started 'The New Different' because we saw all of these people get famous from doing stupid things on Vine and YouTube and we thought if they can put the stupidest things online and have millions of views, why don't we start a Christian-based video series?"

Robertson said it "was a God thing" when fellow reality star Koloff moved to Louisiana and they started producing the weekly series to cover the "daily struggles that teenagers go through" to give them "words of encouragement each week."

"If we're just helping one person, it's worth it," she said of the mean tweets and comments she sometimes receives.

Robertson is thankful for everything her and her family has and says the good definitely outweighs the bad.

"This world can influence you in some bad ways. I know I couldn't do it by myself and my family reminds me why I'm doing this," she said. "We wouldn't have anything that we do have if it weren't for God and we have to give Him the glory for everything."

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'Preachers' Daughters' Starlet Shares Viral Video Series with 'Duck Dynasty' Star

Two reality show teens, Kolby Koloff and Sadie Robertson, have teamed up to create a web series about their religious beliefs.

The success of the YouTube series, featuring the "Preachers' Daughters" and "Duck Dynasty" starlets, came as a bit of a surprise, Koloff told Fox News.

“We’re very surprised, but gratefully surprised that it’s been going so well,” she said ahead of the season 2 premiere of her series “Preachers' Daughters.”

Her parents also opened up to Fox News about their divorce, which happened about eight years ago. Her father, wrestler Nikita Koloff, said their story is one of “restoration.”

read full article & watch video

Going Hollywood: 'Duck Dynasty' stars 'honored' to be part of Faith & Values Awards

The annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards celebrates productions focusing on American patriotism, Christian beliefs and the traditional family. Now in its 22nd year, the gala ceremony – being held Friday evening at the Universal Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles – is welcoming “Duck Dynasty” stars Willie and Korie Robertson into the fold.

"We're excited to attend an awards show that honors and recognizes actors, directors, writers, producers and executives providing a positive message in film and programming," Korie Robertson told Fox News. "We are honored to present an award and to see Willie's work recognized as a nominee."

Gala founder Dr. Ted Baehr said the Movieguide Awards are equally as thrilled to have the Robertsons as guests and nominees.

"I think they were pretty beaten down by the media following Phil’s interview last year, and went through a period of extreme angst," Baehr said. "But they’re so excited to be coming and they’re bringing the family."

Willie has a Grace Prize TV nomination for his role in “Last Man Standing: Back to School,” while “Duck Dynasty: Till Duck Do Us Part” is also in the running for the Faith and Freedom TV awards and the Epiphany Prize TV award.

Furthermore, Willie and Korie will together present an award for the Best Family Movie. Nominees in that category include “Frozen,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” and “Oz, The Great and Powerful,” while the “Best Mature Audience Films” is acknowledging “Captain Phillips,” “Gravity” and “Iron Man 3.” On the small screen, “Blue Bloods,” “Remember Sunday” and “Christmas in Conway” will face off against “Duck Dynasty” for the Faith & Freedom Award and the hit History Channel series “The Bible”” is up for both a TV Grace Award and the TV Epiphany Prize.

Other confirmed presenters include Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, Andy Garcia, James Denton, Ali Landry and Holly Robinson, while Ritchie Sambora, Billy Ray Cyrus and AJ Michalka from “Grace Unplugged” will perform.

“This past year has been the greatest year we’ve ever had for movies with faith and values; these are being lifted up everywhere," added Baehr. "But we really try to focus on more than celebrating the actors is the people behind-the-scenes – the writers, directors and produce who make these movies and shows happen. These are the people who are too often forgotten.”

The 22nd Annual Movieguide Faith &Values Awards airs March 1 and 2 on the Reelz Channel.

One Direction Star Is Getting It From All Directions After Tweeting Support for 'Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson

One Direction singer Liam Payne is getting it from all directions after sending a supportive tweet to "Duck Dynasty" star Willie Robertson. Fans are upset with Payne, who they claim is showing support to someone who made anti-gay remarks in an interview last month.

"@williebosshog huge love to you/your family huge respect for your business prosperities and the family values you still all behold. Big fan," Payne tweeted.

His words immediately set off a firestorm of responses from those who follow the popular singer. Many were upset that Payne would support Robertson after his father made controversial remarks during an interview with GQ magazine last month.

"Being a fan of someones show and the way they still hold a family together doesn't mean I am ok with all they say," Payne later tweeted in response to all of the comments.

Other fans, though, have started a Twitter campaign with the phrase "#LiamWeStandByYou" in order to combat all the negative reactions he's received.

"Fox & Friends" posted a photo of Payne and Robertson expressing themselves with cartoon bubbles, though it's not known whether Robertson actually replied to Payne's comments.

"Thanks bro. Congrats to u boys as well. Y'all keep rockin', we'll keep quackin'. Stay strong in this nutty world," Robertson says in the photo.

Payne continued to defend himself against comments from followers and went on a bit of a rant against all the publicity he was receiving because of his comments.

"I can't do anything without being judged u try that and write about it. Sick of all this bull I'll be back again when the freedom of speech law is back and people don't believe to [sic] much into the [expletive] they read," Payne tweeted.

‘Duck Dynasty’ Premiere Second Most Popular Show on TV, On Par With Last Year

Last night's show ranks as No. 2 program of night in young adults — behind only Fox's 'American Idol'

More than 8.5 million heard the “Duck Dynasty” call Wednesday, as the A&E juggernaut returned to strong but far from record-breaking ratings — less than a month after a firestorm of controversy engulfed the show.

This number is about the same as its recent Christmas special as well as its 2013 bow last February, but well below its record-setting fourth-season opener of last August.

On a night that included original series episodes on every broadcast network — including the season premiere of Fox’s “American Idol” — “Duck Dynasty” ranked as the evening’s No. 2 program among adults 18-49. Its 4.2 million viewers in the demo (a 3.3 rating) put it behind only “Idol” (4.6) and slightly ahead of ABC’s “Modern Family” (3.2)

Some Networks upset with A&E for 'caving' on Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson's Comments

A&E was quick to reinstate Phil Robertson on "Duck Dynasty" following last month’s controversy over comments he made to GQ magazine about homosexuality. Now an insider tells Fox News there is still heat on the network for their about face.

According to a well-placed source, higher-ups at several networks – including executives at both ABC and CBS – remain hopping mad with A&E for “caving” to the backlash from "Duck Dynasty" fans.

"Several high-ranking executives have expressed upset over the way this all played out. The network execs think that in allowing Phil to come back so quickly and seamlessly, without apology, sets a bad standard,” the source told Fox News. “The standard being that talent can say whatever offensive thing they want about gay people or other groups and get away with it. No consequences.”

Fox News was also told that power players at both ABC and CBS are annoyed – and were quite frankly “shocked” – that the Robertson family patriarch was suspended for just a week and welcomed back so warmly.

"It's all about money. I guess many feel that A&E should have taken a stronger stand,” added the source. “Where do moral standards go from here? Does this now mean stars can say whatever offensive things they want under the guise of freedom of speech, without repercussion?”

One industry pro says things could have been far worse for the cable channel if A&E had not backed down and brought Robertson back.

“At the end of the day, entertainment is big business and clearly A&E decided that ‘this too shall pass.’ Sometimes avoiding the major news as would have occurred has they fired him would have been more damaging to their brand then simply having Robertson continue on,” noted Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5WPR. “Not all press is good press.”

'Duck Dynasty' Book Sales Rise Following Phil Robertson Controversy; A&E Removes Suspension

In spite of the recent controversy surrounding "Duck Dynasty's" Phil Robertson, books written by four members of the Robertson family have continued to rise in sales during the holiday season.

A book poll from USA Today finds that Phil Robertson's memoir Happy Happy Happy jumped from No. 56 to No. 46 last week, making its way into the media outlet's "Top 50" bestselling titles of the week ending on Dec. 22. Additionally, "Duck Dynasty" co-star Miss Kay's cookbook, Miss Kay's Duck Commander Kitchen, jumped from No. 30 to No. 19, while Pastor Alan Robertson's The Duck Commander Devotional now sits at No. 23, up from No. 35. Lastly, Si-cology, written by the reality show's zany uncle Si Robertson, is at No. 28 from No. 33.

In addition to heightened book sales, Billboard reported last week that Robertson family's Christmas album, "Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas," was on track to sell 125,000 copies in the week ending on Dec. 22. The album, which features cameos from famous country musicians like George Strait, has sold a total of 575,000 copies since it was released in late October.

Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer, an organization that connects Christian consumers with faith-compatible companies, told The Hollywood Reporter that the recent controversy surrounding Phil Robertson and his comments on homosexuality could actually result in a rise in sales for the "Duck Dynasty" brand.

"In this case those that like Phil or like Duck Dynasty specifically would be more inclined to engage with the brand because they identify with it," Stone told the media outlet. Faith Driven Consumer led a popular online petition, "I Stand with Phil," to show their solidarity and support for Phil Robertson.

Stone compared Robertson's current controversy to the previous controversy involving fast food chain restaurant Chick-fil-A, which was boycotted by thousands of Americans in August 2012 after the chain's President Dan Cathy answered a question posed to him on same-sex marriage by giving a biblical opinion that marriage was the union between one man and one woman.

"There was a tremendous outpouring of support for [Chick-fil-A]," Stone said, adding, "if a brand is aligned with them or compatible with them, they certainly would increase their shopping."

However, despite the backlash Robertson received from gay activist groups, that criticism was dwarfed by the immense amount of support from politicians, religious leaders, Christian leaders and free speech advocates. Hundreds of thousands signed online petitions calling for Phil to be reinstated, with many saying they would boycott A&E altogether in protest at the network's actions.

The Robertson family also issued a statement saying that although some of the comments Phil made were "coarse," they ultimately stood behind the family patriarch's comments that homosexuality was a sin, and they questioned whether the other family members could proceed with the show without Phil by their side.

"Duck Dynasty" has proven to be a major ratings booster for the A&E network, wrangling over 10 million viewers in some episodes.

Companies that carry the "Duck Dynasty" and Duck Commander brands, including WalMart, Under Armour, and Target, have remained relatively silent on the recent Robertson controversy and have continued to sell the show's merchandise. The restaurant chain Cracker Barrel temporarily pulled some "Duck Dynasty" merchandise from the shelves of its stores, only to quickly apologize and restore the goods after a mass backlash from customers at the move.

The A&E network also caved in, and just nine days after "indefinitely suspending" Phil Robertson, the network announced on Dec. 27 that it would be reinstating him to the "Duck Dynasty" reality show when filming resumes in spring. The statement read, in part: "[...] after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming 'Duck Dynasty' later this spring with the entire Robertson family."

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