Mac Powell Helps Out Casting Crowns On Lead Vocals Amidst Mark Hall's Recovery

Former Third Day vocalist Mac Powell joined fellow Atlanta group Casting Crowns on stage this week to help out vocally. Crowns' lead singer Mark Hall recently underwent surgery on his vocal chords, which has left him needing to not put so much strain on his voice while he continues to heal.

Earlier this week, Hall posted on his personal Instagram feed a photo of him with Powell, with the caption:  "Big thanks to a hero and a friend, @macpowell for standing with me and singing my songs this week as I wait for my voice to heal. Please keep praying for me, friends."

Due to Hall's vocal troubles, the band had to cancel a string of dates in December. A notice on the website for the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA had this to say about the December 4th cancellation:

"PLEASE NOTE: Regrettably, Casting Crowns must cancel their seven West Coast December Christmas concerts because of a significant health matter with lead singer Mark Hall. The December 4 Oakland date is included with the cancelled cities. Mark is temporarily unable to sing due to a vocal health issue. Refunds available at original point of purchase. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are automatically refunded.”

MercuryNews.com reported on the Oakland cancellation specifically last month, and included a special message from Hall regarding his condition:

“I’ve had some struggles with my voice in the last several weeks. I’ve been seeing some doctors and spent some time in Nashville with some of the top doctors in the field. It is nothing that can’t be cured and I can’t recover from, but the only thing I can do right now is rest & be quiet.

I don’t think this could come at a worse time. The band, crew and I, were all so excited about being a part of Christmas with so many families. Families, I know, only have so much time in the Christmas season. You guys chose to spend a night with us and that’s a big deal. The fact that we can’t make that happen hurts my heart, and I’m really sorry. There are so many people that have worked so hard to get the tour to this point, and I feel I’m the reason that it can’t happen. I just want you to know that I’m going to do everything the doctor says, and God is going to take care of me.

Great news! We’re going to be back in most of these cities on tour in the fall of 2019, and we hope very much to see you there. Until then, I’ve got to have a quiet Christmas. I’ll be praying for you guys, and ask that you pray for us. Thank you so much for understanding. Our prayers are with you, and remember we’re all here for Only Jesus!

Casting Crowns Celebrates Selling 10 Million Albums!

Casting Crowns celebrated their 10 million albums sold achievement last week with industry friends and family in downtown Nashville. The group joins a small and elite group of Christian artists as they surpass 10 million albums sold. 


"It is amazing to see how God has used a group of ordinary youth and worship pastors who wanted to write songs for our church. Now, 14 years later we still write songs for our church but are blessed how God has taken these songs across the world. I always say that a song can change someone's day, but only God can change someone's life. That is what I hope we are able to do - help change someone's day but also be the body that God can use to help change someone's life. We just want to keep writing and singing songs as long as God gives them to us.”
- Mark Hall, Casting Crowns frontman

A Present for Casting Crowns as a Fifth Album Goes Platinum

Casting Crowns has been awarded RIAA Platinum certification for their Christmas album "Peace On Earth." This marks their fifth career Platinum certification in addition to their 2x multi-Platinum album, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, seven RIAA Gold albums, four Gold DVDs, one RIAA Platinum single and five RIAA Gold certified digital singles. The group continues to hold the position as Billboard's top-selling act in Christian music since 2007 with more than 10 million album sales.

Casting Crowns Is The Very Next Thing in Billboard’s Top 10

Casting Crowns' latest The Very Next Thing lands at #9 on the Billboard 200.

Casting Crowns has dominated Billboard’s Christian charts for the last 10 years and their latest release The Very Next Thing is no exception. This is their sixth album to debut in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts.

Casting Crowns Joins the Elite with 10 Million Career Album Sales

Casting Crowns has joined a very small but elite group of Christian artists as they surpass 10 million albums sold to date since their label debut in 2003. With these sales numbers, Casting Crowns has held the position as Billboard's top-selling act in Christian music since 2007.

This significant milestone comes on the heels of the upcoming new studio album, The Very Next Thing, releasing on September 16. This marks the group's 15th release and eighth studio album since the label debut release.

Even with the outstanding sales, Casting Crowns remains rooted in the local church where they began and continue to serve. It is at the local level that they are walking along with people in ministry and where the inspiration for albums are formed.

Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott #2 on Country, #7 Overall Charts

Love Remains, the debut album from Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, bows at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart (dated Aug. 20), No. 2 on Top Country Albums and No. 7 on the Billboard 200.

The album was produced by Ricky Skaggs.






MercyMe made history by scoring its 22nd Hot Christian Songs top 10, as "Dear Younger Me," the fourth single from the group's album Welcome to the New, moves into #9. MercyMe moves into a tie with Casting Crowns for the most top 10s among groups, dating to the chart's June 2003 inception. Among all acts, only Chris Tomlin has earned more (24).

Casting Crowns Featured in Amazon's Prime Day Promotion

Amazon is offering its 2nd annual "Prime Day" with savings and deals exclusive to their elite Prime Membership club. In addition, there are contests and promotions planned such as 12 Artist -- 12 Winners which includes Casting Crowns.

One lucky winner will win a trip for two to see Casting Crowns in Denver as well as a meet and greet with the band. For your chance to win, stream one of the songs on Amazon's exclusive Casting Crowns Prime playlist. For more information on this promotion, check out Amazon's page about the contest.

This promotion comes as Casting Crowns readies their brand new album The Very Next Thing for a fall release.

New Releases on Our Radar for the remainder of 2015

New music excites us!

October 9
MercyMe - MercyMe, It's Christmas!

October 16
Capital Kings - II
Danny Gokey - Christmas Is Here
Stryper - Fallen

November 13
Kutless - Surrender
Casting Crowns - A Live Worship Experience
Natalie Grant - Be One
Phillip LaRue - You


A few bonus ones:

November 2015
DC Talk - Jesus Freak Vinyl
DC Talk - Supernatural Vinyl

February 12, 2016
The Afters - untitled new album

Casting Crowns' Mark Hall Reveals He May Have Cancer

On Casting Crowns' Facebook page today, Mark Hall shared the following:
Hey Casting Crowns Family,

I would appreciate your prayers.
Doctors found a solid mass in my right kidney about a week ago. They are 90% sure it's cancer and they are going to remove the entire kidney next Wednesday, March 11th. They believe the cancer is contained in the kidney, which is also a great hope. They will know more once it is out and Pathology can see it.
I'll be in recovery for a month or a little longer because of the surgery. Please pray for healing and for God's peace for my family.

Praising Him in This Storm
Mark Hall
For updates you can follow Mark Hall on Twitter

Earlier this week, he had a happier update, sharing an image of NBA star Lebron James reading his book.

 

Yea so this happened. Lebron checking out my book Lifestories

A photo posted by Mark Hall (@markhallcc) on Feb 28, 2015 at 11:56am PST

Casting Crowns' Goes Platinum Again

Casting Crowns adds another RIAA Platinum album to its list of accolades with Until The Whole World Hears, making this the band's fifth studio recording to hit Platinum status. In addition, their latest release, THRIVE, was named the best-selling Christian record of 2014 according the Nielsen SoundScan chart.

The record-breaking group also performed at New York's famed Carnegie Hall on January 24 as part of a full weekend with fans. The unique worship experience featured a 275-member choir (made up of fans from 44 states across the US as well as Canada) and a 40 piece (professional) orchestra. Not just a one-day event, Casting Crowns put together a three-day package that included rehearsals, time to hang out with the band and/or explore New York City. For fans who did not perform, the band offered a "friends and family" package that boasted many perks of its own, including backstage access at Carnegie Hall and a post-concert celebration dinner cruise to the Statue of Liberty.

Casting Crowns is one of the most successful Contemporary Christian artists with its RIAA 2x Platinum record (CASTING CROWNS), three RIAA Platinum albums (Until The Whole World Hears, THE ALTAR AND THE DOOR, LIFESONG) and two RIAA Gold albums (COME TO THE WELL and PEACE ON EARTH). Having also released four Gold DVDs and four RIAA Gold certified digital singles; the band currently holds the position as Billboard's top-selling act in Christian music since 2007.

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

Newsboys' God's Not Dead Digital Single Certified Gold

Newsboys' "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)" single, from its 2011 project God's Not Dead, has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Selling more than 140,000 tracks since January, the song has experienced a phenomenal resurgence fueled by the popularity of the God's Not Dead movie, in which Newsboys performs the song.

"God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)" was a No. 1 radio hit on the Billboard AC Monitored chart two years ago and has consistently been the top-selling track from Newsboys' God's Not Dead album. Yet it was the box office release of God's Not Dead, which has earned more than $59 million to date, that pushed the single over the 500,000 certified sales mark.

Consequently, "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)" can now be counted among an elite list of Christian tracks ever to secure such status. The song is included among those by prolific artists like Bob Carlisle, Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Skillet, and Switchfoot.

Casting Crowns Thrives at #6, Andy Mineo Flies to #13

Casting Crowns has another Top 10 release as their new release, Thrive, enters at #6.  Andy Mineo cracks the Top 20 with Never Land whose cover and title was inspired by Peter Pan.

Casting Crowns, Andy Mineo Heading for Top 10 on Billboard 200

Casting Crowns is heading for top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 chart next week.

Industry sources suggest that Casting Crowns' latest album, Thrive, may sell around 75,000 copies by the end of the tracking week on Sunday, February 2. The album was released on January 28.

However, the CD, at this point, is not in contention for the No. 1 slot. The recently released "2014 Grammy Nominees" compilation is aiming for No. 1, with perhaps over 90,000 sold for the week. It's basking in the glow of its namesake awards show, which aired on January 26.

The top 10 of next week's Billboard 200 chart will be revealed on Wednesday, February 5.

Casting Crowns' last studio set, 2011's "Come to the Well," debuted and peaked at No. 2 -- marking the act's second album to peak in the runner-up slot. "Come to the Well" sold 99,000 in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. In total, the act has charted four top 10 sets, stretching back to 2005's "Lifesong," which debuted and peaked at No. 9.

"Thrive" will easily give Casting Crowns its sixth No. 1 album on the Christian Albums chart as well. It follows the group's previous leaders: "Come to the Well," "Until the Whole World Hears" (2009), "Peace On Earth" (2008), "The Altar and the Door" (2007) and "Lifesong."

The rest of the Building chart's top 10: Of Mice & Men is No. 3, while Beyonce's self-titled album is No. 4. Lorde's "Pure Heroine" is No. 5, Andy Mineo's "Never Land" is No. 6 and Casting Crowns is No. 7. Mineo will likely finish the week just outside the top 10, with perhaps 20,000.

(Casting Crowns is below Of Mice & Men on the Building chart, as a significant number of Casting Crowns' sales from Christian retailers are not represented in the Building chart. When the final chart is compiled next week, Casting Crowns should be well ahead of Of Mice & Men.)

Show Hope Announces Partnership with Tim Tebow Foundation

Show Hope™, a nonprofit orphan care ministry founded by GRAMMY® award winning Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth, announced a partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation that will raise awareness and provide assistance for families, who have a desire to adopt children with special needs.

"We are privileged to combine our efforts with funds provided by the Tim Tebow Foundation to provide critical help to waiting children with special needs," said Scott Hasenbalg, Executive Director, Show Hope. "With this assistance, we can help to remove the financial barrier that exists for many families. We celebrate the thousands of children that Show Hope has helped through the miracle of adoption, but the truth is, the need is great. Together, we will help make adoption a reality as we continue to transform the lives of many children with special needs."

Show Hope believes that the millions of waiting children around the world should not be left as orphans. By collaboratively addressing their needs, this partnership will have a life-changing impact in illuminating the need for families to adopt children with special needs and by helping to place these children from across the globe with forever families. Additionally, families will be awarded with financial grants to help them overcome the high cost of adoption.

"We are so excited to be able to partner with Show Hope in providing financial assistance to these families who are courageously adopting children with special needs," said Erik Dellenback, Executive Director, Tim Tebow Foundation. "We believe this program is a great way to share God's love and it ties perfectly to our mission to bring Faith Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need."

In helping to shape an adoption-friendly culture, the goal is to come together through this alignment to raise awareness and provide assistance for families to adopt children with special needs and make it a viable option for many to build their families.

"Ten years ago we began this ministry because the need outgrew what we were blessed to do by ourselves," explains Steven Curtis Chapman. "We always believed we can do more by working together and we are thrilled to be working with Tim and his foundation - we believe this is the start of life change for many orphaned children with special needs in the months and years to come."

Approximately 1,000 families apply annually to Show Hope for adoption assistance. Often, families are willing to welcome a child into their home, but are unable to afford the high cost, which averages $25,000 per adoption. Due to the lack of funding, more than 8,000 grant requests have been turned away since Show Hope was founded in 2003. With the financial support from the Tim Tebow Foundation, Show Hope can help more children through grants, which will be awarded in the average amount of $7,000 to $10,000 to each family. With an initial contribution given in December, a hundred percent of the donations received from the Tim Tebow Foundation will go directly toward special needs adoptions. As a result, about 10 to 14 additional families will receive grants on an annual basis.

Additionally, to commemorate the past decade, Show Hope is hosting its 10-year Anniversary Celebration with two full days of fellowship, food, music and fun for the entire family. The event will take place Saturday, May 25 at Show Hope's office in Franklin, Tenn., and carry through to Sunday, May 26 at Lipscomb University in downtown Nashville where attendees will enjoy a live concert featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Hall of Casting Crowns and Andrew Peterson. Tickets are available at www.ticketnashville.com.

Top Selling Christian Albums of 2012

Year-end Top 10 selling Christian albums, ranked by sales data as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan for Billboard:

1. "Come to the Well" Casting Crowns
2. "Wow Hits 2012" Various Artists
3. "How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection" Chris Tomlin
4. "God's Not Dead" newsboys
5. "Eye On It" TobyMac
6. "Blessings" Laura Story
7. "Gravity" Lecrae
8. "What If We Were Real" Mandisa
9. "One Song at a Time" Jamie Grace
10. "The Hurt & The Healer" MercyMe

Best Christian Male Lead Singers of All Time

Below are the 10 best male lead singers of Christian bands.

This list is not just based on vocal prowess, criteria also include song quality, impact on industry, ability to play an instrument and/or craft a song, and of course my personal bias...

10. Rick Florian (WhiteHeart)
9. Matt Hammitt (Sanctus Real)
8. David Crowder (DavidCrowderBand)
7. Jon Foreman (Switchfoot)
6. Bear Rinehart (needtobreathe)
5. Michael Barnes (Red)
4. Jon Micah Sumrall (Kutless)
3. Bart Millard (MercyMe)
2. Mac Powell (Third Day)
1. Marc Martel (of downhere)

Some notable misses (like dc Talk)?  Check here.

Honorable Mentions:
Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay)
Derri Daugherty (The Choir)
Edin Adahl

Kevin Young (Disciple)

Josh Reedy (Decemberadio)
Josh Havens (The Afters)

Thoughts?

Casting Crowns in Golden Wells

In August 2012, Christian music touring and sales leader Casting Crowns received a rare double Platinum certification by the RIAA for its 2005, self-titled debut. Earlier this month, the band received its sixth career Gold certification for its October 2011 project Come to the Well which has sold more than 500,000 units to date.

Francesca Battistelli's Paper Heart is Golden

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

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

Disney's Night of Joy Turns 30

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

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

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

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

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

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