State Champ Radio Chris Tomlin Wraps Record Run to No. 1 on Hot Christian Songs With ‘Holy Forever’
Written by djfrosty on October 4, 2023
Chris Tomlin’s “Holy Forever” hits No. 1 on Billboard’s streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Hot Christian Songs chart dated Oct. 7. With its 59-week trip to the penthouse, it completes the longest trek to the top in the chart’s 20-year history, surpassing Elevation Worship’s “Graves Into Gardens” featuring Brandon Lake (46 weeks, 2020-21).
Tomlin scores his seventh No. 1 on the chart and his first since “Good Good Father,” which dominated for seven weeks beginning in February 2016.
The singer-songwriter tells Billboard of his latest coronation, “Ultimately, what this chart represents is impact, and to be a part of a song like ‘Holy Forever’ and experiencing its impact is an honor. My hope is that this song continues to help people around the globe beyond anything I could imagine, see or ever know.”
“Holy Forever,” which Tomlin co-authored with Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson and Phil Wickham, ruled Christian Airplay for six weeks beginning in August, awarding Tomlin his 11th No. 1. It ranks at No. 6 on the latest list with 5 million audience impressions Sept. 22-28, according to Luminate. It also drew 2 million official U.S. streams and sold 1,000 downloads.
David & Blessett Bring Back a Classic
Atlanta-based Anthony David and Algebra Blessett’s “Heaven” soars from No. 5 to No. 1 on Gospel Airplay, up 15% in plays. The singers’ first collaboration in over a decade marks their first entry on the chart. Billed as Anthony David featuring Algebra, they reached No. 2 on Adult R&B Airplay in 2011 with “4Evermore.”
“Heaven” was originally recorded by gospel greats BeBe & CeCe Winans and released as the title track on their 1989 set that led Top Gospel Albums, becoming the duo’s first of three chart-toppers.
BeBe Winans co-wrote the song with Keith Thomas.
“We’re definitely happy to be embraced by the gospel community,” David and Blessett shared in a statement to Billboard. “Our whole mission in music is to be inspirational and add to the culture.”
David and Blessett are currently working on an album of duets.
