Christian/Gospel
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Brandon Lake leads this year’s slate of nominees for the Gospel Music Association’s upcoming 55th annual GMA Dove Awards, picking up 16 nominations, including artist of the year. The nominations were announced Wednesday morning (July 24).
Lake will compete in the artist of the year category against “Strong” hitmaker Anne Wilson, “That’s My King” hitmaker CeCe Winans, “Unsung Hero” singers for King & Country and “Thank God I Do” singer Lauren Daigle. Lake also earned four nods in the song of the year category, as well as nods in the worship recorded song of the year category, while his project Coat of Many Colors is nominated for pop/contemporary album of the year.
Other top nominees this year include writer-producer Jeff Pardo (11 nominations), Chris Brown (10), Chandler Moore (10), writer-producer Jonathan Smith (10), CeCe Winans (five) and Naomi Raine (five).
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Among this year’s slate of nominations is a new category: Spanish language worship recorded song of the year. The inaugural nominees in the category are “Alaba” (Elevation Worship, Elevation Español, Unified Sound), “Hermoso Momento (Sesión Acústica)” (Kairo Worship), “Holy Forever (Español)” (Chris Tomlin, Miel San Marcos), “Tu Amor No Tiene Fin (Correr A Tus Brazos)” (Generación 12, Gateway Worship Español) and “Tu Presencia Es Mi Jardín” (Daniel Calveti, Melody Adorno).
Hosted by Tauren Wells, whose project Joy in the Morning (Horizon Edition) is nominated for pop/contemporary album of the year, the 55th annual GMA Dove Awards will be held Oct. 1 at the Allen Arena at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, on Friday, Oct. 4, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
“I love this moment each year when we get to announce our nominees,” GMA president Jackie Patillo said in a statement. “The Dove Awards are about spreading the message in our music with the world and honoring the work of the amazing artists, songwriters, producers, and film & TV creators in our great community. I’m thrilled for this year’s nominees and can’t wait to celebrate in October.”
The theme for the 55th annual GMA Dove Awards is Unite the Song, with Wells saying via a statement, “Unite the song is a heart cry for God’s people to come together in unity. We get to come together out of our individual corners, from each different stream within the church, to unite around this one song, holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
This year’s nominees were selected from more than 2,500 submitted entries and voted on by the GMA professional membership. Final-round voting for the GMA Dove Awards will run from Aug. 1 through Aug. 8. The 55th annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association, with Patillo and Justin Fratt serving as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtus Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
See a list of GMA Dove Awards nominees in top categories below. For the full list of GMA Dove Awards nominees in all categories, visit gospelmusic.org.
Artist of the year
Anne Wilson
Brandon Lake
CeCe Winans
for KING + COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle
Song of the year
“All Things” (Writer) Kirk Franklin
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” (Writers) Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore
“Holy Forever” (Writers) Jason Ingram, Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Phil Wickham
“I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)” (Writers) Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jon Reddick, Jonathan Smith
“More Than Able” (Writers) Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine
“Praise” (Writers) Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Pat Barrett
“Praise You Anywhere” (Writers) Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley
“Thank God I Do” (Writers) Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess
“This Is Our God” (Writers) Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett
“Trust In God” (Writers) Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Mitch Wong
New artist of the year
Charity Gayle
Forrest Frank
Josiah Queen
Seph Schlueter
Terrian
Rap/hip hop recorded song of the year
“Hard Work God First” – Zauntee
“IGWT” – Jon Keith, KB
“In The Light” – Wande
“Love Like That” – Hulvey (ft. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean)
“Miracles” – KB, Lecrae
Pop/contemporary recorded song of the year
“Any More” – CAIN
“Counting My Blessings” – Seph Schlueter
“GOOD DAY” – Forrest Frank
“Strong” – Anne Wilson
“The Prodigal” – Josiah Queen
Bluegrass/country/roots recorded song of the year
“If I Got Jesus” – Ben Fuller
“Lookin’ For You” Zach Williams ft. Dolly Parton
“Man On The Middle Cross” – Rhett Walker
“Praying Woman” – Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson)
“tell the devil” – Joseph Habedank
Traditional gospel recorded song of the year
“Burdens Down (Live)” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“God Is (Radio Edit)” – Melvin Crispell III
“I Believe God” – Jekalyn Carr
“In My Name” – Smokie Norful
“When I Think (Live)” – Ricky Dillard
Gospel worship recorded song of the year
“All Yours” – Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown)
“Fill The Room” – Michael Bethany
“Lead Us Again” – DOE
“That’s My King” – CeCe Winans
“The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” – Naomi Raine
Worship recorded song of the year
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t) (Live)” – Cody Carnes
“I Believe” – Phil Wickham
“Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore)
“Praise You Anywhere” – Brandon Lake
“Trust In God” – Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown)
Pop/contemporary album of the year
COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake
Jesus Music – CAIN
Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) – Tauren Wells
Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle
Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack – for KING + COUNTRY
Gospel worship album of the year
Cover The Earth (Live in New York) – Naomi Raine
More Than This – CeCe Winans
Overflow – Michael Bethany
The Journey – Todd Dulaney
The Maverick Way Complete – Maverick City Music
Spanish language recorded song of the year
“Amén” – Nacho (ft. Gilberto Daza, Alex Zurdo)
“Babel” – Un Corazón
“Danza” – KB, Niko Eme & Cardec Drums
“Donante de Sangre” – Daddy Yankee
“Tantas Historias” – Christine D’Clario
Spanish language worship recorded song of the year (New Category)
“Alaba” – Elevation Worship, Elevation Español, Unified Sound
“Hermoso Momento (Sesión Acústica)” – Kairo Worship
“Holy Forever (Español)” – Chris Tomlin, Miel San Marcos
“Tu Amor No Tiene Fin (Correr A Tus Brazos)” – Generación 12, Gateway Worship Español
“Tu Presencia Es Mi Jardín” – Daniel Calveti, Melody Adorno
Southern gospel recorded song of the year
“Here Comes Jesus” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney)
“Make the Morning Worth the Midnight” – Gaither Vocal Band
“Sheaves (Dedicated to Isabel)” – Karen Peck & New River
“Unstoppable God” – Kingsmen
“Until We Fly Away” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Feature film of the year
Unsung Hero
Sound of Freedom
Journey To Bethlehem
Ordinary Angels
The Blind
Television series of the year
Chasing CAIN
When Calls The Heart
The Wingfeather Saga
Jonathan & Jesus
God. Family. Football.
Less than six months after winning his third Grammy Award (best gospel album for All Things New: Live in Orlando), Tye Tribbett swept the 2024 Stellar Awards, winning six awards, including artist of the year and song of the year for “Only One Night Tho (Live).” The Motown Gospel artist also received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Icon Award.
The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show taped on Saturday (July 20) at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. TV personality and comedian Loni Love and radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley co-hosted the show.
Jekalyn Carr was runner-up in the awards count with four awards, including the Albertina Walker female artist of the year award. Melvin Crispell III, Ricky Dillard and Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers each won two awards.
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Despite his sweep, Tribbett did not win male artist of the year. That award went to Crispell, who also took traditional male artist of the year.
Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
Performers included Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard, Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard, Kelontae Gavin, Koryn Hawthorne, Lisa Knowles-Smith, Mali Music, Melvin Crispell III, Rich Tolbert Jr., Tasha Page-Lockhart, Ricky Dillard and Tamela Mann.
Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and Angel Taylor also made special appearances.
The two-hour show will premiere on the Stellar Network on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. and repeat at 11 p.m. ET. It will also air in broadcast syndication from Aug. 10-Sept. 8. In addition, BET will air the show on Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show was executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
Here’s a complete list of nominations for the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, with winners marked:
Artist of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
WINNER: Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Song of the year
“Able” ft. Marvin Winans; Jonathan McReynolds, Major Johnson Finley, Marvin Winans & Demetrius Terrell Wilson; MNRK
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Marvin L. Winans, Juan Winans & William Weatherspoon; My Block Inc.
“It’s Morning”; Latrice Pace; Latrice Pace
WINNER: “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
WINNER: Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Albertina Walker female artist of the year
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Maverick City Music; The Maverick Way Complete; Tribl Records
WINNER: The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
New artist of the year
Adam Blackstone; A Legacy Christmas; BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire
Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; The Change Experience; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
WINNER: Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Rudy Currence; Stained Glass Windows; Mike Chek / MNRK
Album of the year
WINNER: All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Choir of the year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach; CHASing the Next Chapter; Mellie’s Boy Muzic Group
WINNER: Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Producer of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr. (Michael McClure Jr.) & Jevon Hill; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett, Joseph Bethea, and assisted by Shante Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
WINNER: Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Contemporary duo/chorus group of the year
WINNER: Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
Housefires; How to Start a Housefire (Pt. III); Housefires Music
Pastor Dalton Hill & The Tabernacle Singers; Rejoice (Live from Boston); Beulah Tabernacle/Bean House Productions
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
Traditional duo/chorus group of the year
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Kevin Vasser & BLVRS; I Believe; KTV Music
WINNER: Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Ron Summers; God Can; Emanuel Media Group/Ron Summers Music
Contemporary male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
WINNER: Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Traditional male artist of the year
John P. Kee; Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Kelontae Gavin; Testify; RCA Inspiration
WINNER: Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Contemporary female artist of the year
WINNER: Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Latrice Pace; Exodus: The Journey of Obedience, Vol 2; Latrice Pace
Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.
Naomi Raine; Cover the Earth; Tribl Records
Traditional female artist of the year
Eartha Edwards; It All Belongs to God; Blockbuster Records/Javel Music
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lucinda Moore; Lord, I Hear You; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Contemporary album of the year
WINNER: All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
I Love You; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Traditional album of the year
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
WINNER: JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
No Failure; Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration
Urban single or performance of the year
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
WINNER: “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
“Trusting God”; James Fortune & Monica; FIYA World/MNRK
“Witness”; Dexter Walker and Zion Movement; Indieblue Music
Music video of the year
“All Things”; West Webb and Jalen Turner; Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration
WINNER: “Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.
“I Will Wait”; Avery Henley; Tyscot
“Look at God”; Damien Sandoval; RCA Inspiration
Traditional choir of the year
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; Destined for Greatness; HezHouse Entertainment
WINNER: Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Traditional artist of the year
WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Special event album of the year
Destined for Greatness; Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; HezHouse Entertainment
WINNER: Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
Joy Is Here; JJ Hairston; JamesTown Music/MNRK
Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Various Artists; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Rap/hip hop gospel album of the year
WINNER: Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment
His Glory Alone II; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
Pray for Atlanta; 1K Phew & Zaytoven; Reach Records
The Change Experience; Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Youth project of the year
AMG Kidz; The Kidz Interlude; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Nina Symmone; Just Smile; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Noah Alexander; Lots of Love; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
WINNER: Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music
Quartet of the year
WINNER: Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Paul Porter & The Christianaires; Miracle EP; Porterboy Music Group/Trin Records
The Williams Singers; Reel Quartet; Deznell Music Group/Anderson Music Group
Young Men 4 Christ; Our Testimony; Independent
Recorded music packaging of the year
Brand New; JP Designs Art; My Block Inc.
Choirmaster II; Nathan Blaine; Motown Gospel
WINNER: JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music
Lord, I Hear You; BMO Designs & Blair Monique Walker; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Praise and worship album of the year
Believe Again Vol II; JJ Hairston; Tribl Records
Chapter X: See the Goodness; VaShawn Mitchell; V Man Entertainment/Tyscot/FairTrade
WINNER: The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
The Maverick Way Complete; Maverick City Music; Tribl Records
Praise and worship song of the year
“Always”; Jovonta Patton; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
WINNER: “Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media
“I Just Wanna Praise You”; Maurette Brown Clark; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
“It’s Working ft. Hezekiah Walker”; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
Rap/hip hop song of the year
“Amen Right There” (ft. Canton Jones & Everett Drake); Emcee N.I.C.E.; Gypsy City Music
“MIA” ft. 1K Phew; Jor’Dan Armstrong; Jor’Dan Armstrong Music
“Miracles” ft. Lecrae; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
WINNER: “Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records
James Cleveland lifetime achievement award
WINNER: Tye Tribbett
Aretha Franklin Icon Award
WINNER: Kim Burrell
Top market of the year
WBGX 1570 AM, Chicago
WINNER: WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland
WPRS Praise 104.1, Washington, DC
WPZE – MyPraise 102.5, Atlanta
Medium market of the year
WINNER: KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport
KZTS 1380 AM, Little Rock
WEHA 88.7 & 100.3 FM, Atlantic City
WJYD JOY 107.1 FM, Columbus, OH
Small market of the year
WBZF-98.5 FM, Florence-Myrtle Beach
WWLD-HD2 98.3FM, Tallahassee
WINNER: WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington
WXOK 1460 AM, Baton Rouge
Internet station of the year
WINNER: GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen
Sound Gospel Radio, https://soundgospelradio.com/live/
Waycrosspraise/Power 89.1, https://www.waycrosspraise.org/
WVTC Gospel Radio Network, http://www.wvtcradio.com
Syndicated gospel radio show of the year
Early Morning Praise Party, Sherry Mackey & Dre Monie
WINNER: Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin
The Nightly Spirit, Darlene “McCoy” Jackson
Willie Moore Jr Show, Willie Moore Jr & Dwight Stone
Gospel announcer of the year
Destiny Diggs, – WXHL 89.1 FM
Neiko Flowers, WPZE – MyPraise 102.5
WINNER: Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1
Trey Nickelson, WBZF-98.5 F
Matthew West banks his 13th leader on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart as “Don’t Stop Praying” rises to the top of the tally dated July 20. During the July 5-11 tracking frame, the song advanced by 1% to 6.7 million audience impressions, according to Luminate. With his newest Christian Airplay leader, West ties TobyMac for the […]
Tauren Wells is set to host and perform on the GMA Dove Awards for the second consecutive year. The 55th GMA Dove Awards will take place on Oct. 1 at the Allen Arena in Nashville. Nominations will be announced on July 24.
“Last year’s Dove Awards was such an incredible experience, we’ve decided to run it back!” Wells said in a statement. “I’m so excited to return as host for this year’s Dove Awards. It’s going to be a great night!”
Wells is musician, preacher and public speaker with eight GMA Dove Awards (including contemporary Christian artist of the year and new artist of the year), 10 Grammy nominations (but no wins as yet) and a Billboard Music Award nomination.
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In addition, Wells has notched three five albums on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart – Hills and Valleys, Citizen of Heaven and Joy in the Morning. Five of his hits, including the current “Take It All Back” (with We the Kingdom and Davies) have reached No. 3 on the Hot Christian Songs chart.
Wells connects his contemporary Christian and Gospel sound with elements of pop, hip-hop and R&B. Born and raised in Michigan, Wells currently resides in Texas with his wife, Lorna Brittany Wells, and four sons. In 2024, the Wells family launched Church of Whitestone in Austin, Texas, where Tauren and his wife are co-lead pastors.
On March 26, the GMA announced a new category – Spanish language worship recorded song of the year. The new award joins two other Latin music categories: Spanish language album of the year, established in 1998, and Spanish language recorded song of the year, created in 2017.
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
The GMA also revealed the itinerary for its annual Music City Fan Experience. It includes a Brandon Lake concert at the Ryman Auditorium; new artist showcase featuring the 2024 class of new artist of the year nominees; river cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat including a songwriters showcase; and a ticket to the GMA Dove Awards. Packages include a hotel stay in downtown Nashville. For more information, visit the GMA Dove Award’s website.
Will Smith’s first Christian/gospel single, “You Can Make It,” featuring Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir, arrives on Billboard’s charts (dated July 13).
Released June 28, the track enters the streaming-, airplay- and sales-based Hot Gospel Songs chart at No. 3, as well as the multimetric Hot Christian Songs tally at No. 23.. It drew 726,000 in radio audience and 665,000 official U.S. streams and sold 1,000 through July 4, according to Luminate.
The screen star and rapper makes his first appearance on the rankings. His latest film, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, also starring Martin Lawrence, premiered June 7.
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“I was really talking to myself,” Smith tells Billboard of the song, which he co-wrote. “To see so many people resonate with the intention gives me a clear North Star for this next chapter of my creative life.”
Smith and Sunday Service Choir performed “You Can Make It” live for the first time at the 2024 BET Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 30, joined by Kirk Franklin and Chandler Moore.
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Like Smith, R&B/hip-hop artist Fridayy earns his first Hot Gospel Songs top 10, while Sunday Service Choir adds its third. The track also opens in the top 10 on Gospel Digital Song Sales (No. 3), Christian Digital Song Sales (No. 6) and Gospel Streaming Songs (No. 10), as well as at No. 28 on Gospel Airplay.
Smith has scored a pair of No. 1s as a soloist on the Billboard Hot 100: “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” in 1998, and “Wild Wild West,” featuring Dru Hill and Kool Mo Dee, in 1999. He broke through in the late 1980s/early ‘90s as (the latter) half of duo D.J. Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, who reached a No. 4 Hot 100 high with “Summertime” in 1991, and as the lead on NBC’s pop-culture cornerstone The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Smith, who won a best actor Academy Award for his role in the 2022 film King Richard, and who has taken home four Grammy Awards, is reportedly working on a full Christian/gospel album.
Singer-songwriter Josiah Queen recently accomplished a relatively rare feat in the CCM space when his first album, The Prodigal, debuted atop Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart for the week dated June 8: the 21-year-old Florida native reached the chart’s pinnacle without the help of a record label with his self-released album.
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Additionally, the album’s title track is in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and has earned more than 45.7 million on-demand official U.S. streams, according to Luminate. Queen also has three additional songs on the Hot Christian Songs chart. Meanwhile, Queen has seen his Spotify followers mushroom over the past year or so to over 2 million monthly followers, thanks to his acoustic-based, folk-tinged sound — which also stands out on CCM radio among sleeker, pop-oriented fare.
“I think since [the] COVID [pandemic], people have been drawn to a raw-sounding, folk sound. People just love to feel something,” Queen tells Billboard via Zoom.
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Like many Gen Z singer-songwriters in the pop, hip-hop and country spaces, Queen began releasing his music and initially built his following through social media, but he also spent years performing at worship conferences around the country.
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Queen released his first batch of songs on TikTok and Instagram at age 16, starting with “God of Miracles” in 2020, and has followed with a steady stream of new music ever since — including 2022’s “Use Me” and “Grave Clothes,” and his breakthrough 2023 songs “I Am Barabbas” and “Fishes and Loaves,” which musically recounts the Biblical story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with fish and bread.
A year ago, a TikTok clip for “I Am Barabbas” went viral, earning nearly two million views. It was around that time Queen began working with co-managers Matt Reed (Hyphen Media Group) and Devin Poindexter (Mad Jack Management). The song also marked Queen’s first entry on Hot Christian Songs in April, peaking at No. 38.
“He would tease songs before they would release, sometimes up to four or five weeks before and kind of test the songs to see which ones would get traction,” Reed tells Billboard.
When Queen released “The Prodigal” this year, he instinctively knew the power of continuing to place the song in front of audiences on social media, further building listeners’ familiarity and engagement with the song.
“’The Prodigal’ had nearly 40,000 uses on Instagram by the end of the year, when Josiah had the idea to do a year-end video recap that utilized the song, and it earned another 15,000 uses,” Reed says. “I think [it’s about] just finding new ways to talk about a song and giving people the opportunity to insert themselves into what the song represents.”
According to Luminate data, the Christian/Gospel genre is the fourth-fastest growing music genre in the U.S. in 2024 in overall consumption (following pop, Latin and country), having grown 8.9% in overall consumption so far this year. Luminate research shows that a developing younger audience is one driver of this growth, with research showing that the share of listeners that are millennial and younger has grown from 39% of overall genre listenership in 2022, to 45% in 2024.
“I think God has used these songs to reach my age demographic,” Queen says. “That’s the biggest dream come true, because there are so many people that are my age that are underserved with Christian music. Seeing the people at the live shows and the fan base that was sharing the music with friends through word of mouth — not even just through social media — it wasn’t a planned thing.”
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Recent Luminate data also highlights the word-of-mouth growth in Gen Z (those born between mid-1990s and early 2010s), with Gen Z audiences being 20% more likely to cite friends and family as a music discovery source than the average consumer of Christian/Gospel music.
Reed says approximately 72% of Queen’s fan demographic is within the 13-24 year-olds demographic, below CCM radio’s typical core demographic of 24-54 year olds listeners.
“When you look at CCM music, it typically is ages 30 or 40 and up,” Reed says. “Josiah’s music is on the front line of all these other Gen Z artists making music for their peers. It’s not that CCM hasn’t had young artists, but typically they’ve made music for radio specifically. But I think [for] Josiah’s music and who it’s connecting with, he is on the front lines of creating music for his generation.”
Queen says he initially wrote songs that he hoped would appeal to labels and radio before he realized the need to shift toward music that simply felt personal. “I think so many people write music because they think getting a record deal is what you need to do to make it,” Queen says. “I was doing that for a while, but I realized it wasn’t working — so I just started making music I genuinely believed in.”
His acoustic-based, Americana-leaning sound first gained early support on Spotify’s folk-oriented playlists. Now, his music is found not only on playlists such as Spotify’s Top Christian Contemporary and Christian Road Trip playlists, but remains on the acoustic-oriented Homegrown and Indie Spirit playlists. He’s also been featured on Amazon’s Folk for Summer and Divine Summer playlists.
Once Queen began releasing music, he says Amazon Music’s Lauren Stellato and Apple Music’s Steve Blair reached out to him directly, based on his growth on the platforms and on social media. This year, Queen was the only Christian artist who was part of Amazon’s Artists to Watch program. “It does feel like we’re in that space where the music is going beyond the typical CCM/Christian market, and DSPs have been really helpful in getting us exposure in other avenues,” Reed says.
A team of independent radio promoters signed on to work Queen’s music to radio, including Grant Hubbard, formerly a vp at Capitol Christian Music Group for many years, as well as Jen Mouttet, Rick Steimling and Hyphen Media Group’s Tamara Moore. But even prior to bringing the team on board, Queen says CCM radio giant K-LOVE already had reached out to him directly, saying that they would be adding his song into rotation—a tide change that led him to reconsider his stance on signing with a label.
“Even from my earliest interviews, the question was always ‘Why aren’t you with a label?’ It’s so strong in the industry, the ties to radio and the labels, so taking these songs to radio comes with its challenges,” Queen says. “Around December [2023], we were like, ‘Should we sign?’ and we decided not to at the time. Then, I got a direct message from the people at K-LOVE, and they said they were going to add my song. That was in January, and it changed my whole trajectory.”
Reed notes that though Queen hasn’t yet signed with a label, they are in discussions with multiple labels.
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Queen, who is repped by Jeff Roberts Agency for booking, wrapped his headlining The Prodigal Tour earlier this year. Starting in July, he will open shows for another rising young CCM hitmaker, 29-year-old “Good Day” singer Forrest Frank, alongside plans for Queen to launch another headlining tour in the fall.
“We didn’t know what to expect on the spring tour when we put it on sale, so the capacities and venues were a little scattered,” Poindexter says. “We had some 250-300 [capacity shows] that we had to add shows for, and then we did three or four shows that were over 1,000 capacity. We did about 23 shows total and every single one sold out.”
Meanwhile, Queen and his team aim to keep expanding upon the success of The Prodigal with his folk-tinged sound.
“The name of the game is building onto each song. One song has its moment and, hopefully, people love it, then you build onto that with the next song.”
Tasha Cobbs Leonard notches her seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart as “Burdens Down” rises to the top of the survey dated June 15. It increased by 5% in plays May 31-June 6, according to Luminate.
“Burdens Down,” which was authored solely by Cobbs Leonard and produced by her husband, Kenneth Leonard, is from her LP Hymns. The set opened at its No. 3 high on Top Gospel Albums in October 2022, becoming the Atlanta native’s seventh of eight top 10s. Itwas recorded live in Chicago earlier that year.
“It is always an honor to write, produce and release musical tools that help to inspire others,” Cobbs Leonard says. “I am committed to spreading the good news by all means.”
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“Burdens Down” is Cobbs Leonard’s fifth consecutive Gospel Airplay No. 1, following “The Moment,” which led for two frames starting in May 2023; “Gotta Believe” (one week, March 2022); “In Spite of Me” (one week, June 2021); and “You Know My Name (Live)” (one week, October 2019).
Cobbs Leonard previously topped Gospel Airplay as featured on Kirk Franklin’s “My World Needs You” (also featuring Sarah Reeves and Tamela Mann), a two-week leader in July 2017, and with her debut hit, “Break Every Chain,” for seven weeks beginning in June 2013.
The singer-songwriter ties Jekalyn Carr, Todd Dulaney and Marvin Sapp for the fourth-most No. 1s since Gospel Airplay began in March 2005. Kirk Franklin and Tamela Mann lead with 10 each, followed by James Fortune and FIYA (nine).
Cobbs Leonard’s active streak of five Gospel Airplay leaders is the longest among women, followed by Tamela Mann’s four. Among all acts, Dulaney, Jonathan McReynolds and Pastor Mike Jr. have the longest active runs (six each, with Pastor Mike Jr.’s the best from the start of a career in the chart’s history).
‘Exile’ Enters at No. 1
Crowder banks his fourth leader on Top Christian Albums, all of which have opened at the summit, with The Exile. The 12-song set, released May 31, earned 11,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., with 8,000 in album sales, through June 6.
Crowder, from Texarkana, Texas, previously opened at No. 1 on Top Christian Albums with Milk & Honey in June 2021; American Prodigal in October 2016; and Neon Steeple in June 2014.
“Grave Robber,” the new set’s lead single, ruled Christian Airplay and Christian AC Airplay for two frames each in May, becoming Crowder’s fifth and third No. 1, respectively. On the multimetric Hot Christian Songs chart, the track reached No. 8 in April, marking his 10th top 10.
Four months after winning his third Grammy Award (best gospel album for All Things New: Live in Orlando), Tye Tribbett is the leading nominee for the 2024 Stellar Awards, with eight nods. Tribbett will also receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Icon Award.
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Pastor Mike Jr. and Ricky Dillard each received six nominations; Jonathan McReynolds and Erica Campbell each nabbed five.
Kim Burrell is set to receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award.
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The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is set to tape on Saturday, July 20 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. TV personality and comedian Loni Love and radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley are set to co-host. The two-hour show will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8 p.m. and repeat at 10 p.m. ET. It will also air in broadcast syndication from Aug. 10 – Sept. 8.
Tickets are available now at www.stellarawards.com or Ticketmaster.com.
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and executive in charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
This year’s Stellar Awards show is part of the Stellar Plus week, which offers a diverse array of activities for attendees. A full list of events and ticket information is available at stellarplusexperience.com. Stellar Plus event sponsors include Amazon Music, Compassion and The Recording Academy.
Here’s a complete list of nominations for the 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards:
Artist of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Song of the year
“Able” ft. Marvin Winans; Jonathan McReynolds, Major Johnson Finley, Marvin Winans & Demetrius Terrell Wilson; MNRK
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Marvin L. Winans, Juan Winans & William Weatherspoon; My Block Inc.
“It’s Morning”; Latrice Pace; Latrice Pace
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Albertina Walker female artist of the year
Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Maverick City Music; The Maverick Way Complete; Tribl Records
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
New artist of the year
Adam Blackstone; A Legacy Christmas; BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire
Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; The Change Experience; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Rudy Currence; Stained Glass Windows; Mike Chek / MNRK
Album of the year
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Choir of the year
B. Chase Williams & Shabach; CHASing the Next Chapter; Mellie’s Boy Muzic Group
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Producer of the year
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration
Pastor Mike Jr. (Michael McClure Jr.) & Jevon Hill; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett, Joseph Bethea, and assisted by Shante Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
Contemporary duo/chorus group of the year
Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
Housefires; How to Start a Housefire (Pt. III); Housefires Music
Pastor Dalton Hill & The Tabernacle Singers; Rejoice (Live from Boston); Beulah Tabernacle/Bean House Productions
The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
Traditional duo/chorus group of the year
JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records
Kevin Vasser & BLVRS; I Believe; KTV Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Ron Summers; God Can; Emanuel Media Group/Ron Summers Music
Contemporary male artist of the year
Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK
Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
Traditional male artist of the year
John P. Kee; Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Kelontae Gavin; Testify; RCA Inspiration
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Contemporary female artist of the year
Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
Latrice Pace; Exodus: The Journey of Obedience, Vol 2; Latrice Pace
Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.
Naomi Raine; Cover the Earth; Tribl Records
Traditional female artist of the year
Eartha Edwards; It All Belongs to God; Blockbuster Records/Javel Music
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lucinda Moore; Lord, I Hear You; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
Contemporary album of the year
All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
I Love You; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK
Traditional album of the year
Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
No Failure; Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration
Urban single or performance of the year
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.
“Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
“Trusting God”; James Fortune & Monica; FIYA World/MNRK
“Witness”; Dexter Walker and Zion Movement; Indieblue Music
Music video of the year
“All Things”; West Webb and Jalen Turner; Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration
“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.
“I Will Wait”; Avery Henley; Tyscot
“Look at God”; Damien Sandoval; RCA Inspiration
Traditional choir of the year
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; Destined for Greatness; HezHouse Entertainment
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment
Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group
Traditional artist of the year
Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Special event album of the year
Destined for Greatness; Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling; HezHouse Entertainment
Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
Joy Is Here; JJ Hairston; JamesTown Music/MNRK
Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Various Artists; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records
Rap/hip hop gospel album of the year
Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment
His Glory Alone II; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
Pray for Atlanta; 1K Phew & Zaytoven; Reach Records
The Change Experience; Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
Youth project of the year
AMG Kidz; The Kidz Interlude; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Nina Symmone; Just Smile; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Noah Alexander; Lots of Love; AMG Kidz/Anderson Music Group
Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music
Quartet of the year
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Paul Porter & The Christianaires; Miracle EP; Porterboy Music Group/Trin Records
The Williams Singers; Reel Quartet; Deznell Music Group/Anderson Music Group
Young Men 4 Christ; Our Testimony; Independent
Recorded music packaging of the year
Brand New; JP Designs Art; My Block Inc.
Choirmaster II; Nathan Blaine; Motown Gospel
JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music
Lord, I Hear You; BMO Designs & Blair Monique Walker; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard
Praise and worship album of the year
Believe Again Vol II; JJ Hairston; Tribl Records
Chapter X: See the Goodness; VaShawn Mitchell; V Man Entertainment/Tyscot/FairTrade
The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
The Maverick Way Complete; Maverick City Music; Tribl Records
Praise and worship song of the year
“Always”; Jovonta Patton; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
“Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media
“I Just Wanna Praise You”; Maurette Brown Clark; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK
“It’s Working ft. Hezekiah Walker”; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
Rap/hip hop song of the year
“Amen Right There” (ft. Canton Jones & Everett Drake); Emcee N.I.C.E.; Gypsy City Music
“MIA” ft. 1K Phew; Jor’Dan Armstrong; Jor’Dan Armstrong Music
“Miracles” ft. Lecrae; KB; RCA Inspiration/Provident Label Group LLC
“Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records
Top market of the year
WBGX 1570 AM, Chicago
WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland
WPRS Praise 104.1, Washington, DC
WPZE – MyPraise 102.5, Atlanta
Medium market of the year
KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport
KZTS 1380 AM, Little Rock
WEHA 88.7 & 100.3 FM, Atlantic City
WJYD JOY 107.1 FM, Columbus, OH
Small market of the year
WBZF-98.5 FM, Florence-Myrtle Beach
WWLD-HD2 98.3FM, Tallahassee
WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington
WXOK 1460 AM, Baton Rouge
Internet station of the year
GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen
Sound Gospel Radio, https://soundgospelradio.com/live/
Waycrosspraise/Power 89.1, https://www.waycrosspraise.org/
WVTC Gospel Radio Network, http://www.wvtcradio.com
Syndicated gospel radio show of the year
Early Morning Praise Party, Sherry Mackey & Dre Monie
Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin
The Nightly Spirit, Darlene “McCoy” Jackson
Willie Moore Jr Show, Willie Moore Jr & Dwight Stone
Gospel announcer of the year
Destiny Diggs, – WXHL 89.1 FM
Neiko Flowers, WPZE – MyPraise 102.5
Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1
Trey Nickelson, WBZF-98.5 F
Gladys Knight glistened through renditions of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Patti LaBelle kicked off her shoes during a spirited rendering of “Oh, People.” Kirk Franklin took the crowd to church and brought Vice President Kamala Harris on stage for a twirl, and Charlie Wilson closed things down with an extended call and repeat after declaring, “Our ancestors are smiling down on us celebrating something that would have seemed unfathomable.”
The second White House concert in celebration of Juneteenth, held on Monday (June 10), was a joyous affair from start to finish. The performances were bookended by opening remarks from VP Harris and closing comments from President Joe Biden, who both stayed for the entire event that took place three years after Biden signed bipartisan legislation establishing June 19 as a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
“Next Wednesday, across our nation, Americans will come together with generations of loved ones to celebrate Black excellence and leadership, culture and community, resilience and resistance,” said Harris. “And to remember our nation’s history in full.”
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“The White House lawn’s never seen anything like this before,” Biden noted, before warning that “old ghosts in new garments are trying to take us back” in time. “Taking away your freedoms, making it harder for Black people to vote or have your vote counted. Closing doors of opportunity, attacking the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. If you can believe it, banning books about Black experience. Black history is American history.”
Kamala Harris dances with US singer Kirk Franklin during a Juneteenth Concert in the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on June 10, 2024.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
Musical performances spanned a gamut of genres and decades. Anthony Hamilton, Brittney Spencer, Trombone Shorty, Raheem Devaughn, Doug E. Fresh and Patina Miller also took the stage.
And while the South Lawn was alight with dancing and jubilation, host Roy Wood Jr. made sure attendees — including Billy Porter, George Floyd’s brother Philonise Floyd and sister-in-law Keeta Floyd, leaders of the National Black Caucus, second gentleman Doug Emhoff and dozens of federal and state lawmakers including Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) — remembered the reason for the celebration.
Between musical acts and his own humorous quips, the comedian-actor provided context by outlining the chapters and principal players of Juneteenth history. “It’s important to know how we got all the way from enslavement to the first Black woman vice president and the first Black woman on the Supreme Court,” he said, referring to Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Franklin told Billboard pre-show that because of his Texas roots, Juneteenth has been an integral part of his life since childhood. “Now, for it to be celebrated within the framework of American culture is a very important transition because it gives credence to those moments in time where revisionist history somewhat erased those valuable contributions that people of color made to this country,” he said. “When we have allies in every corner of the American experience, it makes these moments even stronger. When we can celebrate those that were forgotten, overlooked, that were not given the same opportunities and freedoms … Juneteenth definitely is one of those eras in history that I love to see that we are reimagining and rewriting so the next generation can understand the value and importance of trying to get it right.”
Being able to come together through music, he added, is gift. “Especially the kind of music that I do. To do spiritual music, to do gospel music … those were the sounds that were echoing through the chambers of the Black experience during that era, and they were also the songs that were coded and road maps to freedom. Gospel music has always been that beacon of light for our people in one of the darkest of times. So to be here to be the representative of the genre is very humbling.”
Josiah Queen’s launch album The Prodigal enters Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart (dated June 8) at No. 1. Released May 24, the set earned 4,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. through May 30, according to Luminate.
The LP marks the first Top Christian Albums appearance for the 21-year-old Queen, based in Tampa, Fla. He initially accumulated traction by posting videos on TikTok, where he has approximately 100,000 followers.
“It’s been surreal to see the response to The Prodigal,” Queen tells Billboard. “It’s wild to me that these songs which I wrote in my living room and bedroom have made their way to people all over the world. My hope is that the album leads people closer to God.”
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Meanwhile, the set’s title track ranks at No. 7, after hitting No. 4, on the multimetric Hot Christian Songs survey. It drew 2.2 million in airplay audience and 1.8 million official U.S. streams in the tracking week.
Queen co-authored the single with Jared Marc, who also produced it. Queen co-wrote or solo-authored all 11 songs on the new album. He’s on tour and scheduled to make his first appearance at Nashville’s Grand Opry July 2.
Pastor Mike Jr. Extends Record Run
Pastor Mike Jr. adds his record-extending sixth consecutive career-opening No. 1 on Gospel Airplay with “Windows.” The song, which he wrote with Jaicko Lawrence, increased by 9% in plays during the tracking week.
The Birmingham, Ala., native previously topped Gospel Airplay as featured on Kierra Sheard’s “Miracles,” for a week last July and with his own “Impossible,” featuring James Fortune (two weeks, April 2023); “Amazing” (two weeks, May 2022); “I Got It” (four weeks, beginning in March 2021); and “Big Rock City” (10 weeks, beginning in February 2020).
Pastor Mike Jr. also ties Todd Dulaney and Jonathan McReynolds for the longest streak of Gospel Airplay No. 1s overall, regardless of career-launching runs. All three acts’ streaks are active, with Dulaney currently rising 25-24 with his newest entry, “No Weapon.”