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From the Opry to the Altar: The Rise of Christian-Country Crossover
For decades, Christian and country music have run on parallel tracks—each rooted in storytelling, faith, and heartland grit. But now, those tracks are merging in powerful new ways. A fresh wave of Christian artists is stepping confidently into country spaces—and the response has been impossible to ignore. Artists like Brandon Lake, Anne Wilson, and Zach Williams are leading the charge, delivering the gospel in stadiums, honky-tonks, and festivals once considered out of reach. With chart-topping collaborations, national tours, and unforgettable festival moments, the divide between the genres is transforming into a dynamic bridge. Brandon Lake Brandon Lake, known for worship anthems like “Gratitude,” made headlines this year with his genre-blending duet “Hard Fought Hallelujah”…
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Now Streaming: Petra’s John Schlitt Hits Mainstream Platforms
Available now to stream on: Amazon YouTube Google Play Apple TV CCM Magazine is thrilled to celebrate the release of The Journey: John Schlitt’s Road to Redemption—a powerful new documentary tracing the incredible true story of one of Christian rock’s most legendary voices. For fans of Petra, Head East, or anyone who’s been inspired by the redemptive power of grace, this film is a must-watch. Before John Schlitt was fronting one of the most iconic Christian rock bands of all time, he was living a very different life. As the lead singer of the platinum-selling ‘70s rock band Head East, Schlitt experienced overnight success—but behind the scenes, fame brought a…
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Tasha Layton Finds Her Healing
“I believe with all my heart that if God can do a crazy, powerful work in my life, He can do it for you too.” — Tasha Layton In a season brimming with gratitude and spiritual renewal, Tasha Layton unveils her latest single, “Thank You Isn’t Enough,” featuring the dynamic collective, The Choir Room. Released on April 25, 2025, the vibrant anthem reflects Layton’s journey of transformation and unwavering faith. “In 1 John 3, we read, ‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God, and that is who we are,’” Layton shares. “I know I am not who I used to be.…
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Melanie Penn Reveals Jubilant New Anthem
Offering a unique perspective on the Resurrection–voiced from the heart of God as He commanded an angel to unseal the tomb on the third day–acclaimed singer/songwriter Melanie Penn delivers the jubilant new anthem “Roll That Stone Away.” Now available on streaming platforms, the track was produced by Ben Shive and co-written by Penn, Shive and Sandra McCracken. Poised to be a perennial Easter favorite, “Roll That Stone Away” opens with expectancy “You angels have been waiting for the moment to arrive/The grave’s become a window to eternal life.” The hopeful verse ultimately gives way to a powerful, joyful chorus boasting of an empty grave and proclaiming Jesus’ Resurrection. “At first…
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Wierok Entertainment Group Furthers Major Growth with Amplo Records Acquisition
Following the launch of WieRok Entertainment Group’s flagship label, WieRok Records, earlier this year, the Franklin, Tennessee-based company is emerging as a multi-genre recording, publishing and artist development conglomerate with its latest strategic moves–the acquisition of Amplo Records and the reveal of a new general market imprint, Wie3 Records. Amplo Records, originally established in partnership with WieRok Entertainment Group founders Lance & Tammie Wieland and Christian music industry veterans Marcus Rixon and Jay Speight, now brings acclaimed singer/songwriter Nathan Sheridan, noted songwriters Phoebe Scott and Kolby Koloff, and songwriters/producers Andrew Barlow and Cole Tague under the sole purview of WieRok Entertainment. “This acquisition marks a significant milestone for WieRok and…
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NCS Collective and Coby James Invite A Fresh Move of God with New Single
NRT Music is honored to announce the release of “Come Holy Spirit,” a powerful new single from NCS Collective featuring acclaimed artist, arranger, and producer Coby James, is available on all digital platforms now. Written by veteran worship songwriters Bonnie J. Barbey and John Chisum, “Come Holy Spirit” is a stirring invocation that honors the oft-overlooked presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives and corporate worship. With lyrics like “You are the power that raised Christ Jesus From the grave to life again,” the song calls listeners into a deeper awareness of the Spirit’s active role in our transformation and victory. James’ heartfelt delivery and contemporary…
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Ezra Worship Initiative Releases Powerful New Worship Anthem
A powerful new voice of worship rises with the release of “The Spirit and the Bride,” a moving ballad co-written by acclaimed worship leader Meredith Andrews alongside the Ezra Worship Initiative team. Releasing through NRT Music, the single delivers a passionate cry for the return of Jesus, drenched in hope, reverence, and the beauty of the gospel story. Co-written by Mary Cam Burg, Meredith Andrews, Taylor Jones, Bryant Urich, and Mary Blake–and arranged by Urich–“The Spirit and the Bride” draws deeply from Revelation’s image of the marriage feast of the Lamb. It echoes the global Church’s heart cry “The Spirit and the Bride say come, Lord Jesus.” With lyrics that…
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Joel Vaughn Releases New Single
Joel Vaughn releases new song “Testify” on DREAM Records. The song is available on all digital retail and streaming platforms everywhere. The song is part of a larger album release set for release in September this year. This is the 7th single from his upcoming album. The song was produced by Coby James and written by Joel Vaughn, Coby James and Ross King. It has a healthy mix of Pop and Adult Contemporary with catchy melodies. The honesty in the song’s lyrics are apparent throughout as it leans on faith and a life of surrender. “There have been times in my life where it felt like I was stuck in…
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Baylee Littrell Isn’t Playing Games: One-on-One with CCM After His Bold American Idol Run
“I just want people to know, hey, just come to Jesus. If you feel that need, I’m not going to shove you, but I’m going to give you a nudge and I hope that you see it.” — Baylee Littrell When Baylee Littrell first stepped onto the American Idol stage, millions watching may have only known him as “the son of Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys.” But after his emotional performance of his original song “Hey Jesus,” it became clear that Baylee was carving a path that had little to do with his famous last name — and everything to do with his faith, vulnerability, and a calling that…
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Heal The Hurt Release Explosive New Single
Metalcore newcomers Heal The Hurt continue to build a name for themselves as one of the most pivotal names to watch with “Forgiving the Sickness,” which is going for radio adds now. They have released a new music video for the song, which is from the band’s self-titled debut EP. The live performance music video, which is on YouTube now, was filmed and edited by Tyler Byars (Skillet, Demon Hunter, Disciple) on the Southern Exposure Tour with Convictions this spring. “‘Forgiving The Sickness’ explores the heartache and healing that comes with watching someone you love spiral into self-destruction and the difficult decision to let them go in order to let…


























