From Gospel Music Association

Fresh off the viral success of his hit song "Usher in the Spirit," Dove Award-winning artist Aaron Cole is creating new opportunities for Christian hip-hop artists with a brand-new music festival.

This Fall, performer, vocalist, and songwriter Franni Cash will head back out on the road joining six-time GRAMMY winner and icon Amy Grant as a special guest on “The Me That Remains Tour”. The eight-date run will kick off on September 18th in Hot Springs, AR and make stops across the south before wrapping in San Francisco on September 27th.

18-time GRAMMY® Award-winning icon CeCe Winans is bringing her acclaimed Christmas tour to the West Coast for the first time in over a decade. Joined by special guests and her sisters Angie Winans and Debbie Winans, Christmas with CeCe Winans will visit six cities this December for an evening of beloved Christmas classics, worship favorites, and songs from throughout CeCe’s celebrated career.

Motown Gospel, a division of Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol Records and Universal Music Group, announces the signing of GRAMMY-nominated artist Koryn Hawthorne, marking an exciting new chapter for one of Gospel music’s most dynamic contemporary voices. Read more about in Billboard exclusive here.

Tim Tebow has another faith-based project in the works. This week, Tebow's Studio316 co-founder Edward Tommasi shared the launch of Lighthouse Verticals, a new microdrama platform focused on uplifting entertainment.

Curb Records band Big Daddy Weave announces their fall 2026 “My Hope Is Jesus Tour,” named for the inspirational life anthem that has provided hope to millions from the group’s most recent album, Let It Begin. Joined by breakout artists Caleb & John and Carly Ann Taylor, the tour begins October 1 in Aiken, SC and wraps in Northfield, IL on November 22. Tickets can be purchased now at bigdaddyweave.com/tour.

Following Mickey Gamble’s passing this spring, the Crossroads Board of Directors has named Scott Wagner President/CEO and elected Jon Weisberger Chairman of the Board.

This past weekend, as America celebrated its 250th anniversary, Christian music took center stage in the nation's capital.

The 2026 BET Awards aired live on Sunday, June 28th, with some of gospel and Christian hip-hop's biggest acts being celebrated throughout the night.

Five-time GMA Dove Award-nominated, RIAA Gold and Platinum-selling songwriter and producer David Spencer has re-signed an exclusive publishing deal with Essential Music Publishing, extending a long-standing partnership as he continues a run of chart success, major sync placements, and high-profile upcoming releases.

Bethel Music’s annual Worship School has officially sold out for the second consecutive year, with nearly 900 worship leaders, songwriters, musicians, and creatives expected to gather July 13-17 at Bethel Church in Redding, California. For those unable to attend in person, the ministry is offering its Online Watch Pass allowing participants around the world to experience the event live and on demand.

This week, Christian hip hop fans have a reason to celebrate a blast from the past. Dove Award-winning rap veterans Grits received news that their song, “Ooh Ahh (My Life Be Like)," featuring TobyMac, has officially received RIAA Double-Platinum certification.

Award-winning gospel industry veteran Earnest Pugh will be celebrated as an honoree at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, recognizing his profound contributions as an inspirational and transformative songwriter. Pugh is set to receive the prestigious BMI Trailblazer Award honor following the massive success of his fifth Billboard No. 1 single, “Don’t Give Up.”

CCM Magazine has unveiled Ben Fuller as the cover artist for its July 2026 issue, celebrating one of Christian music’s most compelling voices with an exclusive feature that explores the remarkable redemption story behind his music and ministry.

As Black Music Month comes to a close, we had the chance to sit down with gospel music trailblazer Hezekiah Walker to hear about his personal history with Black music and the enduring significance of gospel music today. 

Following a breakout year and a successful spring headlining run that connected with audiences across the country, Christian music artist Megan Woods is bringing The Truth Tour back this fall for an expanded 30-city run across the US.

Christian hip hop artist Miles Minnick is making history! He was recently named to XXL’s 2026 Freshman Class, making him the first openly Christian hip-hop artist to be included on the list.

North Chapel Music has announced the signing of acclaimed singer-songwriter Lauren Mascitti to an exclusive publishing agreement, visit their site to see the complete roster of award-winning songwriters.

As anticipation reaches its peak just days before the release of their new album Forever Now – out this Friday, June 26 – GRAMMY-winning rock band Switchfoot was invited to make their Grand Ole Opry debut on July 23. The surprise was made extra special by longtime friends, the Jonas Brothers, sharing the news with Switchfoot during their recent appearance on the iHeartPodcast, “Hey Jonas!,” out now on the iHeartRadio app and anywhere podcasts are heard. Watch the episode here.