In 2025, Christian and gospel music defied industry expectations, climbing streaming charts even as overall new-music streams fell. The trend was highlighted in Luminate’s Midyear Report, which showed a rise in the genre’s presence across major platforms. Analysts noted that while releases from the past 18 months were down from last year, Christian music was an exception. This shift signals a changing landscape for the industry.
According to Luminate’s vice president of music insights, Jaime Marconette, the surge is driven by artists like Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship. Their music appeals to a younger, streaming-forward audience that is 60% female and 30% millennial. Marconette emphasized that these acts are connecting with listeners who consume music primarily through digital services. The result is a new fan base that is more diverse than past Christian music audiences.
For the first time in 11 years, two contemporary Christian songs cracked Billboard’s all-genre Top 40. Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” and Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” featuring Jelly Roll both entered the Hot 100’s Top 40. The songs’ success places them in direct competition with mainstream artists. Their chart performance underscores the genre’s growing mainstream visibility.
The crossover impact extends beyond the charts. Secular artists such as Jelly Roll, Killer Mike and T.I. are now nominated in Christian music categories at the upcoming 2026 Grammys. Marconette explained that the lines between secular and Christian music are blurring. The nominations reflect a broader acceptance of faith-based content in traditionally secular award shows.
Holly Zabka, president of Provident Entertainment, argues that Christian music is defined by its lyrical component rather than a sonic style. She said, “Christian music is defined by its lyrical component. It’s not limited to a narrow definition.” Zabka believes the genre can encompass rap, hip-hop, rock, country, and more. This approach broadens the audience by aligning with existing musical tastes.
From a label perspective, Zabka seeks artists who do not fit into the narrow lane of Christian bookstores and radio. She stated, “It can be rap, hip-hop, it can be rock, it can be country, and that’s appealing to a broader audience because it’s what they’re already listening to.” Zabka noted that few people listen in a vacuum and only to one genre. The goal is to reach listeners who are already engaged elsewhere.
Historically, contemporary Christian music (CCM) has been criticized for lacking originality. Writer John Jeremiah Sullivan called the genre “excellence-proof” for its tendency to mimic mainstream sounds. Zabka acknowledged this past but highlighted an improvement in quality. She said, “Absolutely there’s been an improvement in quality.”
Zabka stressed that artists cannot simply offer a cheap alternative to mainstream hits. She remarked, “When all the music has to live side by side on these streaming platforms, we can’t just be the cheap alternative.” Zabka added that Christian music should aim for the greatest art. The emphasis is on artistic excellence rather than imitation.
Chris Brown, singer and worship leader at Elevation Worship, joked, “You have to imitate before you innovate.” He noted that stylistic lines within Christian music have loosened over the past decade. Brown said, “There’s not as many rigid lines stylistically within Christian music as maybe there was 10 years ago or certainly like 20, 30 years ago.”
Lauren Daigle, a two-time Grammy-winning artist, pointed out that the genre now showcases more artistry and diverse representation. She said, “There’s so much more artistry now. People are very expressive. They’re able to share their creativity.” Daigle highlighted the presence of varied voices within contemporary Christian music.
Zabka described the current moment as a “special moment and … a perfect storm.” She credited streaming and social media for democratizing music discovery. The platforms allow Christian music to compete directly with secular releases. Zabka believes this technological shift is a key driver of the genre’s growth.
A 2025 Pew Research Center survey indicates that the decline in Americans identifying as Christian is slowing. Zabka noted that a resurgence of faith among young people is contributing to the genre’s popularity. She also mentioned a new class of millennial and Gen Z Christian influencers. These influencers aim to connect with peers through relatable content.
Zabka observed a shift toward authenticity in Christian lyrics. She said, “Christian music has also shifted in its authenticity of the lyrics.” The new songs tackle real-life challenges rather than generic platitudes. Daigle added that this honesty offers hope that other music does not provide.
Daigle noted that Brandon Lake’s performances in large stadiums serve as proof of the genre’s expanding popularity. She said, “I think a lot of people are looking at the world and … they find fortitude in this music.” Daigle emphasized the strength and truth listeners find in Christian music.
Daigle explained that Christian music points to something beyond the individual, specifically God. She said, “Christian music points to something else… to God.” Daigle believes this focus levels the playing field between listener and artist. The shared purpose she says brings hope to people.
Chris Brown highlighted the local church roots of his collective. He stated, “It’s easy to connect because we’re just church people.” Brown believes this grounding fosters authenticity and relatability among fans.
Brandon Lake, nominated for three Grammys in 2026, said that religious music’s purpose is clear. He said, “The reason why people are turning their ear toward those kinds of songs right now is because that’s what they were made for.” Lake explained that the songs create encounters rather than mere entertainment.
Lake expressed optimism about a crossover moment. He said, “I pray it’s just the beginning,” and added, “And I pray that it takes over.” Lake believes the genre can break into mainstream spaces, bringing its message to a wider audience.
Jelly Roll echoed the sentiment of a revival. He said, “I think there really is a revival happening in America right now where people are being re-presented the Gospel in a digestible way.” He added that the presentation is less judgmental, saying, “It doesn’t seem as finger-waggy and ‘You’re all going to hell.'”
Jelly Roll concluded, “I really don’t care when the organized religions wave their finger at me,” and expressed relief at seeing the Gospel presented. He emphasized that the message is what matters, not institutional critique.
The 68th Grammy Awards will take place on Feb. 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Fans can follow coverage through the AP’s dedicated Grammy hub at https://apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards.
Key Takeaways
- Christian music’s streaming growth outpaces overall new-music trends in 2025.
- Two contemporary Christian songs entered Billboard’s Top 40 for the first time in over a decade.
- Secular artists are receiving nominations in Christian categories for the 2026 Grammys.
Christian music’s unexpected rise illustrates how genre boundaries can shift when artists embrace authenticity, diversify their sound, and leverage digital platforms. As the industry watches the 2026 Grammys, the conversation about faith-based music’s place in the mainstream will only intensify.
