In a surprising turn for the music industry, one genre is experiencing significant growth while streams for new music overall have declined. According to the 2025 Midyear Report from Luminate, the data analytics firm, Christian and gospel music is capturing a larger audience, marking one of the year's most notable musical stories.
The Sound of a New Generation
This shift is being driven by artists who are resonating with a modern, digitally-native fanbase. Jaime Marconette, Luminate's Vice President of Music Insights, highlights acts like Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, and Elevation Worship as key players. Their audience is predominantly 60% female and 30% millennial, demonstrating a strong connection with younger listeners who consume music via streaming platforms.
The genre's success is no longer confined to its own charts. For the first time in over a decade, two contemporary Christian songs breached the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 Top 40. Forrest Frank's "Your Way's Better" and Brandon Lake's collaboration with Jelly Roll, "Hard Fought Hallelujah," now compete directly with mainstream pop hits. This blurring of lines is further evidenced by traditionally secular artists like Jelly Roll, Killer Mike, and T.I. receiving nominations in Christian categories for the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Redefining the Genre's Boundaries
Industry executives point to a fundamental evolution in what defines Christian music. Holly Zabka, President of Sony's Provident Entertainment, explains that the genre is unique because it is "defined by its lyrical component" rather than a specific sound. This lyrical focus allows it to span musical styles from rap and hip-hop to rock and country, appealing to broader tastes.
This represents a move away from past criticisms of the genre being derivative. Zabka acknowledges that quality has improved dramatically, stating artists can no longer be a "cheap alternative" to mainstream stars. The goal now is to create "the greatest art," capable of standing alongside any other music on global streaming platforms.
Artists within the scene confirm this creative liberation. Lauren Daigle, a two-time Grammy winner, observes that rigid stylistic rules have faded, allowing for greater artistry and expression. Chris Brown of Elevation Worship adds with a laugh, "You have to imitate before you innovate," noting the genre's stylistic boundaries are far more flexible than they were 10 or 20 years ago.
Why This Resonance is Happening Now
Experts describe a "perfect storm" of factors driving this moment. The democratisation of music discovery through streaming and social media has allowed Christian music to compete on a level playing field. This coincides with what Zabka sees as a "resurgence of faith" among young people, a trend supported by recent surveys indicating a slowing decline in religious affiliation.
Crucially, the content of the music itself has changed. Lyrics have become more authentic, grappling with life's genuine hardships—breakups, loss, and struggle—before offering hope. "Their songs are much more authentic and real and honest," Zabka says, providing a form of solace that other genres may not.
Daigle theorises that in a self-focused world, music that points to something greater than the individual provides a unique sense of purpose and connection. Brandon Lake, nominated for three Grammys, believes people are tuning in because these songs "tee up an encounter" with the divine, offering more than mere entertainment.
Collaborator Jelly Roll suggests the message is being presented in a more accessible, less judgmental way, contributing to a wider cultural revival. "I really don’t care when the organized religions wave their finger at me," he says. "I’m just glad to see the message, the Gospel getting presented."
As the 68th Grammy Awards on 1 February 2026 in Los Angeles approach, this crossover moment appears poised to continue. Lake hopes fervently, "I pray it’s just the beginning. And I pray that it takes over."
