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When it comes to keeping several irons in the fire, it’s safe to say that Michael Sweet is one of Christian rock’s veritable blacksmiths. As a member of Stryper for more than 20 years, Sweet has enjoyed success in both Christian and mainstream markets. Stryper has sold more than 8 million records worldwide, with several projects striking RIAA-certified gold. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album To Hell with the Devil went platinum and was named one of the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM Magazine.

The Whittier, California native explains that he drew inspiration for his latest release, HIM, by searching through a church hymnal and finding songs that made a lasting impact. The result is a disc replete with well-known classics like “Take My Life,” “Alleluia” and definitive Christmas favorite “O Holy Night.”

Sweet explains that while all the songs on HIM represent timeless standards of the Christian faith, most of them have been completely rewritten musically and melodically. “I was deeply moved by so many of the old hymns’ lyrics, but I wasn’t really moved by the music or the melodies,” he elaborates. “I thought it would be cool to write new music to these songs that already have such amazingly powerful words.”

Some fans will have an opportunity to hear live selections from HIM during choice Stryper performances in 2006 and 2007. The band plans to perform a handful of acoustic shows in churches around the country. Sweet believes the intimate setup should lend itself well to his solo material.

Eddie DeGarmo, was part of a popular 1980s Christian rock duo, DeGarmo and Key, which garnered nine Grammy nominations and toured with Amy Grant. He co-founded Christian label Forefront Records which helped launch the careers of Audio Adrenaline, DC Talk and Stacie Orrico and is now president of EMI Christian Music Group Publishing.

Andrae Crouch is without question one of the most vital and influential artists in contemporary music today. His artistry has touched, and changed, millions of lives around the world. An international music star of legendary stature, his songs transcend color, class and creed with a vibrant message of hope, faith and joyous celebration. His albums and CDs have sold millions worldwide. Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, CeCe Winans, Joe Sample and others have recorded his songs. He has been honored with nine (9) Grammy Awards, Dove Awards an Oscar nomination; NAACP awards, an honorary Doctorate from Berkeley School of Music and numerous other awards. Today, Andrae actively fulfills the role of pastor, including everything from preaching to counseling to community outreach, at his home church in California.

With the spring release of his first-ever Christian solo record, Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell—one of pop’s most recognized and bestselling artists—responds faithfully to a mission placed on his life long ago.

“I’ve been a born-again Christian since I was 8 years old, and I’ve known for a very long time that making music for the church has been my calling,” Littrell says. “God laid this on my heart, and it’s time to do something about it. It’s not my timing but His.”

“My main objective as a Christian artist is to spread God's word. God has allowed me through the Backstreet Boys to minister in a positive way, encouraging people to stand up for what they believe,” he says.

After high school, Littrell planned to attend college on scholarship at Ohio’s Cincinnati Bible College, intending to study youth or music ministry. But his cousin, Kevin Richardson, persuaded him first to try out for an upstart, Orlando, Fla., vocal group. When the five-member team eventually emerged as Backstreet Boys, the band quickly grew to personify an unprecedented, youth-driven era in popular music. Since its introduction in 1997, BSB has sold more than 74 million records worldwide and has earned a mountain of accolades.

With Welcome Home, Littrell exhibits a passionate heart and a deep soul, perspective richly fueled by a personal, Christ-centered worldview. Since Brian grew up on the music of big-voiced vocalists like Larnelle Harris and Michael English, it’s fitting that Welcome Home blends influences from Christian, inspirational and traditional gospel music. On this canvas the artist proclaims faith as the anchor to his unique and storied life and in turn points listeners toward their own experience of enduring hope.

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Da'Quela

Home Church: Holy Redeemer C.O.G.I.C., Milwaukee, WI
Da’Quela Payne’s personality is truly animated and contagious. She is someone who people will not forget and has the talent to back it up. Da’Quela has explored many avenues with her talents. It was only recently that she realized the Lord was calling her to music. “I figured that since everything I tried to pursue on my own failed or led me to singing that perhaps this is what I should be doing.” Her honesty with her personal struggles and walk with the Lord is sincerely inspiring.

Damien

Home Church: Crenshaw Christian Center, Los Angeles, CA & Monroe, LA
Encouraged by his father since the age of three, Damien Lawson has always felt called to explore the gift of music. His unconditional willingness to share his outstanding talent makes Damien one of kind. Inspired by faith and influenced by music legends such as BeBe & CeCe Winans, Mariah Carey and Brian McKnight, Damien wishes to share the joy of music with others. “There is nothing else I would rather do or see myself doing than minister to people through song.” Singing is part of what make Damien happiest.
Growing up in the entertainment-mecca Los Angeles, CA, Damien is no stranger to performing. Weeks of preparation and rehearsals led to the finale of the competition where Damien placed second runner up. With steadfast determination Damien will surely win over crowds with his affectionate vocals, personality, and eagerness to share his happiness with the world.

Trisha

Home Church: Victory Outreach, La Puente, CA

Music has always encompassed a large part of who Trisha Miyahara is. With her first solo under her belt by the age of four, Trisha has been well on her way toward a career in music.
Perfecting her gift with idols such as Mariah Carey and CeCe Winans, to name a few, Trisha knew she was to be a singer. Singing for the Lord fulfills Trisha most and it’s her growing trust in Him that gives her the desire to share God’s Word with others.
“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything,” has always been Trisha favorite quote. Trisha stands for trusting in the Lord and for spreading His grace through her gift. “It would be such a privilege to share the message of Jesus Christ with the rest of the world through song,” Trisha shares.

Nathan

Home Church: Apostolic Gospel Church, Washington, PA & Christ International Church, Columbus, OH
Nathan Wise realized God’s calling on his life through song and music while growing up in his hometown church in Washington, PA.
With sole intentions on pursuing a career in Christian/Gospel music, Nathan desires to express God’s love through his gifts. His likeable persona gives Nathan the advantage to appeal to the masses. He is most comfortable leading Praise and Worship and gets his greatest joy seeing others come to Christ through music.
Inspired and influenced by artists like Smokie Norful, Karen Clark, Israel Houghton, and Mariah Carey, Nathan adds an abundance of God’s message to his performances. Steadfast and steadily rising in his ministry, Nathan has no struggle captivating his listeners and keeping them eager for more.

Lindsey

Home Church: Victory Christian Center, Tulsa, OK
Lindsey Labadie has had a determined grasp on music since she was nine years old. Whole-heartily serving the Lord, she made her goal of spreading His word a priority from early on.
Soon after realizing her gift of song, Lindsey set the bar high with influences such as Celine Dion, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ricardo Sanchez. Growing up in Tulsa, OK, there was rarely a time Lindsey wasn’t singing. Lindsey plans to let God use her voice for Him. “What better job than to record music and sing for your Creator? I love it!” she explains.
Pursuing her music career with steadfast determination, Lindsey allows God to guide her with His direction and timing. Success is simply a matter of time for Lindsey. “God’s time,” she’ll tell you. Whether she is singing for her youth group or to thousands via satellite, Lindsey’s joy comes from knowing she is being used for God’s purpose and sharing Him with others.

Brandon

Home Church: Diamond Oaks Worship Center, Ft. Worth, TX
Brandon Kizer’s passion for music began when he was nine years old and hit the road with his parent’s traveling ministry. His love of music and performance has only become stronger since then.
Brandon captivates in every arena as his electrifying performance and radical fashion grasps your attention. When his desire to share Christ’s love through music begins to shine, audiences are hooked.
Brandon spreads the message of God’s love in a very unique way. His faith and determination to share the gospel along with his personality draws audiences’ attention to God’s word. Many can relate to Brandon’s real approach to religion. “God loves EVERYONE,” he says “and I want to spread that message to the world.”

Rochelle

Home Church: The Faith Center, Sunrise, FL
Rochelle Saunders began her pursuit in music while listening to old Elvis records and the “Grease” Broadway soundtrack. Although she was only four years old, her vocal gift was soon evident and undeniable.
Early on she attached her vision to influences like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. As she grew as an artist, Rochelle admits feeling lost until Christ took hold of her life and music elevated from her hobby to her calling.
Rochelle spends most her time helping underprivileged inner-city children. She shares math and language skills with them as well as music and the Gospel. “It’s unbelievably amazing watching Christ work in other’s lives, but overwhelming being used for his work in other’s lives.” Rochelle’s love for Christ and her gift with music is unparalleled.

Sheena

Home Church: Green Pasture Baptist Church, Milledgeville, GA
When you think Sheena Evans, think “Survivor.” Through all the obstacles thrown her way she firmly proclaims, “The Lord has sustained me.”
After losing her father several years ago and battling depression, Sheena found the strength and courage to carry on and minister to others. Her warm and loving personality is extended to everyone and Sheena naturally shares God’s love. “I am truly a living testimony” she explains.
Ministering through song is undeniably Sheena’s true gift. Mainly influenced by traditional gospel hymns, Sheena has found inspiration from musical talents like Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, and Whitney Houston. Sheena’s performances exude emotion, faith, and love and she plans to take her gifts in music and ministry to the masses.