The 2025 BMI Christian Awards honored the best in Christian music last night (June 17) at a celebration at its Nashville office on Music Row hosted by BMI’s AVP, Creative, Leslie Roberts.

The evening paid tribute to the top Christian writers and publishers behind the 25 most-performed songs of the previous year, and also revealed BMI’s Christian Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association and the GMA Foundation, was also honored during the evening with the BMI Spotlight Award for her unwavering dedication to the genre and her illustrious career.

As BMI’s Spotlight Award honoree, Patillo was celebrated as a visionary leader and for her dedication to shaping and championing the world of Christian and Gospel music. As a surprise tribute, five-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant gave a compelling performance of her very first recording, “I Am Not Alone” accompanied by Bernie Herms. After receiving the Spotlight Award, Patillo thanked her family, friends, and those who have impacted the community, including BMI.

“This is more than just a business. We are all making a difference and impacting culture, and that’s what we get up for every day. I don’t know that anyone really feels worthy, but I truly feel this is what amazing grace looks like.”

BMI’s Christian Song of the Year went to “Praise,” written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Stephen Furtick and Chandler Moore. The hit song from Elevation Worship’s 11th album, Can You Imagine?, spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, reached the top 20 on the Christian Airplay chart and currently has over 171 million streams on YouTube.

Leading up to Song of the Year, BMI named the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year including “Good Day,” written by Forrest Frank; “I Believe” written by Chris Davenport, Jonathan Smith and Phil Wickham; “Praise You Anywhere” written by Hank Bentley and Ben Fielding (APRA); “That’s My King” written by Lloyd Nicks Jr. and Jessica Patrice Russ; and “What Are We Waiting For?” written by Sean Douglas, Josh Kerr and Luke Smallbone, among others. In naming the top songs, BMI also recognized 18 first-time award winners.

Jeff Pardo was named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year for penning five of the 25 most-performed songs including “Don’t Stop Praying,” “Heaven Changes Everything,” “Praise The Lord” with Jake Henry and Micah Tyler, and “Running Home” and “Strong” with Anne Wilson. The previously-named 2023 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year and Grammy-nominated songwriter has successfully crossed genres as well, working with artists such as Lady A, Ben Rector, Tauren Wells and more.

Capitol CMG Publishing received Publisher of the Year honors for representing 17 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year including BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, “Praise,” as well as “Don’t Stop Praying,” “I Believe,” “Jesus Does” and “Take It All Back,” to name a few.

Among the special moments during this year’s ceremony were Roberts calling BMI’s 2019 Compass Award winner Elwyn Raymer up to the stage to kick off the celebration with a prayer, country songwriter Jordan Rowe giving the audience a preview of his unreleased song, “Way Back,” and first-time BMI award-winner Seph Schlueter sharing his uplifting hit “Counting My Blessings.”

Kate Bowling has joined The Core Entertainment as Director of Creative.

In her new role, Bowling will lead all visual branding and creative direction across the management, label and publishing company, overseeing everything from photo shoots and music videos to digital content and long-term creative strategy for The Core Records roster. Bowling will report to Jamie Younger, VP of Artist Development, and will be based in The Core’s Nashville offices.

Bowling joins The Core from Warner Music Nashville, where she played a key role in creative campaigns for artists and was heavily involved in the visual direction for Bailey Zimmerman’s debut album Religiously. The Album., a collaboration that initially connected her with The Core team. While at Warner, she also directed videos and served as creative director for album artwork across multiple projects including Ashley McBryde, Avery Anna, Bailey Zimmerman, Braxton Keith, The Castellows and Redferrin.

“Kate is a powerhouse creative who understands how to translate an artist’s vision into powerful, resonant visuals,” share Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, The Core Entertainment. “Her instincts, experience, and passion for storytelling make her an incredible addition to our team. As we continue to grow The Core, bringing in talent like Kate ensures we’re building a creative infrastructure that matches the ambition of our artists.”

“Joining The Core feels like a full-circle moment,” says Bowling. “From our earliest projects together, I felt a deep creative connection with the team and their artists. I’m excited to step into this role and continue building compelling visuals and creative worlds for our artists that elevate their music and help them connect with fans everywhere.”

Bowling will work closely with The Core’s roster of artists, which includes Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Hannah McFarland and Nickelback.

Ryan Kohn has inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, in partnership with John Dennis‘ InDent Music, the publishing arm of Dennis Entertainment. The deal includes Kohn’s full catalog and future works.

“It has been my dream for many years to become a professional songwriter, and signing with a team who is so beloved and respected in this industry is such a dream come true,” says Kohn. “This team has been so warm and welcoming to me, especially my biggest champions, Melissa Spillman and John Dennis. There is no one I’d rather partner with in this ever-changing industry, I am so excited to see what lies ahead for all of us.”

The producer and songwriter first moved to Music City to study music business at Belmont University. Since graduating in 2022, Kohn has worked with Erin Kirby, Cole Goodwin, Grace Tyler, Callista Clark, Ashley Anne, Callie Prince, Randall Fowler, Stanton Langley, Emmy Moyen and more.

Kohn has also released a number of singles as an artist, including “The Man She Used to Know,” “Headed Nowhere” and “Lifetime, Lover.” His EP November Skies was released in 2021 and portrayed a vulnerable picture of post-college graduation life. This past April, he performed at Key West Songwriters Festival.

“Ryan is already so well-connected in our music community, it was easy to see the path of success in front of him,” adds Melissa Spillman, VP of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “To find someone who is so loved and respected among writers, artists and executives alike is a rare thing! He’s a joy to work with, and his passion for music is infectious. I’m thrilled to be on his team!”

The Big 615’s Storme Warren Show Debuts Exclusive New Tim McGraw Song

The Big 615’s Storme Warren Show debuted a live version of Tim McGraw’s “King Rodeo,” recorded during his performance at Music City Rodeo in May.

“It’s a powerful song about growing older but not yet being willing to throw in the towel. No one interprets that message better than Tim,” Warren said after debuting the song.

 

CMHOFM Hosts Screening Of ‘Building The Wrecking Ball’

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently hosted a film screening of the 1996 PBS documentary Building the Wrecking Ball. In 1995, Country Music Hall of Fame member Emmylou Harris released her album Wrecking Ball, which was produced by Daniel Lanois, recorded and mixed by Malcolm Burn and won the 1996 Grammy award for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Following the screening, Museum Writer-Editor Dave Paulson led a discussion with Harris, Lanois and Burn to discuss the making of the album. The program was presented in celebration of the album’s induction into the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame earlier this year.

 

Warren Zeiders Named Premier Lacrosse League Music Ambassador

Warren Zeiders has been named the music ambassador of the Premier Lacrosse League. The former college lacrosse player’s single “Ride the Lightning” will serve as the soundtrack for Saturday Night Lacrosse, the league’s premier weekly broadcast featuring marquee matchups across ESPN platforms throughout the 2025 season.

“Warren Zeiders brings the same fire we play with — the raw energy, real passion, and that unstoppable mindset,” said Paul Rabil, PLL Co-Founder and President. “His music captures the emotion and excitement of the game. That’s why he’s the perfect ambassador for our Saturday night soundtrack.”

Zeiders also recently performed “Pretty Little Poison” and “Ride The Lightning” during the U.S. Army 250th Celebration Military Parade in Washington D.C..

 

Kashus Culpepper Makes National Television Debut

On Saturday (June 14), Kashus Culpepper made his national television debut on CBS Saturday Morning, performing “After Me?,” recent Marcus King collab “Southern Man” and fan-favorite “Man of His Word.”

 

SmithField Releases New Single, Partners With Bongo Roasting Co.

Texas native duo SmithField is set to release their next single, “Take Me To Texas,” a track dedicated to their hometown, on June 20.

The duo is also launching their own coffee blend, “Coffee With Heart,” in partnership with Nashville’s Bongo Roasting Co..

“Listening to SmithField music is like inviting someone to sit down with us over a cup of coffee conversation,” says the duo. “It’s about hearing all the stories, innermost thoughts, heartbreaks, life, love, and everything in between — from both perspectives.”

 

Gerald Josef, J Booth, Wes Bishop Ink With Soundpeak Music Publishing

Gerald Josef, J Booth and Wes Bishop, together known as This Empty Vessel, have each inked an exclusive publishing deal with Soundpeak Music Publishing, the BMI-affiliated division of Soundcrest Music Group.

Josef and Booth were behind several of Code of Ethics’ biggest hits, including the No. 1 Christian radio singles “Something Real” and “Voice of Reason” and more.

The trio’s first single, “Valentine,” will release June 20 and their debut album, Nod, will be released in September.

“Choosing a first single is never easy–you connect with all of them in different ways. But we felt, along with the team at Soundcrest, that Valentine was the right introduction to the album. It sets the tone and invites people into the world of Nod,” shares Booth.

 

The jam-packed lineup has been released for the CMA Fest presented by SoFi ABC concert special airing on June 26 at 7 p.m. CT and next day on Hulu.

Hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, the concert event features can’t-miss collaborations and unforgettable performances that took place during the 52nd CMA Fest in Nashville earlier this month. Featured performers on the special include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, BigXthaPlug, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Marcus King, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Carín León, and Ashley McBryde.

Also appearing on the three-hour special are Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays, Darius Rucker, Dylan Scott, Shaboozey, Blake Shelton, Zach Top, Travis Tritt, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman. 

Four-night stadium passes for next year’s CMA Fest, taking place in Nashville June 4-7, 2026, will go on sale Thursday, June 26 through Ticketmaster.