PEOPLE.COM TALKS FIRST FATHER'S DAY WITH AMERICAN IDOL'S COLTON DIXON Dixon to perform new single, "Made to Fly" on ABC News' GMA3 July 9th





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PEOPLE.COM TALKS FIRST FATHER'S DAY WITH AMERICAN IDOL'S COLTON DIXON

Dixon to perform new single,

"Made to Fly" on ABC News' GMA3 July 9th

Nashville, TN....June 18, 2021 - Continuing their extensive coverage of his family story, PEOPLE.COM has spoken with American Idol alum Colton Dixon about celebrating his first Father's Day with his ten month old identical twin miracle girls, Dior and Athens.

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Dixon told PEOPLE "that the past year with his little ones has been 'incredible' and he is 'so thankful' for the extra time he's had with them at home due to the coronavirus pandemic."

"I never really understood what parents meant, when they're like, 'Man, I didn't realize I could love someone so much,' " he admitted. "But then you have kids and you go, 'Oh my gosh. I would literally do anything. There's nothing I wouldn't do for them.' "

On July 9, Dixon will give an exclusive performance of his latest single, "Made to Fly" during Good Morning America's afternoon program, GMA3's Faith Fridaysegment, which will also be shown on the show's jumbotron in Times Square during the live broadcast at 1pm est/12 noon cst/pst.

In just a few weeks, “Made To Fly” is already airing on 40+ stations – including SiriusXM The Message; JoyFM/St. Louis, MO; WBSN/New Orleans, LA; KNLB/Phoenix, AZ; WJQK/Grand Rapids, MI; and Life 102.5/Madison, WI. The track follows Dixon's 9-week streak at No 1 on Hot AC/CHR with "Devil Is A Liar" and 2020's "Miracles," which hit Top 5 on Billboard's National Christian Audience chart and held on to the No. 1 spot for 6 weeks on Hot/AC CHR last summer.

ABOUT COLTON DIXON:
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he was voted a fan favorite and made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL. His career has been on the fast track ever since, now boasting over 100 million streams across all platforms. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. Dixon is also a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort Anchor included the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, Anchor was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015, followed by the release of his third studio album Identity, which included the top 5 single “All That Matters,” whose video was premiered by PEOPLE magazine. His latest, critically-acclaimed, self-titled EP, boasting this hit track "Miracles," is available now, as is his latest single, “Made to Fly.”

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Get Connected with Colton Dixon:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/


Media Collective Contact:

Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

MercyMe Announces Live and Outside Tour Featuring Micah Tyler, Initial Dates On Sale Friday, April 2; More Dates To Be Announced Soon

Nashville, TN....3/31/21 - GRAMMY® nominated, multiple American Music Award, Billboard Music Award and Dove Award-winning band MercyMe has announced their upcoming Live and Outside Tour. Following two sold out Show'tel Amelia Island performances earlier this month where fans escaped to the beachfront luxury of The Ritz-Carlton to see the band, MercyMe is excited to hit the road for their first tour since March 2020.

With the first few shows on sale Friday, April 2nd (see dates below), MercyMe will take over minor league baseball stadiums across the U.S. All events will be outside and follow local/state COVID guidelines. For ticket information visit www.mercyme.org.

MercyMe's Live and Outside Tour (more dates to be added soon):


May 21 - Chattanooga, TN | AT&T Field

May 22 - Myrtle Beach, SC | Ticketreturn.com Field at Pelicans Park

May 23 - Waldorf, MD | Regency Furniture Stadium

May 28 - Bowling Green, KY | Bowling Green Ballpark


MercyMe also recently announced the release of their next studio album, inhale (exhale) which will hit April 30, and it is available across all DSPs for preorder now. The project's fast-rising current radio single “Say I Won’t,” is currently #5 on the Billboard National Christian Airplay chart and #6 on the Mediabase Christian Audience chart, is spinning on a vast majority of Christian radio stations across the country.

The track is a potent declaration of faith and perseverance colored by tragedy. Gary Miracle, a longtime friend that worked with MercyMe for many years, contracted an infection that resulted in having both his arms and legs amputated. His indomitable spirit in the face of such challenges was inspiring. Good Morning America's third hour, GMA3, will be featuring MercyMe and Miracle in a special segment on April 15th. FoxNews.com originally premiered the song's powerful music video last December, and the band also performed on FOX Nation's special episode of Ainslie's Bible Study, A Concert for Christ.

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About MercyMe:
It continues to be a landmark time for the multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® nominated, multiple American Music Award, Billboard Music Award and Dove Award winners MercyMe. They were recently named Billboard's Top Christian Artist of the 2010 decade, and in 2020 received their eighth American Music Award nomination. A major motion picture based on the life of frontman Bart Millard who wrote the mega-hit song "I Can Only Imagine” after the loss of his father, opened at a remarkable No. 3 at the box office on Mar. 16, 2018 (Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions). In conjunction with the movie release, Millard penned a memoir and the band released a collection of hits titled I Can Only Imagine – The Very Best Of MercyMe. In 2018 MercyMe was named Top Christian Artist at the Billboard Music Awards, was the top winner at the fan-fueled K-LOVE Fan Awards including a win for Artist of the Year, and was the GMA Dove Award Winner for Artist Of The Year. Since their debut in 2001, the band has sold more than 9 million units in CD, single and DVD sales, garnered more than 48 No. 1 multi-format radio singles, and had four consecutive mainstream radio hits. MercyMe made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 2 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. The song has now gone has gone 4x platinum. In 2009, Billboard named MercyMe's "Word Of God Speak" the No. 1 Song of The Decade and the group the No. 1 Artist of the Decade in both the Christian Songs and Christian AC Songs categories, recognizing them as one of the industry's most notable talents. They have sold out venues throughout the US and Canada, including Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and have appeared on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, FOX New Channel's FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News and in the pages of Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, USA Today and more.

Media Collective Contact:

Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

TUNE IN ALERT: Amy Grant to Appear on Entertainment Tonight This Evening

Nashville, TN... 3/31/21 - Following recent appearances on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, Daily Blast Live, in FORBES and much more to come, this evening, six-time GRAMMY winner Amy Grant sits down in her home studio with Entertainment Tonight to talk about the 30th anniversary of her iconic album Heart In Motion, family, life since open-heart surgery and more. To tune in, check local listings here.

Throughout 2021 Grant has been and will continue to share memories, announcing special releases, sharing behind-the-scenes photos, fun playlists, new versions of timeless classics, social media blitzes, more interviews and exciting ways fans can join in on the celebration of "Heart in Motion's" 30th Anniversary. To keep up with all the fun, follow Grant's socials.

It's been a busy season for Grant outside of the anniversary celebrations as well, as she also appeared on The TODAY Show yesterday to perform "A Woman," with Ellie Holcomb, the debut single from the FAITHFUL: Go and Speak album. Grant is also a special guest on the Gospel Music Association's first Easter broadcast special, Because He Lives: An Easter Celebration, which will broadcast worldwide on TBN Thursday, April 1, 2021, at 9:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 p.m. CST with additional broadcasts at 11:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 p.m. CST and Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. EST / 3:00 p.m. CST.


About Amy Grant:
Amy Grant's career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into becoming an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. With three multi-platinum albums, six platinum albums and four gold albums, her total career album sales have exceeded 30 million and over 1 billion global streams. Grant’s chart success has been consistent throughout her career with six No. 1 hits, 10 Top 40 pop singles, 17 Top 40 Adult Contemporary tracks and multiple Contemporary Christian chart-toppers. In addition to her six GRAMMY® Awards, Grant has earned 26 Dove Awards (including four Artist of the Year Awards) and has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as the Music City Walk of Fame. Conventional wisdom has it that Grant put Contemporary Christian Music on the map becoming the first Contemporary Christian artist to have a platinum record, the first to hit No. 1 on the Pop charts and the first to perform at the GRAMMY® Awards. With that, her legacy as one of the most influential artists of the past four decades is assured. In April of 2016, Grant celebrated the 25th anniversary of her iconic hit “Baby Baby” with a worldwide release of the song featuring pop sensation Tori Kelly. Tennessee Christmas released in late 2016, marked Grant’s first all-new holiday album in nearly 20 years. Last February, The T.J. Martell Foundation – the music industry’s leading nonprofit to fund innovative medical research focused on treatments and cures for cancer – honored Grant with the Tony Martell Outstanding Entertainment Achievement Award at their 2020 Honors Gala.

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Get Connected with Amy Grant:
Website // http://amygrant.com
Twitter //https://twitter.com/amygrant
Instagram // https://www.instagram.com/amygrantofficial/
Facebook // https://www.facebook.com/amygrant/ TikTok // amygrantmusic

Media Collective Contact:

Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

HARRY CONNICK JR RELEASES NEW ALBUM ALONE WITH MY FAITH – LISTEN HERE Powerful New Music Video For “Alone With My Faith” OUT NOW

(March 19, 2021) – Today, Grammy and Emmy Award winning singer and multi-instrumentalist Harry Connick Jr releases his new album ALONE WITH MY FAITH via Universal Music’s Verve and Capitol CMG – available everywhere now. With the pandemic casting a long shadow in 2020, Connick retreated to his home studio during the lockdown and emerged with an album of new music. He arranged all of the songs, played every instrument, and sang every part. In addition to the familiar, traditional songs, Connick wrote and recorded new tracks that tell the story of his experience coping during lockdown and feeling the full spectrum of emotions that came with it. Both the album cover and the music videos for “Amazing Grace” and “Alone With My Faith” were conceived and directed by Harry’s daughter Georgia Connick. The powerful new music video for the title track premiered on YouTube today and can be seen HERE.

Long regarded as one of America’s finest vocalists and pianists, the sheer breadth of Connick’s talents has never been more on display than with this album. Forbes praised that “the powerful record is a fascinating and moving treatise on the subjects of faith, devotion, spirituality and how all of those come into play during a crisis.” Harry shared his personal journey in creating this singular musical work in his liner notes, re-printed below.

HARRY CONNICK JR Personal Statement

In March 2020, right after news of the pandemic hit, when my tour was cancelled and I headed home for however long it would last, I decided to record some music. Not only because I wanted to, but because I needed to. With no tour dates in sight, and with everyone’s realities upended and futures uncertain, recording was what was necessary for me to help guide me through the uncharted odyssey in which we all unexpectedly found ourselves. I found myself alone (with my faith!) in my home studio, surrounded by instruments and gear, bursting with an abundance of ideas. I was able to go deep within myself as a musician and a man, uninterrupted by the normalcies of collaboration or human interaction. It was a sort of “musical isolation chamber”, a silent retreat, the silence only broken by the sound of my own voice, the instruments I played and the occasional microphone I inadvertently knocked over, as I’m not the most graceful recording engineer that ever lived!

Seven months later, after countless tracks and edits, I can say that it was not only the secluded nature of the recording process, but the content of the songs themselves that helped me through this strange period. In fact, this was the first time that I found this level of comfort, peace and truth throughout the process of making music. Because the lyrics are all about the spectrum of faith, I found myself interpreting them in real time - they were allowing me to heal as much as I wanted them to help heal others. I didn't have to pretend or put myself in another place or time, as one often does as a singer or actor.

Besides the familiar, traditional songs, I wrote and recorded new music that tells the story of my experience during the lockdown. I, like most of us, felt joy, sadness, doubt, conviction, melancholy and inspiration - all the emotions that faith, or lack thereof, can elicit. Even though many of the songs are Christian, my hope is that they will resonate with people of all faiths, as it gives me great comfort to know that faith is an immeasurably beautiful gift that, with its universal spirit, can help bring us together in the most arduous of times.

Some notes on the recording process...

I set up the mics and did all of the tracking.

I used Logic to track and edit. When I was playing an immovable instrument, like drums or organ, I used Logic Remote, with my iPad as the controller. I sang all of the lead and background vocals, as well as played each of the instruments. In addition to all of the acoustic instruments, I used many electric instruments - basses, guitars, synthesizers, etc. However, there are no “soft synths” on this recording - all synthesizers, keyboards and organs are real. No instruments were "in the box". After all of the edits were made and all of the tracks consolidated, I sent the files to my good friend, Tracey Freeman, to mix. A couple of weeks later, I rented an RV and drove to New Orleans to finish the mixing process with him at his home studio.

The album is available to order HERE.

TRACK LIST (CD/DIGITAL)

1. Alone With My Faith

2. Because He Lives

3. Be Not Afraid

4. Benevolent Man

5. Amazing Grace

6. The Old Rugged Cross

7. How Great Thou Art

8. God And My Gospel

9. Old Time Religion

10. All These Miracles

11. Look Who I Found

12. Thank You For Waiting (For Me)

13. Panis Angelicus

Contacts:
Contact:
Kristen Foster

Full Coverage Communications
Kristen.Foster@fullcov.com

Media Collective Contact:

Velvet Kelm

the media collective

velvet@themcollective.com

COLTON DIXON DEBUTS NEW SINGLE, "MADE TO FLY," ON FOX NATION SPECIAL WITH AINSLEY EARHARDT, TEASES ON FOX & FRIENDS THIS MORNING

New Single Follows 9-Week No. 1 Streak with "Devil Is Liar"


Dixon to Hit the Road with Skillet and Jordan Feliz for Drive-In Theater Tour on April 22

Colton Dixon is debuting a brand new single today, "Made to Fly," (Atlantic/Fairtrade), along with a lyric video. Available across all DSP's today, Dixon is debuting the song tonight on a special concert edition of Ainsley's Bible Study on FOX Nation, and teased it on Fox & Friends this morning.


"Made to Fly" will impact radio (Christian AC and Hot AC/CHR) on April 30, and follows Dixon's 9-week streak at No 1 on Hot AC/CHR with "Devil Is A Liar" and 2020's "Miracles," which hit Top 5 on Billboard's National Christian Audience chart and holding on to the No. 1 spot for 6 weeks on Hot/AC CHR last summer.


For the first time in a year, Dixon is also excited to hit the road and perform live in concert as a part of The Drive-In Theater Tour, opening for Skillet with Jordan Feliz. For tour dates and details, please CLICK HERE.

ABOUT COLTON DIXON:
Colton Dixon quickly became a household name in 2012 when he was voted a fan favorite and made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show AMERICAN IDOL. His career has been on the fast track ever since, now boasting over 100 million streams across all platforms. Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist. Dixon is also a Steinway & Sons artist, following in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Harry Connick, Jr. and Billy Joel. Dixon's sophomore effort Anchor included the most played Hot AC single of 2014, “More Of You," which spent three weeks at No. 1, as well as "Through All of It," his fourth consecutive No. 1 at Hot AC Radio. In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album Of The Year, along with two additional nominations. In 2015, Anchor was honored with the Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015, followed by the release of his third studio album Identity, which included the top 5 single “All That Matters,” whose video was premiered by PEOPLE magazine. His latest, critically-acclaimed, self-titled EP, boasting this hit single "Miracles," is available now.


###


Get Connected with Colton Dixon:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coltondixon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coltondixonmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ColtonDixonMusicVEVO
Instagram: https://instagram.com/coltondixonmusic/

Media Collective Contact:

Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

ICYMI: New York Times Best-Selling Author, Annie F. Downs, Appears on GMA 3: What You Need to Know

Nashville, TN....3/23/21 - New York Times best-selling author, Annie F. Downs appeared on GMA 3 program yesterday, sharing why it's so important to bring fun back into our lives after a tumultuous 2020. Referring to content from her latest book, That Sounds Fun, Downs shared tips with viewers about managing expectations, going back to favorite childhood memories, and trying something new as ways to incorporate some fun. To catch the interview, please CLICK HERE.

It has been a busy season for Downs following the release of of her New York Times bestseller That Sounds Fun. In addition to hosting her popular "That Sounds Fun" podcast, which has received over 44 million downloads, her That Sounds Fun Podcast Network is continuing its significant growth and living up to its promise to be an amusement park of podcasts with an aim to entertain, impact, help, and bless you and the people you love. To find out more on the network overall, you can visit their new website here.

Over the past several weeks, Downs has run the podcast, radio and TV circuit, showing up on The 700 Club, The Doctors, CNN New Day, Delilah's Love Somebody Podcast, Mallory Ervin's Living Fully podcast, and CBN Studio 5, with upcoming appearances on Hallmark Channel's Home & Family and more.

In That Sounds Fun, Downs offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you – then do it! Exploring some research and sharing some thoughts about why fun matters, she shows you how to find, experience, and multiply your fun. With her signature storytelling style and whimsical vulnerability, Annie F. Downs is the friend we all need to guide us back to staying true to ourselves and finding the fun we need.

About Annie:

Annie F. Downs is a New York Times best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Engaging and honest, she makes readers and listeners alike feel as if they’ve been long-time friends. Founder of the That Sounds Fun Network—which includes her aptly named flagship show, That Sounds Fun—and author of multiple bestselling books like 100 Days to Brave, Remember God, and That Sounds Fun, Annie shoots straight and doesn’t shy away from the tough topics. But she always finds her way back to the truth that God is good and that life is a gift. Annie is a huge fan of laughing with friends, confetti, soccer, and boiled peanuts (preferably from a back-roads Georgia gas station). Read more at anniefdowns.com and find her (embarrassingly easily) all over the internet at @anniefdowns.

Get Connected with Annie F. Downs:

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Media Collective Contact:

Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com

New York Times Best-Selling Author and Podcaster Annie F. Downs' That Sounds Fun Network Adds Two New Podcasts

New York Times Best-Selling Author and Podcaster Annie F. Downs' That Sounds Fun Network Adds Two New Podcasts

WE'RE GOING THERE with Bianca Olthoff Launched February 18;

Carlos Whittaker's HUMAN HOPE Launches Today, March 4

NASHVILLE, TN.... (March 4, 2021) - Since its launch last May, New York Times best-selling author and podcaster Annie F. Downs' That Sounds Fun Podcast Network is continuing its significant growth. Currently home to seven shows, including her own "That Sounds Fun" podcast, which has over 44 million downloads, Downs' Network is living up to its promise to be an amusement park of podcasts with an aim to entertain, impact, help, and bless you and the people you love. To find out more on the network overall, you can visit their new website here.

Recently launched on February 18, We're Going There with Bianca Olthoff invites guests to discuss relevant topics affecting all aspects of our lives. From relationships to race relations, faith to fashion, the conversations will leave you with practical tips, fun ways to talk about tough topics, and stories with amazing people to impact your life. No topic is off the table and faith will always be at the forefront of the conversation. For more information, follow along on social media @biancaolthoff or visit www.BiancaOlthoff.com.

Today, March 4 sees the debut of Human Hope with Carlos Whittaker. In a time where humanity is desperate to find hope, Carlos leads us in conversations that bring us just that. From fun discussions about everyday joy to polarizing and challenging topics, Carlos shows even the most calloused heart that there is still hope in humanity. For more on Carlos and his books visit CarlosWhittaker.com.

With over 400,000 downloads each week of her "That Sounds Fun" podcast, the new network of course includes Downs' own podcast, as well as "Annie and Eddie Keep Talking." With an active, engaged, and extremely loyal audience, Downs' network of influence includes top-tier leaders in film, music, sports, ministry, and publishing, with support from such well-known names as Tim Tebow, Danielle Walker and Samantha Ponder.

To interview one of the hosts from the That Sounds Fun Network, or if you want to be on one of the That Sounds Fun Network shows, please email guests@thatsoundsfunnetwork.com.

Get Connected with Annie F. Downs:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Engaging and honest, she makes readers and listeners alike feel as if they’ve been long-time friends. Founder of the That Sounds Fun Podcast Network—which includes her aptly named flagship show, "That Sounds Fun"—and author of multiple bestselling books like 100 Days to Brave, Remember God, and That Sounds Fun. Annie shoots straight and doesn’t shy away from the tough topics. But she always finds her way back to the truth that God is good and that life is a gift. Annie is a huge fan of laughing with friends, confetti, soccer, and boiled peanuts (preferably from a back-roads Georgia gas station). Read more at anniefdowns.com and find her (embarrassingly easily) all over the internet at @anniefdowns.

Carlos Whittaker is a self proclaimed “Hope Dealer” who spends the majority of his time telling stories on stages and phone screens across the world that lead people towards action. He’s a People's Choice Award winner and the author of three books, Moment Maker, Kill The Spider, & Enter Wild which all lead people towards freedom in some way, shape, or form. Carlos lives with his wife, three kids, and five chickens in Nashville, TN. You can find out more about Carlos and his work at www.CarlosWhittaker.com or @loswhit on Instagram.


Bianca Juarez Olthoff is a bible-teaching, word-slanging MexiRican who is passionate about raising up a generation of people passionate about Jesus Christ. As an author and speaker, she knows the power of words and wields them wisely. As a church planter (www.tfhoc.org) and leader, she is committed to proclaiming the gospel domestically and internationally. For more information, follow along on social media @biancaolthoff or visit www.BiancaOlthoff.com.

Media Collective Contact:

Velvet Kelm
the media collective
velvet@themcollective.com
(615) 591-7989
www.themcollective.com