MaryAnn McCormick, an internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano, has been hailed in the press as "charismatic," "spell-binding," and "elegant." Performing roles such as Carmen to Suzuki in Madame Butterfly, McCormick has sung worldwide, won a Grammy, and just celebrated her 100th performance at the Metropolitan Opera – a feat not every accomplished opera singer can claim.

McCormick, a native of Pittsburgh, admits that her road to becoming as successful as she has, has been challenging and complicated, especially since she became a Christian seven years ago.

"Since becoming a Christian, it's not been as easy," she says. "Many performers wouldn't hesitate to do whatever they need to do to get ahead, but as a Christian I can't do that. This is a very ego driven and competitive career – it takes a level of expertise and training to sing in this environment under intense pressure, and to be emotionally savvy." more >>

A young Christian musician and student from Oklahoma City, Alton Eugene Buggs II, 24, has been getting a lot of buzz for an inspirational musical tribute called the "Hope Song" that he created for survivors of the deadly twister that ravaged the city on Monday.

The video, which "screams the heartbeat of hope," was published on YouTube on Monday, and also came with an encouraging description of its purpose.

"An Inspirational Tribute to Oklahomans in light of the Tornado that hit S.W. Oklahoma City/Moore on May 20, 2013," the message began. more >>

Grammy Award-winning Christian artist, Michael W. Smith, has announced that his "Michael W. Smith & Friends Cruise" will be heading to Alaska in 2014.

The event has been a fan favorite for many years, and this year the festival of music will include: worship leader Darlene Zschech, Dove Award-winning trio Phillips, Craig & Dean, and comedian John Branyan.

For the first time ever, Smith will be giving fans a chance to get involved on the cruise by creating the Michael W. Smith Cruise Choir, which will allow 250 guests to be on stage and sing with Smith. more >>

Grammy award-winner and multi-platinum recording artist Chris Tomlin just completed what turned out to be the most successful tour of his 13-year career with the "Burning Lights Tour" this spring.

His average show attendance went up 53 percent above his last tour in 2011-2012, and selling out 25 of his shows in big cities such as: New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago with other shows reaching well above 10,000 tickets sold.

"The Burning Lights Tour" will pick up again this fall and pass through 21 cities starting Oct. 3. Accompanying Tomlin on the tour will be Louie Giglio, Pastor of Passion City Church and Passion founder, according to a press release. more >>

In what's been a big week for Christian artist Amy Grant, not only did she release her first album in 10 years, How Mercy Looks From Here, but it also earned her a No. 12 spot on the Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the Christian soundscan, selling over 26,000 copies this week.

"Amy Grant has delivered a beautiful record of compelling songs that document her life experiences over the past decade since her last studio record," said Peter York President, Capitol CMG Label Group. "It's an authentic album of songs she's written that allow the listener to peer deeply into her heart and connect emotionally with her journey. It must be heard to be appreciated and I would encourage all to taste and see."

The six-time Grammy winner drew inspiration for her 18th record from her late mother, who once told her "sing something that matters," reported The M Collective. more >>

Integrity Music's worship duo, All Sons & Daughters, are jumping to action and donating all proceeds from their new EP, Songs For Oklahoma, to the Convoy of Hope for victims of the tornado.

The album will be available on Noisetrade.com and will feature songs "Give Me Jesus," "Reason To Sing" and "Your Glory – Nothing But The Blood."

"Please consider donating for the EP, and please continue praying for those devastated by this terrible storm," said All Sons & Daughters members Leslie Jordan and David Leonard in a press release. "For more information and to make tax-deductible donations to Convoy of Hope, please directly visit www.convoyofhope.org." more >>