Music

Conrad Murray was sentenced Tuesday and the judge has thrown the book at him, calling Murray a “danger” to the community.

In an unsympathetic and long statement, Judge Michael Pastor refused to give Murray probation and instead ordered the maximum sentence under the law, which is 4 years.

The judge explained his decision saying that Murray's former patient, Michael Jackson, “died because of a totality of circumstances which are directly attributable to Dr. Murray,” CNN reported. more >>

Going to church to rehearse Christmas Carols or the latest Christmas tunes has become a routine part of the Christmas season. Those unable to physically make it to rehearsal usually miss out, but this year a New Jersey-based church is making it possible for anyone with a computer to be part of the melodious Christmas cheer.

Liquid Church of New Jersey is inviting people around the world to participate in the first virtual Christmas choir, utilizing webcams and YouTube.

Singers from around the world will be united by the iconic Christmas song “Silent Night” as the church will put technology to good use to synchronize the army of individual singers into one unified, harmonious group. more >>

If megachurches were a denomination, they'd be the second largest Protestant group in the country, researchers say.

With that, Leadership Network and Hartford Institute for Religion Research decided to take a closer look at the large churches (2,000 or more attendants) that draw a total of nearly 6 million worshippers in a weekend. Their findings are in a report titled "A New Decade of Megachurches: 2011 Profile of Large Attendance Churches in the United States."

According to the study released this month, while 15 percent of megachurches did not grow or were in decline over the past five years, the stated average attendance for megachurches grew from 2,604 in 2005 to 3,597 in 2010. Growth, the researchers concluded, continues to be steady for America's largest churches. more >>

What keeps history's bestselling classical solo artist grounded? For Andrea Bocelli, the world's most recognizable opera singer, the answer is his belief in a generous God.

Born in Italy in 1958, Bocelli has since boosted opera's popularity to previously unreached heights. Blinded at 12 in a soccer accident, the singer has let his rich, soaring vocals share how he sees the world instead. The man's voice has awed millions worldwide, and Bocelli is now widely regarded as the reigning king of opera's crossover success among mainstream audiences.

In an interview translated from Italian for The Christian Post, Bocelli explains how his chart-topping triumphs pale in comparison to his faith. If there's one thing that the tenor hopes listeners take from his music, it’s that there's immense joy in knowing Christ firsthand. The superstar singer hopes to share this revelation firsthand when he performs Friday at Washington, D.C.'s Verizon Center as part of a national tour. more >>

Rachel Chan, daughter of bestselling author and world renowned evangelist Francis Chan, is making her own headlines with the upcoming release of her first album Go, slated for release Jan. 10, 2012 under EMI Christian Music Distribution.

The 15-year-old singer has had a passion for music her whole life. Playing the piano since she was six, recently teaching herself guitar, and singing as far back as she can remember – it was time to put it together.

Usually focused on student ministry, Chan said getting signed was unexpected and an awesome experience. "Definitely very exciting and new," said Chan, as she was in continuous prayer about the situation. more >>

The very talented Rachel Chan’s upcoming debut album Go will be the best Christian album to come for its creativity.

Daughter of world renowned New York Times bestseller and preacher Francis Chan, the 15-year-old song bird’s debut album consists of 10 tracks which Rachel co-wrote with seasoned producer Dave Lubben. The album is very consistent of creative songs that have deep meaning and even expresses day to day struggles in songs like “Even Here” and the album single “Prove It.”

“Prove It” is very unique in its lyrics which proves God’s love for all of us, for better or for worse. more >>