Latest news with #CeCeWinans
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Whitney Houston Scores Multiple New Platinum Hits
Whitney Houston earns double-digit new RIAA certifications, including platinum plaques for 'Count On ... More Me' and 'Run to You,' decades after their original releases. FRANCE - MAY 18: Whitney Houston Performs In Paris Bercy On May 18th, 1988 In Paris,France (Photo by Frederic REGLAIN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) More than a decade after her passing, Whitney Houston continues to collect new awards and certifications for the music she left behind. People in the United States have not stopped listening to the legendary vocalist, and as more time passes, she racks up more honors. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) recently handed down double-digit new certifications to Houston's catalog, as both singles and one of the bestselling albums of all time added to their totals. Among that group, two of the late superstar's tracks became platinum wins for the first time, decades after their release. 'Count on Me' and 'Run to You' Go Platinum Both 'Count On Me,' a collaboration with CeCe Winans, and 'Run to You' are newly platinum songs by Houston. That means they have officially moved one million equivalent units throughout the years, between both sales and streaming activity. 'Run to You' was named a gold win after it hit half a million units in March 2019. 'Count On Me' had to wait much longer to double its sum and move from gold to platinum status. The duet with Winans was certified gold in 1996, so it took almost 30 years for it to shift another half-million copies. The Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale's Smashes 'Run to You' served as the fourth official single from The Bodyguard soundtrack. It followed top 10 smashes 'I Will Always Love You,' 'I'm Every Woman,' and 'I Have Nothing,' becoming the last charting tune from that collection. Just a few years later, Houston was promoting the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, which produced several other huge wins, including 'Count On Me.' Both were chart wins, but it's taken decades for them to become platinum successes. Whitney Houston's Other New RIAA Certifications Eight other songs by Houston earned new certifications from the RIAA at the same time as 'Run to You' and 'Count On Me.' 'I Will Always Love You' advanced to 11-times platinum after becoming a diamond smash in 2022. Houston is likely headed for another diamond win, as 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)' is now up to 8-times platinum, meaning it has moved eight million equivalent units. Other beloved songs from the superstar increased their totals, including 'I Have Nothing' (4-times platinum), 'Higher Love' with Kygo and 'How Will I Know' (both 3-times platinum), and 'Saving All My Love for You,' 'My Love Is Your Love,' and 'Heartbreak Hotel,' which all surged from platinum to double platinum.
Black America Web
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
CeCe Winans Brings Gospel Power to NPR's Tiny Desk for Black Music Month
Source: Terry Wyatt / Getty Gospel icon CeCe Winans brought the spirit to NPR's Tiny Desk stage with a moving medley of her most beloved songs, turning the intimate setting into a soul-stirring worship experience. The special performance was part of NPR's Black Music Month celebration, which honors groundbreaking albums that have left a lasting imprint on music and culture. Winans' 1995 album Alone in His Presence , celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was a defining moment in gospel music and continues to resonate across generations. NPR's Ashley Pointer praised Winans for her unmatched vocal power and ability to transcend boundaries. 'CeCe Winans' voice transcends genre, race, and generations, something incredibly rare in the gospel and Christian music realms,' she wrote. RELATED: Classic Gospel Songs That Still Excite The Black Church Her Tiny Desk set included a mix of fan favorites and deeply spiritual anthems. The call-and-response energy of 'Pray' brought instant joy, while the crowd audibly gasped at the first notes of 'Alabaster Box,' a track known for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. The performance concluded with a heartfelt sing-along to 'Goodness of God,' a modern worship classic that underscored Winans' lasting connection with audiences. More than a nostalgic trip through her catalog, the performance was a celebration of Winans' legacy as one of gospel music's most influential voices. As NPR continues to spotlight the sounds that have shaped Black music history, CeCe Winans' enduring presence stands as a testament to the timeless power of faith-filled artistry. Check out the performance below: SEE ALSO CeCe Winans Brings Gospel Power to NPR's Tiny Desk for Black Music Month was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Compassion International Artists Shine at K-LOVE Fan Awards
CeCe Winans, for KING & COUNTRY and Leanna Crawford win big, while other Compassion artists celebrate nominations Colorado Springs, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - June 2, 2025) - Several artists partnering with Compassion International took home top honors at the K-LOVE Fan Awards, announced on May 30, at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. Among the winners were CeCe Winans (Female Artist of the Year), for KING & COUNTRY (Group of the Year) and Leanna Crawford (Breakout Single). For CeCe Winans, the K-LOVE Fan Award adds to her recent accolades, including wins at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. According to Keely Scott, Director of Influencer Partnerships at Compassion International, these artists not only inspire millions through their music but also use their platforms to bring hope and lasting change to children living in poverty around the world. "We are thrilled to see these incredible artists recognized by their fans-not only for their musical talents, but also for their commitment to a cause greater than themselves," said Scott. "Their advocacy has helped thousands of children around the world find hope, opportunity and the love of Christ." Other Compassion artists nominated include Jeremy Camp, Lisa Harper, Katy Nichole, Lysa TerKeurst, Matthew West, Patrick Mayberry, Phil Wickham and We Are Messengers. Compassion International partners with Christian artists to engage audiences in the mission of releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. These artists use their influence to raise awareness and encourage action, helping connect thousands of supporters to children in need around the world. The K-LOVE Fan Awards is an annual celebration of faith, music and fan connection, bringing together the biggest names in Christian entertainment. (Photo by Josiah Weiss)To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: To sponsor a child and join Compassion's mission, visit About Compassion International Compassion International is a Christian child development organization dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,900 local churches in 29 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 12 in Forbes' America's Top Charities List in 2024, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. ### MEDIA CONTACT: Troy Danielstdaniels@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How ‘American Idol' is celebrating Easter
Contestants on the current season of 'American Idol' went viral after a video showed them singing a worship song together backstage during one of the most stressful points of the competition. That moment, 'Idol' contestant Thunderstorm Artis recently told the Deseret News, was completely unscripted. 'It just felt like the spirit of the Lord was in the room,' he said. 'And I think that for me was in a time where I was kind of shaky and I wasn't sure if this was where I was supposed to be. But it was like, this is right where God wants me to be.' Faith has been in the spotlight a lot on the 23rd season of 'American Idol,' with a number of contestants expressing their love for Jesus Christ through song. Now, with the next 'Idol' episode falling on Easter Sunday, the show is embracing the moment by airing a three-hour special devoted to gospel music. 'American Idol' is airing a 'Songs of Faith' episode Sunday night, which will feature the show's top 20 contestants performing gospel and worship music. The episode will also include faith-centered performances from 'Idol' judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan; an appearance by 17-time Grammy winner CeCe Winans; and a performance of 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' from Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake. Lake's worship song, 'Gratitude,' was featured earlier in the season when contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O'Neill performed a duet for a spot in the top 24. Underwood was visibly emotional following the performance. 'I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you. It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that,' she said with emotion, as fellow 'Idol' judge Lionel Richie placed his hand on her back. 'I want to tell you that I'm proud of you guys.' Artis told the Deseret News he was somewhat surprised to find faith such a big part of 'Idol' this season. 'If I had a nickel for every time someone told me, 'Hey, if you take Jesus out of your music, you'd be way more famous, like, I'd be rich,'' he said. 'There's so many Christians, from the production team to the people at the top to the people at the bottom. And it's been amazing. I didn't know this, that 'American Idol' was a spirit-filled organization, so it's been a beautiful experience.' Simon Lythgoe, original producer and co-creator of 'American Idol,' shared his excitement for the show's Easter special. 'For ABC and Disney to take such a bold stand on this holy day and celebrate worship music is truly inspirational,' Lythgoe told CCM Magazine. 'When I first began working on 'American Idol' during the Fox years, there was an unspoken rule to steer clear of anything overtly religious or faith-based. The goal was to keep the show secular — broad and inclusive — to avoid alienating any viewers. 'I have no doubt this Easter special will be powerful,' he continued. 'I'm genuinely excited to see Jesus' resurrection day honored on one of the biggest entertainment platforms in the world.' The 'Songs of Faith' episode airs Sunday night at 7 p.m. MDT on ABC. There's been a number of moments celebrating faith on 'Idol' this season. Canaan James Hill, a 17-year-old aspiring preacher, auditioned for the show with the gospel song 'I Need Your Glory' and earned a coveted platinum ticket from the judges. Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell, performed his original song 'Hey Jesus' during the Hollywood Week round — a song he said he wrote following the death of his grandmother, who was a support to him when his dad would go away on tour. 'I thought she was going to be around for moments like this. I never expected to lose her, so when I did I questioned everything, and I pushed away faith, thought I would not find it again,' Littrell said ahead of the performance. 'This song kind of helped me find it.' Victor Solomon, a former finalist on 'The Voice' who is in the 'American Idol' top 24, told the Deseret News his faith has kept him grounded throughout the competition. 'Sticking to His word has been the mantra of my time here, keeping him first in everything, and making sure that when I wake up in the morning, before I look at an email, before I look at my phone, make sure I thank him,' Solomon told the Deseret News. 'Make sure I glorify Him. Make sure I honor Him for waking me up this morning. 'To spread the love of Jesus Christ, and also to draw people closer to Him and just influence people to have wonderful moments, that's what it's all about,' he added.
