The top Christian artist to close out 2019 was Lauren Daigle, a singer who has flawlessly crossed the boundary between pop and Christian music. Daigle’s top hit, “You Say”, spent 43 weeks on Billboard’s chart and was featured heavily on iheart Radio, or 96.1 Houston.
She has put out four Number 1 hits, had 13 Top Ten songs, and has earned two Grammy’s for “You Say” and the album on which it debuted, Look Up Child. At just 28 years old, Daigle is a powerhouse, and she gives the credit to God and his plan for her life. “It was incredible how the Lord didn’t let me fall under,” she said,”but instead used that season of being sick to show me the purpose of my life.”
At 15 years old, Daigle was diagnosed with an immune deficiency that required her to be treated at home for two years. That meant no school, socializing, clubs, or activities. To keep her from becoming depressed, her mother distracted her by teaching her to sing. “From that space is where my songs come from,” she explained. “What you think might overcome you is actually just the place you’re supposed to launch from.”
Her inspirational lyrics, soaring tempos, and rich, smoky voice combine to create a worship experience that brings many closer to God. Her songs are featured in contemporary services, to great effect. But they can also be enjoyed at home, in the car, or wherever you are praying or wanting to draw closer to God. Especially during this time of seeming hopelessness, Daigle offers answers and promise through music rich with hope.
Daigle also uses her fame to bring attention to the protection of women enslaved by sex trafficking. She is a huge supporter of the Dallas program, “Restore Her,” which offers a haven for trafficking victims. “It’s an amazing program. Instead of giving them a victimization mindset, they tell them ‘okay, that’s your story. Those are the cards that have been dealt to you, so how are you going to use it for the Lord’s glory?’ These girls just come out completely transformed, ready to take on the world, just full of life, abundance, and energy. It’s amazing to watch them go from completely broken to whole in the name of Jesus.”
If you need to be uplifted during this difficult time, take a listen to Daigle’s music. You will quickly discover why she was the top Christian artist of 2019.
