tunes Grant exits Grammys early
Contemporar y Christian singer Natalie Grant, nominated for two Grammy awards and in attendance for the Jan. 26 award show, left the gathering early citing disappointment in some of the behavior she witnessed. “We left the Grammy’s early,” Grant tweeted to her fans. “I’ve many thoughts, most of which are probably better left inside my head. But I’ll say this: I’ve never been more honored to sing about Jesus and for Jesus. And I’ve never been more sure of the path I’ve chosen.” Although she didn’t get specific, several of the acts were overtly sexual and one, involving megastar Katy Perry, celebrated witchcraft and was described by many as “satanic.” Grant was nominated for Best Gospel/ Contemporary Christian Music Perfor-
mance for “Alive (Mary Magdelene),” and Best Christian Music Song “Hurricane.” www.nataliegrant.com
Entertainer Carmen says he’s now cancer free
TULSA, Okla. — Recording artist and evangelist Carman Licciardello, who announced last year he had terminal cancer, has posted on his Facebook page that he is now cancer free and preparing for a tour. “Greetings from the other side of the valley. Well things are progressing unexpectedly well,” the singer, known primarily as just Carmen, declared before explaining some of the treatments the doctors used to attack the cancer and a lurking pneumonia virus. The Feb. 7 note followed a dire message he posted just a week earlier requesting
prayer following discovery of an infection. www.carman.org
Hillsong mixes it up with new album
Hillsong United, never known for playing it by the book, is mixing it up again with its first remix, “White Album,” releasing March 4. The album features classic songs like “Hosanna,” “From the Inside Out” and “The Stand” along with more recent hits “Relentless” and “Oceans.” “We haven’t changed our focus, which is to honor Christ and give voice to a generation passionate about God; but continuing to create, experiment with and expand on those musical expressions is at the heart of The White Album (Remix Project),” said United’s Joel Houston, who added they are hopeful the album will introduce a new generation to songs used by churches the world over for worship. www.hillsong.com/en/united
March 2014 | REFRESHED
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