Christian Worship Band Hillsong Wins First-Ever American Music Award

Aubrey Bartolome : Nov 24, 2016
Gospel Herald

It was their third nomination, but the first time the band won in their category.

(Los Angeles, CA) — [Gospel Herald] Sunday night was a big night for worship band Hillsong United as they received their first ever American Music Award. This was their third consecutive nomination but the first time that the band has won in their category which is Favorite Artist - Contemporary Inspirational. (Photo Credit: Twitter via The Gospel Herald)

The band shared their joy at getting nominated on their Facebook page and encouraged their followers to vote on the official website for the American Music Awards. 2016 has been a big year for the band which originated from Hillsong Church in Australia. This year, they also won the Billboard Music Awards for Top Christian Artist and Top Christian Song for the "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).” In the recent Dove Awards, they were able to take home Worship Album of The Year for "Empires.”

Hillsong United had humble beginnings. They started in 1998 as a band for the Hillsong Church youth group, Powerhouse. They were started by close church friends, serving as the house band for the group during their youth meetings. Darlene Zschech, who was the worship pastor of the church at that time, eventually suggested to Reuben Morgan that Hillsong United should record their own album. They released their very first album, "Everyday" in 1999, and has been consistent in releasing a new album every year.

Their latest album, released this year is titled “Of Dirt and Grace: Live From the Land.” A visual album. What makes this different is the band filmed live performances of the songs from various places in Israel where the events took place. For example, "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," a song which they previously released in their "Zion" album, was shot at the Sea of Galilee, and their "Here Now," was taken at The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.

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The Gospel Herald