Hailed by Billboard as “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters,” award-winning artist Matthew West was named NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the NSAI Awards, marking the second time since 2022 West has received the coveted title. West has now made history as the first Christian artist to win the award twice.
Reflecting on the honor, West shared from the Ryman stage, “Success will never be enough. No victory on this earth, no award, no amount of money can truly fill the void that exists in every human heart. The freedom I’ve found in knowing that on my best day, I’m a child of God, and on my worst day, I’m still a child of God, far surpasses any measure of success.” West also turned the spotlight to his family, adding: “I want to thank my wife and my best friend Emily and our two daughters, Lulu and Delaney. I love you with all my heart and as one of my songs says, you’ll go down in history as my greatest hits.”
With a decorated career boasting more than 275 songwriting credits and 38 No.1 hits, West has become a defining voice in Christian music and beyond. His songs have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Amy Grant, Casting Crowns and more, while his own artistry has earned five GRAMMY nominations and nearly two billion total global streams. Anne Wilson honored him from the Ryman stage with a powerful performance of their Platinum-certified, seven-week No. 1 “My Jesus,” which has now surpassed 425 million streams.
Photo ID (L-R): Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director), Matthew West (NSAI 2025 Songwriter-Artist of the Year), Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Board President). Photo credit: Jason DavisFresh off this milestone, West is bringing his music to life on stage. He recently released Don’t Stop Praying (Deluxe Edition) – adding five new tracks to the album that debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian and Gospel Albums chart in October 2024 – and will follow it with his holiday album Come Home For Christmas on October 10. Fans can experience the new holiday music live when West embarks on his seven-city Come Home For Christmas Tour beginning December 11.
He’ll also take his message of encouragement nationwide with the Don’t Stop Praying For America Tour, a 13-city run featuring special guest Peter Burton, and will join MercyMe and TobyMac for eight arena shows this fall. Keep up with West and his upcoming announcements at matthewwest.com and on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.
Don’t Stop Praying (Deluxe Edition) Tracklist:
1. “Don’t Stop Praying”
2. “Last Page of the Bible” (feat. Anne Wilson)
3. “Chosen”
4. “Unashamed”
5. “My Why”
6. “18 Summers”
7. “Life Is Good”
8. “Goodbye Yesterday”
9. “The Place Only We Know”
10. “God’s Hand”
11. “Breakthrough’s Coming” (feat. Stephen McWhirter)
12. “To Be with Jesus”
13. “Growing Up & Growing Old”
14. “Don’t Stop Praying” (Acoustic)
15. “Unashamed” (Acoustic)
16. “18 Summers” (Piano Version)
17. “To Be With Jesus” (Piano Version)
Don’t Stop Praying For America Tour dates with special guest Peter Burton:
Nov. 6, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio at Genoa Church
Nov. 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Md. at Trinity Baltimore
Nov. 8, 2025 in Johnson City, Tenn. at The Martin Center
Nov. 9, 2025 in Akron, Ohio at Goodyear Theater
Nov. 13, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis. at Riverside Theater
Nov. 14, 2025 in Bourbonnais, Ill. at Centennial Chapel
Nov. 15, 2025 in Green Bay, Wis. at Cofrin Family Hall
Nov. 16, 2025 in Wabash, Ind. at Ford Theater
Nov. 18, 2025 in Rapid City, S.D. at Monument Fine Arts Theatre
Nov. 20, 2025 in Fargo, N.D. at Bethel Church
Nov. 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minn. at Grace Church
Nov. 22, 2025 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at Paramount Theatre
Nov. 23, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa at Stephens Auditorium
Come Home For Christmas Tour dates:
Dec. 11, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pa. at Christian Life Church
Dec. 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pa. at Amplify Church
Dec. 13, 2025 in New Bern, N.C. at Temple Church
Dec. 14, 2025 in Charlotte, N.C. at Forest Hill Church
Dec. 18, 2025 in Virginia Beach, Va. at London Bridge Church
Dec. 19, 2025 in Knoxville, Tenn. at Clear Springs Baptist Church
Dec. 20, 2025 in Pensacola, Fla. at Hillcrest Baptist Church