Matthew West Named NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year

With 38 No. 1 songs and more than 275 cuts across genres, Matthew West stands as one of Christian music's most influential voices

Anne Wilson paid tribute with a stirring performance of their Platinum-certified No. 1 hit “My Jesus,” which spent over seven weeks at the top of the charts and has surpassed 425M streams

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.”

Photo Credit: Jason Davis Photo ID (L-R): Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director), Matthew West (NSAI 2025 Songwriter-Artist of the Year), Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Board President)

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.

Fresh 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.

ABOUT MATTHEW WEST:

Dubbed “one of Christian music's most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), Matthew West has notched 38 No.1 songs combined as an artist and songwriter and has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. West is also a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI's 2025 and 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP's 2023 Golden Note Award recipient, ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year recipient, and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and has been named Billboard's Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.” 

 

In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards eight times and has more than 275 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Anne Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns and others. The release of Don't Stop Praying marks his 13th studio album. West's first single from the album and title track, "Don't Stop Praying" (released January 2024) marked his biggest streaming single debut in his 20-year career and notched a No. 1 spot for two weeks at radio. The newest single, “Unashamed,” from the Don't Stop Praying album climbed the Top 10 on Christian radio, inspiring people across the nation to stand boldly in faith and live unashamed of the Gospel. 

Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: K-LOVE award winning “My Story, Your Glory 30-Day Devotional,” “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One,” “Hello, My Name Is,” “The God Who Stays,” “Come Home For Christmas” with his ninth book “Don't Stop Praying” slated to release in February 2026. In 2020, The Matthew West Podcast debuted and continues weekly with special guests. West is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life.

For more information visit www.matthewwest.com or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.

 

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