Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas Surges in Album Sales Following CMA Country Christmas Performance
December 11, 2014
GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith knew something special had happened following his performance with Carrie Underwood on the CMA Country Christmas special. “What a moment - it made my hair stand up a little bit!” he said to PEOPLE Magazine backstage at the taping of the show in Nashville. The performance, along with a showering of media praise, led to nearly a 150% increase in album sales this week for his new Christmas project – Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas.
Smith’s live performances with Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town helped solidify a Top 4 position on the Billboard Holiday Albums chart. The Spirit of Christmas will remain there this week in the peak of Christmas shopping season amongst Michael Buble, Idina Menzel and Pentatonix. The Christmas project – which also features Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald – broke into the Top 10 Overall Albums on iTunes, helping secure a No. 16 spot on the Billboard 200 and a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Christian/Gospel Albums charts this week.
Fueling the positive momentum, media outlets have lauded affirmation on the highly collaborative project, co-produced by Smith, CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton and orchestral maestro David Hamilton.
“This lavishly arranged, guest-filled album begins as if in a world of rebroadcast TV specials and Bing Crosby movies, but eventually finds its way back to the manger.”
- USA Today
“…richly expansive sound with the help of an uncommonly diverse roster of guest stars. The Spirit of Christmas is a deeply reverent statement as well as a festive music offering.”
- iTunes
“Mr. Smith gamely attempts his best Dean Martin, backed by the London Session Orchestra, but he sounds far more at ease reuniting with an old duet partner, Amy Grant, on an original titled ‘Almost There.’”
- The New York Times
“The standout here is ‘All Is Well’ that features Smith and Carrie Underwood giving two of the strongest performances of their respective careers. Warm your spirit with this new Christmas classic.”
- The Huffington Post
“The Spirit of Christmas follows the tradition of excellence established by Smith’s three previous holiday albums.”
- Country Weekly
Additionally, Smith partnered with PEOPLE Magazine for a free download of his collaboration with Little Big Town on “Silent Night.” Despite his hectic schedule in preparation for “The Spirit of Christmas Tour,” Smith was able to connect with PEOPLE Magazine, PEOPLE Country, Billboard, FOX News Radio, Hannity Radio, CMT Radio, ABC Radio, Kathie Lee & Company and more to share about The Spirit of Christmas.
Smith's annual Christmas tour is underway and thrilling audiences in 15 markets across the U.S. and Canada. Also this month, Smith will co-headline three special events in Dallas, Minneapolis and Atlanta with longtime friend Amy Grant. For more information on "The Spirit of Christmas Tour," sponsored by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Transforming Worry into Trust - Your Daily Prayer - October 24
Worrying does nothing to benefit our lives in any way; it only takes away. It takes away the present moments and present joy you could experience, not to mention it takes away from a peaceful life.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer for Transforming Worry into Trust - Your Daily Prayer - October 24
Worrying does nothing to benefit our lives in any way; it only takes away. It takes away the present moments and present joy you could experience, not to mention it takes away from a peaceful life.
Past Stories
- Why Christians are Called to Pray for America's Leaders
- Dennis Quaid and Jonathan Roumie in Hilarious ‘Reagan Meets Jesus’ Viral Video
- 3 Things You Should Know about Project 2025
- Great American Family’s Modern Twist to ‘Little Women’ Promises All-Star Cast and Holiday Spirit
- Russel Brand Speaks on 3 Months Being Christian and the Struggle of Not Hearing God
- What Olivia Culpo’s Wedding Dress Says about Biblical Marriage
- Professional Baseball Player Wes Clarke Gets Baptized on the Field after Game
- ‘Black Panther’ Actress Letitia Wright Aspires to Glorify God through Cinema
- Tyler Perry's ‘The Oval’ Star Javon Johnson Speaks on Faith, Family, and Success
- 12 Powerful Bible Verses About Money
- 8 Bible Verses For The Sick - Scriptures for Healing
- Top 20 Bible Verses for Trusting God When You Need Answers
- Top 10 Christian Songs About Strength
- Top 10 Christian Songs About Forgiveness
- 5 Best Love Stories From The Bible
- Our Top 7 Christian Songs To Help Overcome Sorrow
- 20 Healing Bible Verses - Therapeutic Scripture Quotes
- 20 Best Bible Verses for Birthdays - Celebrate with Scripture
- 10 Christian Songs About Serving
- Top 10 Christian Songs and Hymns About Prayer
- Top 25 Christian Songs Named for Bible Verses - Scripture Inspired Hymns
- 10 Upbeat Christian Songs - Uplifting Worship Songs and Hymns
- 7 Christian Songs to Overcome Depression and Feel Joy
- 20 Best Quotes about Trusting God
- 101 Best Christian Songs Of All-time
- 10 Great Christian Songs for Kids with Lyrics and Action
- Top 10 Bible Verses About Art With Commentary
- 30 Remarkable Quotes for Women to Encourage and Inspire You
- Christian Songs About Healing: Our 8 Favorites
- 7 Popular Hymns For A Baptism Service
- 20 Powerful Bible Verses About Marriage & Relationships
- 10 Best Vacation Bible School Games For Kids
- Top 12 Christian Songs About Faith
Top Music Videos
CCM Magazine Steven Curtis Chapman Shares the Heartfelt Message that Helped While Grieving His Daughter
Crowder Crowder Moving Official 'Somebody Prayed' Music Video
The Statler Brothers 'Til the Storm Passes By' The Statler Brothers Live Performance
Mandisa Mandisa - Shackles (Praise You)
Danny Gokey Danny Gokey 'Sound Of Heaven' Official Music Video
Blogs
At GodTube, you’ll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, hilarious videos from Christian comedians, user-uploaded videos, and clean viral videos to brighten your day.