By Andy Argyrakis

This week, we bring you the top Christian music trends of 2008.

“AMERICAN IDOL” STARS WITH SPIRITUAL STANCES

Though every season of “American Idol” has its share of faith-based performers, this past year saw several rising stars drop CDs in the Christian market. Performers who released projects in the not too distant past include pop princess Jordin Sparks, the country-framed Phil Stacey, alt-rocker Chris Sligh and longtime background vocalist turned solo star Melinda Doolittle (releasing February 3, 2009).

DIGITAL OVER PHYSICAL

In addition to CCM Magazine switching to an online format, several artists have released projects exclusively through digital retailers. Christian acts’ visibility continued to rise on sites like iTunes and Napster, with familiar favorites like DecembeRadio, VOTA (formerly Casting Pearls), Scott Krippayne and Callann Lane (formerly Cali) releasing online-only projects during this month alone!

WHERE ARE THE FEMALES?

Outside of female mainstays like Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen and Sara Groves, plus a few newcomers (like Brooke Fraser, Francesca Battistelli and Joy Whitlock), the “ccm” scene still came up a little short this year when it came to females fronting the pack. Though all those able to break through certainly let their lights shine, the industry ratio once again fell toward the fellas, despite the overwhelming amount of indie talent (across the opposite gender) yet to find a national platform.

NEW ARTIST POOL SHRINKS

Despite throngs of undiscovered artists out there, major labels also introduced fewer new artists than ever before, perhaps stemming from companies clamped by consolidation, corporate mergers and budget crunches. Nonetheless, next year does have plenty of prospects on the horizon that will appear on these very pages come the tip of 2009.

 
TROUBADOURS TAKE THEIR TURN