Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.

Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.

👉 Watch the live performance here.

Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥

Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.

Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.

The Vibe

With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.

Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.

Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:

• A private link to the full panel replay
• Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
• Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2

Why This Event Matters

Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.

About Churchy

After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.

Holy Smoke! Festival returns to Rocketown (Nashville, TN) this week for three days of Christian hip-hop, alternative faith-based music, community, and culture—plus a free industry conference and pop-up market. Running August 14–16, the 2025 edition features Indie Tribe and a stacked roster of special guests. Holy Smoke!

Fast Facts

• Dates: August 14–16, 2025
• Venue: Rocketown, 601 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
• Ticket Types: 2-Day GA (Fri/Sat) and VIP (3-day access + VIP perks)
• What’s New/Notable: Free Indie Institute conference, an outdoor Holy Smoke! Market, VIP party with a cypher/listening session, and Meet & Greet access. Holy Smoke!+1rocketown.org

The Lineup

Headlined by Indie Tribe — nobigdyl., Jon Keith, Mogli the Iceburg, Torey D’Shaun, and DJ Mykael V — Holy Smoke! also features WHATUPRG, Alex Jean, Aha Gazelle, West Indies (Miles Minnick & Jon Keith), Zauntee, Briana Shanae, gio., Sarah Juers, Taylor Hill, Bodywash, and Josh P. Expect surprises, collabs, and a DJ Mykael V super set. RapzillaHoly Culture

What’s Happening Each Day

Thursday (VIP Only)

• VIP Party with a cypher, special guest performances, and an exclusive Indie Tribe listening party. (VIP ticket includes 3-day access.) Holy Smoke!

Friday

• Indie Institute (FREE) — the festival’s industry conference (RSVP required).
  Time: 1:00–3:00 PM • Location: Rocketown
  Expect panels with “heavy hitters” covering artistry, business, marketing, and more. (RSVP is free; you don’t need a festival ticket to attend.) Holy Smoke!X (formerly Twitter)
• VIP Meet & Greet + Early Entry
  VIP Doors: 3:15–4:30 PM • GA Doors: 4:30 PM
• Main Stage: 5:00–9:30 PM. Holy Smoke!

Saturday

• Holy Smoke! Market (OUTSIDE): 12:30–8:00 PM — pop-ups, merch, and community.
• VIP Doors: 1:00 PM • GA Doors: 1:30 PM
• Main Stage: 2:00–9:30 PM.
• VIP Inner Circle: Note the Native Stage opens early for VIP (limited capacity) and a 2:45 PM Main-stage Meet & Greet. Holy Smoke!+1

Tickets & VIP Perks

• 2-Day GA: Access Friday + Saturday festival programming.
• VIP: 3-day access, Thursday VIP party (cypher/listening session + special guests), early entry both days, and Indie Tribe Meet & Greet. Prices are tiered and may change; rain-or-shine; no refunds.