Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore have officially announced their exits from Maverick City Music, marking a major shift for one of the most influential worship collectives of the past decade.

The news arrives without scandal or spectacle, but it still carries weight. Maverick City Music didn’t just produce songs — it helped reframe what worship could sound like, look like, and feel like for a generation raised on genre-blending playlists, vulnerability, and authenticity. Naomi and Chandler were central to that identity.

In many ways, the transition had already begun.

Just weeks before the announcement, Naomi Raine released her solo project, Jesus Over Everything, on September 14. The album feels stripped-back and intentional, less focused on communal anthems and more on personal conviction. Songs like “Lost in Hallelujah” lean into restraint rather than climax — worship that doesn’t rush resolution or try to sound bigger than it is.

Addressing the shift directly, Naomi framed the moment as growth rather than departure.

“This isn’t really an ending. It’s a new beginning. A new chapter,” she wrote. “I learned so much about God, about people, and about myself. Every song was written from a pure place — just wanting to please God.”

Her statement reflects a throughline that’s been present throughout her work: faith as something lived and evolving, not fixed or performative.

Chandler Moore followed with his own message, emphasizing clarity and forward momentum rather than nostalgia.

“These last few years have been locked in on what really matters in my life and my career,” he shared. “It’s been scary at times, but full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future.”

That recalibration has increasingly shaped Chandler’s solo direction, which he says is focused less on production and more on connection.

“I’m stepping into the next phase, ready to make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”

That approach mirrors what drew so many listeners to Maverick City Music in the first place. The collective disrupted traditional worship norms by embracing cultural nuance, emotional honesty, and musical hybridity — pulling from gospel, CCM, soul, and contemporary Black music without forcing clean lines between them.

Naomi and Chandler weren’t just contributors to that sound — they helped define it.

Their exits don’t signal an abandonment of that vision so much as an expansion of it. Naomi’s Jesus Over Everything and Chandler’s forthcoming solo work suggest both artists are exploring what faith-centered music looks like when it’s untethered from a single collective framework.

For fans, the moment may feel like the closing of a chapter — but Maverick City Music was always designed as a community, not a container. Its influence was never meant to stop at the group itself.

As Chandler put it plainly:

“The dream hasn’t changed. The sound continues.”

What changes now is scale and direction, not intent.

Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore aren’t leaving behind what they helped build. They’re carrying it forward — on their own terms, in their own voices, and into whatever comes next.

About ArtSoul Radio

ArtSoul Radio is a faith-forward media and culture platform spotlighting the intersection of Christian R&B, Gospel, CHH, and creative expression. Through storytelling, sound, and community, we amplify the voices shaping the next era of faith-driven culture.

The Stellar Plus Experience is the official, multi-day event leading up to the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. It’s a celebration of faith, music, and culture, offering a range of activities beyond the main awards show. This includes masterclasses, fashion showcases, comedy shows, and special events that enhance the overall Stellar Awards experience. This has also become the space for emerging talent show up and be heard. Don’t miss this experience during Stellar weekend! There will be something for everyone!

For more details on all of the available events for this year, visit the Stellar Plus Experience website: www.stellarexperienceplus.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

*Subject to change*

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025

10a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub 

2p – 4p: Stellar Masterclass

7p – 8p: Stellar 40 Welcome Mixer

8p – 10:30p: Stellar Unplugged

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025

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8:30a – 10a: Opening Keynote Address

8a – 2p: Stellar Central Hub

11a – 2p: GameChangers Fashion Experience

2p – 4p: Stellar Talks: Fireside Chat + Mixer

9:30p – 12a: Stellar StandUp Comedy Show

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025

​​4:30p: 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards

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Presented by Central City Productions, the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards returns to Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center on August 16, 2025—honoring the biggest names and brightest newcomers in Gospel music.

Founded by Don Jackson and produced by his team at Central City Productions, the Stellars have long been known as the “Grammys of Gospel.” And for four decades, they’ve remained the premier awards show dedicated to celebrating Black faith-based artistry, excellence, and impact across the globe.

This year’s show is packed with familiar favorites and breakout voices making waves in the culture. From CeCe Winans to Pastor Mike Jr., the nominee list reflects the evolution of Gospel music in real time—bridging tradition, innovation, and divine inspiration.

Check out the full list of nominees below:

Artist of the Year

• CeCe Winans – More Than This
• Jason Nelson – You Belong: Live in Durham
• Kenny Lewis & One Voice – The Healing Project
• Pastor Mike Jr. – I Got Away EP
• Tamela Mann – Live Breathe Fight

Song of the Year

• “Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.
• “Clap My Way” – Micah Lee
• “I Prayed For You (said a prayer)” – MAJOR.
• “That’s My King” – CeCe Winans
• “Yahweh” ft. Melvin Crispell III – Jason Nelson

Male Artist of the Year

• Chandler Moore
• Deitrick Haddon
• Doc McKenzie
• Jason Nelson
• Pastor Mike Jr.

Female Artist of the Year (Albertina Walker Award)

• ADIA
• CeCe Winans
• Dorinda Clark-Cole
• Karen Clark-Sheard
• Lisa Page Brooks

Duo/Chorus Group of the Year

• Deitrick Haddon ft. Damita & Tasha Page-Lockhart
• FK&M (Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Marcus Cole)
• Ted & Sheri
• The Group Fire

New Artist of the Year

• ADIA
• Bobbi Lane
• Josh Bracy and Power Anointed
• Micah Lee
• Montrae Tisdale and The Friends Chorale

Album of the Year

• I Got Away EP – Pastor Mike Jr.
• Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
• More Than This – CeCe Winans
• The Healing Project – Kenny Lewis & One Voice
• You Belong: Live in Durham – Jason Nelson

Choir of the Year

• Bishop S. Y. Younger Presents Worship in Brazil
• Chicago Mass Choir – Greater Is Coming
• Ricky Dillard – When I Think
• The Mississippi Mass Choir – We Still Believe

Producer of the Year

• Dana Sorey – You Belong: Live in Durham
• FK&M team – Time Capsule – The Trilogy
• J. Drew Sheard – Still Karen
• Pastor Mike Jr. & DLo – I Got Away EP
• Stan Jones & team – We Still Believe

Praise and Worship Album of The Year

Praise and Worship Song of The Year

Leading the Pack:

• Pastor Mike Jr. and Jason Nelson are tied with 9 nominations each
• CeCe Winans follows closely with 8 nominations
• The Mississippi Mass Choir earns 6 nominations

See Full List of All 30 Categories Here:

This list is just a snapshot of the nominees. You can find a list of all 30 Categories here: https://www.thestellarawards.com/2025-nominees.html

Fans can vote June 16 – July 18th, 2025 at www.thestellarawards.com
Fan-voted categories include:

• Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year
• Praise & Worship Song of the Year

🔥 ArtSoul Radio + Stellar Awards: A Legacy of Showing Up | Over 10 Years Strong

For over a decade, ArtSoul Radio has been known for showing up for Christian music-not just reporting on award shows like the Stellars and Dove Awards, but for standing in the gaps others overlooked.

Long before CHH and Christian Soul artists were getting red carpet coverage, we were often the only media platform intentionally representing these genres-determined to amplify the sound of a movement that was often being ignored.

We’ll never forget moments like this throwback interview from 2016: when artist Jai (now Jai Vaughn), once spotting our team on the red carpet, paused and said:
“I’m coming to ones who actually play my music.”

That moment still speaks volumes. And it reminds us why we do what we do.

We have watched and captured the evolution of Christian music over the years, and we are excited to see the growth that has come to various award shows, media platforms, radio shows and more – including the evolution of the Stellar Awards as they continue to open their arms to new genres. We have watched the addition of new collaborations as Jai speaks about in the video above along with new features.

We’re here to support that growth, and to honor what the Stellar Awards have been building for decades. From past to present, we remain committed to uplifting the full spectrum of faith-based music and the community connected to it.

“We’re better together. Keep it locked all summer long for updates!”