News
Chad & Michelle: Is Is Really Over? Chad Speaks Up On Pushing Marriage Date Back
Friday morning Michelle Williams announced the release of her new single, “Fearless” while simultaneously breaking the news via Instagram that her engagement to Chad Williams has ended. But, many on social media are wondering “Is it really over”? Many seem to be holding on to hope for them.
Chad and Michelle met in March 2017 at an Arizona spiritual retreat run by Johnson, a life coach who has also worked as a chaplain for pro sports teams including the Pittsburgh Steelers and L.A. Dodgers.
Michelle previously shared about her time at the retreat saying, “I was in a horrible, dark place,” (She had recently opened up about a cheating ex on The Real.) “I just needed to go somewhere where I could get a message of hope and restoration, rejuvenation — get connected to God.” They immediately bonded over their faith, and Johnson popped the question a year later.
From then on, they seemed to be pure bliss! However, just like any other couple, their relationship came with it’s own challenges. But, they seemed ready to work their way through it. Michelle Williams reportedly broke off their engagement twice before she checked herself into a facility to deal with depression – a challenge that she admitted to have struggled with since she was 13 years old. After her time in recovery, she came back more ready than ever to keep fighting for her life, relationship and career. Chad has been by her side doing the work with her.
The couple soon after announced their own reality show “Chad Loves Michelle” where everyone could get a sneak peek into their relationship process. Tuning in, we saw a happy couple who was doing the hard work of asking each other tough questions during premarital counseling sessions and putting the therapist’s advice into action. We saw their ups and downs, but we also saw them having fun and building a strong bond.
It’s clear that their relationship isn’t perfect. But, aren’t imperfections apart of all relationships when you look behind the “Instagram fog”? No relationship is perfect, and even though they reveal a good amount of information via their Reality TV show and social media, the facts are that we will never have all of the details. This is why how this relationship plays out will be entirely up to them. Watching the show, we hear Chad explaining that he hasn’t changed his mind about moving forward. He has consistently reinforced that he loves Michelle and wants to marry her.
Chad Explains Why He Pushed Back Wedding Date:
But, being the lifecoach that he is, he is not one to rush into anything. Her wants to be sure they do the work to be fully ready. In the video above he explains his concerns surrounding her just being out of a recent depression episode and other concerns about each of them and their backgrounds that they still have yet to discuss. It sounds like Chad just wants to be sure they succeed beyond the wedding day. It doesn’t sound like he wants to step away. Yet, two days before Michelle announced the end of their engagement, Chad finds himself responding to continued explosive backlash on social media.
Fans have started accuse Chad of back peddling, which he responded to by saying, “nope no back pedaling….never have!”
In an interview with V-103 FM, Chad and Michelle both spoke about their process for preparing for marriage. With their relationship trending from their Reality Show and their YouVersion Bible App, the host wanted to learn why Chad thought waiting was the best option. Chad replied with this comment:“I think my focus in on the health of our marriage. I don’t want to just say we’re want to have a great wedding day and then maybe make it 6 months or maybe make it 6 years. I would rather work on the health of the 60 years than a great day. So, for us we’re trying to do the heavy lifting on the front end before we jump into this thing.”
This is a golden nugget that any couple could learn from. Preparation for a long and healthy marriage just might require some heavy lifting towards the beginning.
Chad & Michelle Speak On Doing The Hard Work to Prepare For Marriage:
Relationships can be challenging. The addition of letting the world in through Reality TV has clearly added to those challenges for Chad and Michelle as many have already started picking sides. Considering that Michelle has broken off the engagement twice before, can we say for sure that this is the official end? Even though they have put their relationship in the public for questions like this to be asked, at the end of the day this is not our business. It will be for them to work through alone. Our job is to simply pray. Our prayers are with this couple as they figure everything outside of the public’s eye. We are rooting for them both no matter what happens moving forward.
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.
Culture
ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest
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.
Culture
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ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest
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