Source: Adam Bettcher / Getty
Grammy nominated Christian music artist and pastor, Tauren Wells, crossed a big ticket item off of his bucket list this month when the Detroit Pistons invited him to perform during their halftime show.
The opportunity came after a series of social media posts displaying his love for the team and the city.
Wells, 38, performed a compilation of his most recent hits. The set list included “Take It All Back” and “My God Can.” Not only was it his first halftime show performance, it was also his first Pistons game.
The Michigan native couldn’t contain his excitement as he shared the news on Instagram. He captioned the recap video, “Bucket list moment. Michigan kid comes home to do the halftime show for the @detroitpistons?!! Let’s gooooo!! I say we run it back and do it all again. What you think, Pistons nation??”
The memorable night ended with much congratulations from fans and followers. One commented, “Was at the game and loved every minute of halftime! I was so excited when I saw that you were performing at halftime. Run it back for sure!” Another said, “Way to represent your home state (and town)!!! Love it now Let’s Go Lions,” hoping for Wells to perform at a Detroit Lions game as well.
Wells is the second Christian artist to grace the Pistons’ halftime stage. Legendary gospel duo, Mary Mary, led the charge in 2016. His invitation is a nod to the growing trend of Christian artists being welcomed into secular spaces. Another example is Miles Minnick’s upcoming performance at Rolling Loud. Both invitations signal a new era for Christian artists. One where they can thrive in secular spaces without having to compromise their message.
For Wells, this performance was also an opportunity to reach a wider audience. Though he has already garnered international acclaim, 10 Grammy Award nominations, eight GMA Dove Awards in addition to nods at the Billboard Music Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, this performance makes a statement. It proves that Christian artists can be successful within the mainstream music industry.
Wells’s commitment to Christian contemporary music remains. Since his first studio album Hills and Valleys, he’s been producing songs that inspire and encourage others to draw near to God. His most notable hits include “Hills and Valleys,” “Known,” and “Famous For (I Believe).” He’s also collaborated with Elevation Worship for “Echo” and “Never Lost.”
The artist credits God for his successful career. Above all, he hopes his music helps to transform listener’s lives. In an interview with CCM Magazine, he said, “When God calls us to do something for Him He often uses what we already have to accomplish it. For me, the music is just a vehicle that delivers the ministry that God wants done in people’s lives and that’s what I’m here for. Not just for the songs and the music or the creative, but to see people’s lives enriched and transformed through Jesus-centered ministry.”
Wells pastors Whitestone Church in Austin, Tx with his wife, Lorna. They share four children.
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