Who would have thought that an unknown singer who took home first place in the Southern Gospel category at the 2004 GMA Academy in Washington would end up topping the mainstream charts today after scoring a huge win on “American Idol”? I’m talking about Jordin Sparks, of course, and like every other hot act she was once an unknown indie artist. No label, no manager, no industry execs plotting her every career move.
In fact, every Christian music artist on top of the charts today started out playing church basements and youth group retreats, singing in the praise band or strumming his or her guitar in the local coffeehouse for a few close friends.

So as we wind down 2008 and head into the new year, here’s your chance to tell me who you think is going to be “The Next Big Thing” in Christian music. Is it your favorite indie act? A new artist you know who just signed to a label? Some kid with the voice of an angel who’s singing in your Sunday morning worship? Your son’s rock band, headed out across country in an old minivan with just enough gas and cash to get them to their next gig?
Be sure to share the band name, why you think they’re the next big thing, and a link to a MySpace or a website or some way for folks to check out their music. Hey, when they make it big you want to be able to say you predicted it, right?