Fresh Female Fire: The Women Giving CCM Its 2025 Glow-Up

Still Waters—do we really need to say much more? Leanna Crawford continues to carve out her space with heartfelt songwriting and a warm, sincere stage presence, effortlessly blending worship and pop. Earlier this year, she released Still Waters (Deluxe) on Provident Label Group. Catch Leanna on the road this fall as part of Zach Williams’ Revival Nightstour, as well as at festivals, conferences, and special events throughout the summer.

Katy Nichole’s signature vulnerability and anthemic worship continue to resonate. Her current singles—“Thorns” and “Honest Conversations”—showcase spiritual depth and emotional honesty. Her genre-bending sophomore release, Honest Conversations, is due August 15 on Centricity Music.

With infectious pop hooks and uplifting lyrics, Riley Clemmons has become a fan favorite. Her June 2025 single “Help” follows her 2023 debut full-length album Church Pew (Capitol CMG). Currently touring with Zach Williams, Riley is sharing her hopeful message with audiences across the country.

A fresh cinematic voice in the CCM space, Jamie McDonald made waves this summer with her reimagined single “Desperate” featuring Lauren Daigle. The track serves as a bold introduction to her debut project, expected later this year.

Tasha Layton continues to move audiences with her honest storytelling and powerful worship. Her March 2025 live album Worship Through It – Live showcases raw, spirit-filled moments, while her recent singles “Thank You Isn’t Enough” (featuring The Choir Room) and “Singing in the Dark” (June 2025) highlight her dynamic vocal range.

Known as DOE, Dominique Jones brings soul, gospel, and contemporary Christian elements together with stunning ease. Her richly layered single “Lead Us Again” is gaining momentum ahead of a new EP slated for fall 2025.

Joy is the heartbeat of Natalie Layne’s music. Her piano-driven worship album All Joy, released in February 2025 via Centricity Music, is full of bright, infectious melodies. The title track is currently climbing the charts as she wraps a multi-state spring tour with Tenth Avenue North.

“The Truth” is one of those songs that changes the landscape. Christian pop newcomer Megan Woods made a splash with her powerhouse debut single. Her latest release, “I Believe You” (June 2025), is quickly rising. Signed to Fair Trade Services, Megan is already collaborating with top producers and artists—and has a bright future ahead.

Blending poetic storytelling with acoustic-pop and indie worship tones, Allison Eide delivers deeply honest music that tackles faith and mental health. Her latest single “for the King” appears on her independent 2025 album Love Who I Am, released this March.

Claire Leslie brings a refreshing alternative-pop sound to CCM, grounded in personal storytelling. Her June 2025 single “Thank God I’m Not Alone (From Claire’s Phone)” and her full-length album Twenty Something (March 2025, Capitol CMG) are resonating with a new generation of believers.