Phil Wickham

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Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Wickham in 2025
Background information
Born
Philip David Wickham

(1984-04-05) April 5, 1984 (age 41)
Origin San Diego, California, U.S.
Genres CCM, contemporary worship
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, worship leader
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2002–present
LabelsSimple/INO
Spouse
Mallory Plotnik
​
(m. 2008)​
Website philwickham.com

Philip David Wickham [1] (born April 5, 1984) [2] [3] is an American contemporary Christian singer-songwriter and musician from San Diego, California. He has released fourteen worship albums: Give You My World in 2003, a self-titled album in 2006, Cannons in 2007, Singalong in 2008, Heaven & Earth in 2009, Response in 2011, Singalong 2 in 2012, The Ascension in 2013, Singalong 3 in 2015, Children of God in 2016, Living Hope in 2018, Hymn of Heaven in 2021, I Believe in 2023, and Song of the Saints in 2025. [4] He has also led worship at Soul Survivor. [5] His single "This is Amazing Grace" has been certified Platinum by the RIAA and it topped the 2014 year-end Christian Airplay chart. [6]

Contents

Early life and education

Born Philip David Wickham [1] on April 5, 1984, [2] [3] Phil Wickham was raised in a Christian home, the second of three children—with brother Evan and sister Jillian—of parents John and Lisa (née Irwin) Wickham. The context for Phil Wickham's early musical and religious pursuits was his parents' commitments; Wickham's father John played in early bands for the early Maranatha! Music label, and met Evan's mother, Lisa, in the band Parable; consistently since 1981, they served as worship leaders in their congregation. [7] [8] [9] Phil Wickham began leading worship for his youth group at Maranatha Chapel at 13 years old; his parents encouraged him to learn popular praise songs and to write his own. [10]

In 2002, he graduated from Calvary Christian School in Vista, California.

Career

Albums

Wickham began a full-time music career by touring California and recording his first album, Give You My World, in 2003. [11] After that release Wickham signed with Simple Records. Wickham released his self-titled label debut in 2006. [11] [12] Wickham's second release with Simple/INO Records, Cannons, was released in 2007. [11] Cannons was partly inspired by cannon explosions and C. S. Lewis' book, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader from The Chronicles of Narnia series. Wickham stated in an interview with ChristianityToday.com, "The album is about how the universe is exploding with the glory of God, and we are compelled to join in with its song." [3] The 10th track from Cannons, "Jesus Lord of Heaven", [13] has been translated into seven different languages. [3] On August 8, 2008, Wickham released a live worship album, Singalong, recorded at Solid Rock Church in Portland, Oregon with 3,000 in attendance. [14] The album was released as a free download, only available from his website, and received over 8,000 downloads within a week of being released. After the release of Singalong, his self-titled album hit No. 25 on iTunes Store Top Christian Albums sales, two years after its initial release. [15]

Heaven & Earth , Wickham's third studio album, was released on November 17, 2009. [16] His Christmas album Songs for Christmas was released as a digital download available on his website on October 29, 2010. [17] Wickham's fourth full-length studio album, Response , was released on October 4, 2011. [18] On October 30, 2012, Phil Wickham released his second live acoustic album, Singalong 2. [19] The Ascension , Wickham's fifth studio album, was released on September 24, 2013. [20] The album peaked at No. 39 on the Billboard 200, making it Wickham's highest charting album on the chart. [21] The lead single off of this album, "This is Amazing Grace", became No. 1 on the 2014 year-end Christian Airplay Songs chart. [22]

In February 2016, Wickham released the first single, "Your Love Awakens Me", from his album, Children of God, which was released later that year. Living Hope , Wickham's seventh full-length studio project, was released in August 2018. [23] The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, his first album to do so. [24] On October 4, 2019, Wickham's 10-track holiday album Christmas was released along with the music video for "Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful)". Wickham toured both Texas and California with Shane & Shane that same December on their annual Christmas tour. [25] Christmas would go on to spend 12 weeks on the Billboard Christian Albums chart, peaking at No. 24. [26]

In June 2021, Wickham's eighth studio album Hymn of Heaven was released. [27] Featuring a guest appearance by Brandon Lake, its releases included "Battle Belongs" (No. 2 on the Hot Christian Songs chart), "House of the Lord" (No. 1) and "Hymn of Heaven" (No. 2), along with It's Always Been You released as a promotional single. Debuting at No. 1 on Billboard 's Top Christian Albums Chart in the United States, it also entered at No. 6 on the Official Charts' Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in the United Kingdom. At the 2021 GMA Dove Awards, "Battle Belongs" was nominated for the GMA Dove Award for Worship Recorded Song of the Year. [28] The album was nominated for the Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Album at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards. [29] At the 2022 GMA Dove Awards, Hymn of Heaven won the GMA Dove Award for Worship Album of the Year, the title track won the GMA Dove Award for Worship Recorded Song of the Year, and "House of the Lord" was nominated for two GMA Dove Awards: Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year. [30]

In 2023, Wickham released his next studio album I Believe which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Contemporary Christian Music Album. [31] His next album, Song of the Saints was released in 2025. [32] Song of the Saints debuted at number 2 On the Top Christian Albums Chart. [33] Wickham released a new version of Rich Mullins 1988 song "Awesome God" in April 2025 titled "What an Awesome God". The single became a success and became his first Billboard Hot 100 entry and topped Billboard's Christian Airplay and AC Airplay charts. [34] [35]

Tours

Wickham performing in 2008 Phil Wickham 2008.jpg
Wickham performing in 2008

Wickham visits churches around the world to play his music. [36] From late 2006 to early 2007, he went on the "Coming Up to Breathe" tour with MercyMe and Audio Adrenaline. [37] In late 2007, he went on the Remedy tour with the David Crowder Band and The Myriad. [38] In the summers of 2023, 2024, and 2025, Wickham embarked on the Summer Worship Nights Tour with Brandon Lake. [39]

Festival and other activities

Wickham has played Christian worship festivals, e.g., Creation Fest in 2008. [40] In the mid-2010s, Wickham was one of the worship leaders for Soul Survivor week and Momentum Festival in the UK. [5] Since 2012, he has performed at the Big Church Festival in the UK. [41]

On September 21, 2025, Wickham led worship at the memorial service of Charlie Kirk held at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. The assassination of Charlie Kirk occurred in Utah on September 10, 2025. [42]

Wickham will voice King David in the upcoming animated biblical film David set for theater release on December 19, 2025 by Angel Studios. [43]

Personal life

Wickham married Mallory Plotnik in 2008; as of December 2023, the couple was living in San Diego, California, with their four children. [44] Wickham attends Light Church, a small chapel based in Encinitas, California. [45]

Wickham underwent surgery to remove a polyp from folds of his vocal cords on April 28, 2014, after which he was prescribed a month of silence to allow the surgical site to heal. [46] He was uncertain that he would be able to sing again, leading to identity issues and self-doubt; spiritual insights from this period formed the basis for his 2016 album, Children of God. [7]

Discography

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotesRef
2005FavouritismSelfTV series [47]
2005Michael Portillo's Great British LosersSelf [47]
2007The WagerSoundtrack (Grace) [48]
2013On the Spot InterviewsSelfTV series [47]
2013This is Amazing GraceSelfVideo short [47]
2014Believe MeSoundtrack (You're Beautiful)You're Beautiful [47]
2016Worship Night in AmericaSelfDocumentary [49]
2019 Breakthrough Worship LeaderThis Is Amazing Grace (Breakthrough Mix) [50]
201950th Annual GMA Dove AwardsPerformerTV Special [51]
2020 Christmas with the Chosen SelfTV Special [52]
2021Christmas with the Chosen: The MessengersSelf [53]
2024For The One - A Tour DocumentarySelfDocumentary about Summer Worship Nights Tour [47]
2025 David King David Voice [54]

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2022 Phil Wickham Favorite Inspirational Artist Nominated [55]

Billboard Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult
2022 Hymn of Heaven Top Christian Album Nominated [56]

GMA Dove Awards

YearNomineeAwardResultref
2015 "This Is Amazing Grace"Song of the YearNominated [57]
Worship Song of the YearNominated [57]
HimselfSongwriter of the Year (Artist)Nominated [57]
2019 "Living Hope"Song of the YearNominated [58]
Worship Song of the YearNominated [58]
Worship Recorded Song of the YearWon [58]
Living Hope Worship Album of the YearNominated [58]
2021 HimselfArtist of the YearNominated [59]
"Battle Belongs"Worship Recorded Song of the YearNominated [59]
Christmas: Acoustic SessionsChristmas / Special Event Album of the YearNominated [59]
2022 "House of the Lord"Song of the YearNominated [60]
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the YearNominated [60]
HimselfSongwriter of the Year - ArtistWon [60]
"I've Got Joy" [A]
(CeCe Winans)		Inspirational Recorded Song of the YearNominated [60]
"Hymn of Heaven"Worship Recorded Song of the YearWon [60]
Hymn of Heaven Worship Album of the YearWon [60]
2023 "Then Christ Came" [B]
(MercyMe)		Song of the YearNominated [61]
HimselfSongwriter of the Year - ArtistNominated [61]
HimselfArtist of the YearNominated [61]
"Holy Forever" [C]
(Chris Tomlin)		Worship Recorded Song of the YearNominated [61]
"This Is Our God"Nominated [61]
2024 I BelieveWorship Recorded Album of the YearWon [62]
"Holy Forever"Song of the Year with writers Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram Won [62]
2025 "The Jesus Way"Inspirational Recorded Song of the YearWon [63]
HimselfArtist of the YearNominated [64]
"The King Is In The Room"Worship Recorded Song of the YearNominated [64]
Hallelujah! It’s Christmas!Christmas/Special Event Album of the YearWon [64]

Grammy Awards

YearNomineeAwardResultRef
2023 "Hymn of Heaven (Radio Version)" Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Nominated [65]
"Holy Forever" [D]
(Chris Tomlin)		Nominated [65]
2024 I BelieveGrammy Award for Contemporary Christian Music AlbumNominated [65]

Further reading

Published works

Notes

  1. ↑ Wickham is credited as a co-writer of "I've Got Joy" performed by CeCe Winans.
  2. ↑ Wickham is credited as a co-writer of "Then Christ Came" performed by MercyMe.
  3. ↑ Wickham is credited as a co-writer of "Holy Forever" performed by Chris Tomlin.
  4. ↑ Wickham is credited as a co-writer of "Holy Forever" performed by Chris Tomlin.

References

  1. 1 2 BMI Staff and Wickham, Philip David. "Songwriter/Composer: Wickham Philip David". Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Retrieved May 28, 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. 1 2 "My Happy Birthday". Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Chapman, Jackie A. & Wickham, Phil (January 7, 2008). "Catching Up With… Phil Wickham". Christianity Today (ChristianityToday.com). Archived from the original on January 9, 2008. Retrieved January 26, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ↑ "Phil Wickham Discography, Phil Wickham Lyrics | Jesusfreakhideout.com". www.jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  5. 1 2 "Soul Survivor 2010: Week B & C fun - Who is coming?!". Archived from the original on July 29, 2010. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Gold & Platinum - RIAA". www.riaa.com.
  7. 1 2 Cordova, Randy (February 19, 2016). "Christian Singer Phil Wickham Back to Music in Phoenix After Throat Surgery". AZCentral.com. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  8. ↑ Wickham, John (January 26, 2025). "John Wickham / City Light / About". JohnWickham.org. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  9. ↑ Ford, Braden (June 21, 2018). "Artist Profile: Evan Wickham". NewReleaseToday.com. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  10. ↑ "Phil Wickham" . Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 "Jesusfreakhideout.com: Phil Wickham Discography, Phil Wickham Lyrics" . Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  12. ↑ Russ Breimeir. "Phil Wickham - Phil Wickham". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on July 10, 2008. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  13. ↑ David Goodman. "Jesusfreakhideout.com: Phil Wickham, "Cannons" review" . Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  14. ↑ Thomason, Shay (October 3, 2008). "Phil Wickham – Singalong". evade the noise. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Phil Wickham's Live Worship Album Receives Over 8,000 Downloads". Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  16. ↑ "Heaven & Earth (Bonus Track Version) by Phil Wickham | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseToday". www.newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Phil Wickham, "Songs For Christmas" Review". www.jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Phil Wickham, "Response" Review". www.jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Phil Wickham, "Singalong 2" Review". www.jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  20. ↑ "Jesusfreakhideout.com: Phil Wickham, "The Ascension" Review". www.jesusfreakhideout.com. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Phil Wickham Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Christian Airplay Songs - Year-End". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Phil Wickham's 'Worship Album of the Year' 'Living Hope' hits shelves". www.wnypapers.com. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Phil Wickham Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Phil Wickham debuts 'Christmas' holiday album". Niagara Frontier Publications. October 4, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  26. ↑ "Phil Wickham Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  27. ↑ Longs, Herb (June 25, 2021). "Phil Wickham's New Album 'Hymn Of Heaven' Out Now - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved June 30, 2021.
  28. ↑ Grein, Paul (August 11, 2021). "2021 GMA Dove Award Nominees: Full List – Billboard". Billboard . Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  29. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (April 8, 2022). "Billboard Music Awards Announces 2022 Finalists - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 9, 2022.
  30. ↑ Longs, Herb (October 21, 2022). "53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards Winners List". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  31. ↑ "Phil Wickham's 'I Believe' Debuts At #1 On Billboard's Top Christian Album Chart" . Retrieved October 15, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Phil Wickham Drops Biggest Album Yet". CCM Magazine . September 19, 2025. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  33. ↑ Scott, Josiah (September 23, 2025). "Phil Wickham's 'Song Of The Saints' Debuts At Number 2 On Top Christian Albums Chart". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  34. ↑ Asker, Jim (August 16, 2025). "Phil Wickham Leads Christian Airplay Chart With 'What an Awesome God'". Billboard . Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  35. ↑ Yap, Timothy (October 9, 2025). "Phil Wickham Celebrates First Billboard Hot 100 Entry With "What An Awesome God"". Jubilee Cast. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Tour Dates". Archived from the original on October 14, 2008. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  37. ↑ John DiBiase (March 31, 2007). "The JfH Concert Reviews and Dates: Audio Adrenaline, Aaron Shust The Coming Up To Breathe Tour Spring 2007". JesusFreakHideout. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  38. ↑ CT Staff (November 28, 2007). "Interview—Phil Wickham". Christian Today (CT, ChristianToday.com). Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Summer Worship Nights Tour" . Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  40. ↑ Janovich, Adriana (July 25, 2008). "Creation Fest Much More Than Music". Yakima-Herald.com. Yakima, WA: Yakima Herald-Republic. Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  41. ↑ "Prepare for an incredible time of worship with Phil Wickham! He has touched millions of hearts worldwide with his powerful music and heartfelt lyrics" . Retrieved October 29, 2025.
  42. ↑ Yap, Timothy (September 22, 2025). "List of Charlie Kirk Funeral Performers". Newsweek. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
  43. ↑ "DAVID (2025): A Cinematic Musical Epic Comes to Life This Christmas". Angel.com. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  44. ↑ Wickham, Phil (December 27, 2023). Phil Wickham Opens Up About Almost Losing His Voice Forever. Event occurs at an unspecified time. Retrieved February 4, 2024.[ full citation needed ]
  45. ↑ "Phil Wickham opens up about journey from 'lifestyle Christianity' to rediscovering joy in God's presence". christian post. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  46. ↑ Wickham, Phil (May 18, 2014). "I HAD SURGERY". PhilWickham.com. Retrieved November 13, 2016.
  47. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "With Phil Wickham". imdb. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  48. ↑ "The Wager Soundtracks". imdb. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Cast & crew IMDbPro Worship Night in America" . Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Rapper Lecrae and Phil Wickham Say Faith-Based Films Like 'Breakthrough' Give Families Something to Hold On To". cbn. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  51. ↑ "MercyMe, Lecrae, Phil Wickham, Brian Johnson And The Bethel Music Band Set To Perform At Historic 50th Annual Gma Dove Awards" . Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  52. ↑ "Christmas with the Chosen". imdb. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Christmas With the Chosen: "The Messengers"". .pluggedin.com. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  54. ↑ Roots, Brandon (October 26, 2025). "DAVID, the Animated Adventure, Comes to Theaters December". Rapzilla. Retrieved October 26, 2025.
  55. ↑ "American Music Awards 2022: Full List of Nominees". abc network. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  56. ↑ "Here Are the 2022 Billboard Music Awards Winners: Full List". billboard. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  57. 1 2 3 "Phil Wickham this is Amazing Grace". wordfm.com. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
  58. 1 2 3 4 "Phil Wickham Gets 4 Dove Award Nominations". ccm magazine. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  59. 1 2 3 "Lauren Daigle, Zach Williams & More Vie for Artist of the Year at 2021 GMA Dove Awards". Billboard. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  60. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Matthew West & Maverick City Music Among Top Nominees for 2022 GMA Dove Awards". Billboard. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  61. 1 2 3 4 5 Goode, Alaine. "All the Winners & Nominees for the 54th Annual Dove Awards 2023". hopenation.com. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  62. 1 2 "All the Winners & Nominees for the 55th Annual Dove Awards". Hope Nation. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  63. ↑ "Winners and Highlights Announced From The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards". gospelmusic.com. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  64. 1 2 3 "2025 Dove Awards Nominees: Complete List from the Gospel Music Association" . Retrieved October 28, 2025.
  65. 1 2 3 "All GRAMMY Awards and Nominations for Phil Wickham". grammys.com. Retrieved October 28, 2025.
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