Koryn Hawthorne

Koryn Hawthorne is an American contemporary Christian music and gospel singer who has redefined the modern praise and worship sound. Combining her powerful, soulful vocals with R&B and pop infused production, she has emerged as one of the most dynamic and distinctive voices in contemporary inspirational music today.

She first captured national attention as a teenager competing on the hit television show The Voice, where her exceptional talent brought her all the way to the finale. Instead of pursuing a purely secular pop or R&B career after the show, Hawthorne chose to dedicate her voice to her faith, a decision that has led to an incredibly successful recording career marked by record breaking chart performance and widespread critical acclaim.

Best known for her Platinum certified anthem “Won’t He Do It,” she has continually broken records, becoming the first female gospel artist in half a decade to simultaneously top multiple major Billboard gospel charts.With her fresh approach to spiritual music, she effectively bridges the gap between traditional church audiences and modern urban contemporary listeners.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Born Koryn Mattanah Hawthorne on December 26, 1997, she was raised in the small town of Abbeville in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. Like many great vocalists, her earliest musical experiences took place inside the church walls. She grew up singing at her family’s church, Lighthouse for Jesus Ministry, where she developed the rich, emotive delivery that would later become her signature. Despite her small town roots, her family recognized her immense talent early on. She began singing publicly as a child, notably winning top honors at a talent showcase in Las Vegas, which encouraged her parents to actively support her growing musical ambitions.

How Her Music Career Started

Koryn’s official entry into the music industry began on a massive national stage.In 2015, at just 17 years old, she auditioned for season 8 of NBC’s reality singing competition, The Voice. Her rendition of Emeli Sandé’s “My Kind of Love” prompted both Christina Aguilera and Pharrell Williams to turn their chairs. She ultimately navigated her way to Pharrell’s team after a steal in the Knockout Rounds.Throughout the competition, Hawthorne demonstrated incredible versatility, covering artists ranging from Aerosmith to James Brown.She successfully reached the finale, finishing in fourth place, and proved to the nation that she possessed a world class voice.

Career and Breakthrough

Following her impressive run on television, Hawthorne chose to focus her career on gospel music.She signed a recording contract with RCA Inspiration, a division of Sony Music.In 2017, she released her self titled debut EP, but her true breakthrough arrived a year later with her debut studio album, Unstoppable, released in July 2018. The album was propelled by the massive success of its lead single, “Won’t He Do It”.The track became a monumental hit, dominating gospel radio, earning a Platinum certification from the RIAA, and establishing Hawthorne as a leading figure in the genre. Her rapid ascent made her the first female artist in five years to hold the number one spot on multiple Billboard gospel charts simultaneously.

Musical Style and Influences

Hawthorne’s musical style is a refreshing blend of contemporary Christian lyrics, traditional gospel vocal depth, and modern R&B and hip hop production. Rather than strictly adhering to traditional choir arrangements, her music often features heavy basslines, trap inspired beats, and sleek pop melodies. She has cited a wide array of musical influences across different genres, including Etta James, Mary J. Blige, and various gospel legends.This eclectic mix of inspirations allows her to create music that feels both deeply spiritual and culturally relevant to a younger generation of listeners.

Notable Songs and Albums

Since her debut, Hawthorne has built an impressive catalog of hit records. Her 2018 album Unstoppable set the foundation for her career, followed by her critically acclaimed sophomore album, I AM, released in September 2020. The project featured massive hits like “Speak to Me” and “Pray”. In early 2024, she released her third studio album, On God, through Provident Label Group, which included popular tracks such as “Look at God” and “Cry”. Throughout her career, she has also collaborated with several notable artists in the Christian space, including Danny Gokey, Aaron Cole, and Natalie Grant.

Awards and Recognition

Her contributions to the music industry have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and nominations.“Won’t He Do It” earned her a Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Song, and her debut project Unstoppable won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel Album.Furthermore, she has received two Grammy Award nominations, a Stellar Gospel Music Award, and three GMA Dove Awards.Her consistent presence on the Billboard charts and her multi million streaming numbers highlight her undeniable impact on modern inspirational music.

Personal Life

Outside of the recording studio and touring stage, Hawthorne stays closely connected to her Louisiana roots. Through her social media platforms, she often shares glimpses of her life away from the spotlight, connecting with fans on a highly personal level. She has developed a strong passion for home renovation and cooking, frequently detailing her journey of building her dream home from the ground up and cultivating a farm equipped with horses and chickens. This grounded, relatable lifestyle has helped her foster an incredibly dedicated and supportive fanbase.

Current Career and Recent Activities

The year 2026 marked a major transition for Koryn Hawthorne as she entered a new chapter in her musical journey.In July 2026, she announced her signing with Motown Gospel, a division of Capitol Christian Music Group.Under this new partnership, she released the uplifting R&B infused single “His Favorite”.The track serves as a preview for her highly anticipated EP, Big Gospel, slated for an October 2026 release.Executive produced by hitmaker J. White Did It, the new project showcases a fresh, elevated sound while maintaining the core faith based messages that her listeners love.