Kristene DiMarco

Kristene DiMarco (born Kristene Elizabeth Mueller) is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, and worship leader. Known for her deeply introspective and piano driven worship anthems, she has become a beloved voice within the modern global church. As a prominent member of the California based Bethel Music collective, she uses her platform to share messages of surrender, peace, and spiritual resilience.

She is perhaps best known for her powerful rendition of “It Is Well,” which introduced a massive new audience to her soaring vocal capabilities and heartfelt lyricism. Beyond her vocal talent, she is widely respected for her songwriting, crafting tracks that feel both intimate and congregational. Her ability to blend traditional hymnal themes with contemporary acoustic pop has solidified her place as a leading figure in Christian worship music.

Whether leading thousands in worship at major international conferences or recording stripped down acoustic tracks from her home, DiMarco’s music consistently reflects her personal spiritual journey. With a career spanning over a decade and multiple chart topping albums, she continues to influence the sound and emotional depth of modern worship.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Kristene Elizabeth Mueller was born on January 28, 1985, in Niagara Falls, New York.Raised in a devout Christian home alongside her three sisters, faith was a central component of her upbringing.She attended Destiny Christian Church in Niagara Falls with her family, where she was regularly exposed to congregational music. Despite growing up in this environment, she did not immediately step into a musical role. It was not until she was a teenager that she began exploring her artistic abilities, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become her life’s calling.

How Her Music Career Started

DiMarco’s entry into music began at the age of sixteen when a new worship leader joined the staff at her local church. Recognizing her potential, the leader invited her to join the worship team. This pivotal moment prompted her to learn how to play the piano. Just a year later, she was asked to lead a song during a Sunday morning service for the first time.With ongoing mentorship, she soon began writing her own worship music.

After graduating from high school, DiMarco made the bold decision to relocate to Kansas City, Missouri, to serve as an intern at the International House of Prayer (IHOP). This immersive environment allowed her to spend countless hours in continuous worship, refining both her vocal technique and her songwriting focus.

Career and Breakthrough

Her professional recording career officially launched in 2008 when she released her debut album, “Those Who Dream”.Notably, it was one of the very first albums released under the Jesus Culture Music label.She followed up with her sophomore project, “Safe Place,” in 2012.

However, her massive global breakthrough arrived in 2014 when her song “It Is Well” was featured on Bethel Music’s live album “You Make Me Brave”.The track became a monumental success, propelling the album to number ten on the Billboard 200 chart and making her voice recognizable in churches worldwide. Capitalizing on this momentum, she released the live album “Mighty” in 2015, which was highly praised by critics. In 2016, she officially joined the Bethel Music artist collective.Her 2017 solo studio album, “Where His Light Was,” was another major commercial success, reaching number three on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart and topping the UK’s Christian and Gospel Albums chart.

Musical Style and Influences

DiMarco’s musical style is deeply rooted in contemporary piano driven worship, characterized by her warm, emotive vocals and acoustic arrangements. Unlike many modern worship artists who rely heavily on large scale pop and electronic production, she often favors intimacy and lyrical vulnerability. Her songwriting frequently explores themes of humility, trusting God through uncertainty, and the beauty of spiritual surrender. Critics have often noted a slight folk and blues influence in her melodies, which gives her music a timeless, singer songwriter feel that easily translates to both large arenas and personal devotional times.

Notable Songs and Albums

Throughout her career, DiMarco has built a rich and widely sung catalog. Her most famous track remains “It Is Well,” a reimagining of the classic hymn that resonated globally. Another massive hit is “Take Courage,” which was featured on both Bethel Music’s “Starlight” album and her own “Where His Light Was” project. Other fan favorites include “I Am No Victim” and “Stay In The River.” Her discography includes celebrated full length albums such as “Those Who Dream” (2008), “Safe Place” (2012), “Mighty” (2015), “Where His Light Was” (2017), and the critically acclaimed introspective album “The Field” (2022).

Personal Life

Kristene is married to Jordan DiMarco, and the couple shares two children, a daughter named Lorelai and a son named Nicodemus (often affectionately called Nico).The family resides in San Diego, California. She frequently draws inspiration for her music from her experiences as a mother and a wife; in fact, she dedicated “Lorelai’s Song” on her 2022 album “The Field” to her daughter, and her 2025 EP includes a track simply titled “Song For My Children”.

Current Career and Recent Activities

Entering her fourth decade of life in 2025, DiMarco has continued to release deeply personal and reflective music.In 2024, she released the single “Death Is Hollow,” a song born from the experience of navigating grief alongside a close friend.In October 2025, she unveiled a new EP titled “Memorandum,” which was recorded intimately in her own home.The five track project, featuring the focus song “Stay In The River,” centers heavily on themes of letting go, humility, and maintaining a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. She remains a vital part of the Bethel Music family today, continuing to lead worship and share her evolving testimony with listeners around the world.