Hillsong UNITED

Hillsong United is a globally recognized Christian worship band that originated as a part of Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. Formed in 1998 as a youth worship team under the leadership of worship pastor Darlene Zschech and youth pastor Phil Dooley, the group quickly evolved into a powerful musical force within contemporary Christian music. Known for its dynamic sound, spiritually charged lyrics and high-energy live performances, Hillsong United has played a pivotal role in shaping modern worship music across denominations.

The band is composed of rotating worship leaders and musicians from the broader Hillsong Church community, including prominent figures such as Joel Houston, Taya Gaukrodger (née Smith), JD Douglass, and Matt Crocker. Hillsong United released its first EP, One, in 1998, followed by a steady stream of live and studio albums. The group rose to international prominence with the release of albums such as Zion (2013), which featured the hit single “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” and Empires (2015). “Oceans” remained at the top of Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart for a record-breaking 61 weeks, solidifying the band’s influence on the genre.

Their music blends elements of rock, pop, and electronic production with the theological themes of worship and surrender, resonating with a wide global audience. Hillsong United tours extensively, performing in major arenas and worship gatherings around the world. In addition to commercial success, the group has received numerous awards, including Dove Awards and Billboard Music Awards, and has been nominated for a Grammy.

Despite controversies involving the broader Hillsong Church organization, Hillsong United has maintained a focus on its mission to lead people in worship and provide a musical platform that encourages spiritual reflection and communal praise. The band continues to produce new music and lead worship on global stages, remaining a defining voice in the evolution of worship music into the 21st century.