MercyMe

MercyMe is a contemporary Christian music band originally formed in 1994 in Edmond, Oklahoma. The group comprises lead vocalist Bart Millard; percussionist Robby Shaffer; bassist Nathan Cochran; and guitarists Michael Scheuchzer and Barry Graul.

After producing six independent albums between 1995 and 2000, MercyMe signed with INO Records and released its major-label debut, “Almost There,” in 2001. The album yielded the crossover hit “I Can Only Imagine,” which drove the project to triple-platinum status. MercyMe continued to build its reputation with a succession of studio albums — “Spoken For” (2002), “Undone” (2004), “Coming Up to Breathe” (2006), “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” (2010), “The Hurt & the Healer” (2012), “Welcome to the New” (2014), “Lifer” (2017), “inhale (exhale)” (2021) and “Always Only Jesus” (2022) — each contributing to its stature in Christian music.

On Aug. 8, 2025, MercyMe unveiled its 12th studio album, “Wonder & Awe.” The lead single, “Oh Death,” released in January 2025, climbed into the top 10 across multiple Christian radio charts. A remix featuring country artist Walker Hayes followed in May, alongside promotional singles “Sing (Like You’ve Already Won)” and “Heartbroken Hallelujah.”

MercyMe’s impact extends well beyond album sales. The band has earned two American Music Awards — for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist in 2004 and 2010 — and multiple GMA Dove Awards, including Artist of the Year, Group of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “Word of God Speak,” and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for “Undone.” Its song “Even If” from “Lifer” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. Billboard named “Word of God Speak” the No. 1 Christian song of the decade and MercyMe the top Christian artist of the decade. In 2018, the band was recognized as Billboard’s Top Christian Artist, won multiple K-LOVE Fan Awards including Artist of the Year, and took home the Dove Award for Artist of the Year. Its signature track, “I Can Only Imagine,” has achieved five-times platinum digital certification and remains the best-selling Christian single in history.

Touring remains a vital part of MercyMe’s presence. In spring 2025, the group embarked on the “MercyMe Live” tour with Zach Williams and special guest Sam Wesley, spanning 32 cities from March through May; its single “Say I Won’t” received gold certification during this period. In the fall, they extended their tour with an eight-date run alongside TobyMac and Matthew West, followed by “MercyMe Live 2025” with Natalie Grant and Sam Wesley. Highlights included a return to Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a live taping for “I Can Only Imagine 2,” now set for a March 20, 2026 theatrical release.