J.J. Hairston

Gospel singer J.J. Hairston and his Youthful Praise choir gained mainstream attention after singing with Shirley Caesar and Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child) at the 2002 Stellar Awards. ∙ Thank You for the Change, their 2004 sophomore album, featured guest vocals from Cheryl “Coko” Gamble of the Grammy-nominated R&B trio SWV. ∙ The title track of 2009’s Resting On His Promise became a Top 5 hit and earned a Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best Gospel Performance. ∙ During the 2013 TV special Lady Gaga and the Muppets Holiday Spectacular, Hairston and his choir performed a whimsical duet of “Santa Baby” with Miss Piggy. ∙ In 2017, their emotionally charged worship single “You Deserve It” reached No. 1 across four separate Billboard charts. ∙ Hairston and his choir took home six Stellar Gospel Music Awards in 2018, including Song of the Year for “You Deserve It.”