Michael Tait Is Stepping Down From CCM Group Newsboys
After 15 years, singer Michael Tait is exiting his role as lead singer of contemporary Christian band Newsboys.
Tait made the announcement in an Instagram post on Jan. 16, calling his time leading Newsboys “some of the most fulfilling, faith-based and rewarding years of my life. I have been on an amazing journey all over the globe, performing and ministering to people of all ages, races and backgrounds.”
He added, “I have made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to step down from Newsboys. This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.”
Tait went on to thank his Newsboys bandmates for their time together, saying, “You are family, and always will be. I know Newsboys will carry on doing incredible things for God’s kingdom with strength and purpose and I can’t wait to cheer you on while you do.”
The announcement comes just days before the group continues the 2025 leg of their Worldwide Revival Nights Tour on Jan. 18 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. A social media statement from Newsboys noted that Tait’s exit will not impact their upcoming tour, which is slated to run through August.
“We are grateful for the extended season Michael has had with Newsboys….as he said in his announcement, the memories we share are deeply cherished. As he walks into the next season of life, we are stepping into the next season of Newsboys,” the group’s Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis and Adam Agee said in the social media post.
“We are kicking off our Worldwide Revival Nights tour as planned this weekend, and we hope to see you at a show soon … as we navigate this season of change, we know that worshipping together is the way we want to move forward. We know there will be questions about what the future holds, and in due time we’ll have answers for those questions. For now, we want you to know that Newsboys isn’t going anywhere; we’re going everywhere!” the group’s statement continued.
Newsboys released their most recent album, Worldwide Revival (Part One), on July 19, 2024. Tait joined Newsboys in 2009, following the departure of former Newsboys member Peter Furler. Since forming in 1989, the band has earned two No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart, including “You Are My King (Amazing Love),” and “We Believe.” The group has also earned 13 top 10 Christian Airplay hits, and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards.
Tait was previously part of the groundbreaking CCM rap-rock group, DC Talk, from 1988-2001, alongside TobyMac and Kevin Smith. The four-time Grammy-winning DC Talk was known for songs including “Jesus Freak” and “Between You and Me.” He also led his own band, Tait, prior to joining Newsboys.
Check out both statements from Tait and Newsboys below:
Jessica Nicholson
Billboard
