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Driving Notes

The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

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NZ Top 10

The NZ Top 10 for 2/20/2026

We have a new #1 song on The NZ Top 10 this week!

Here is this week’s countdown:

Here is this week’s countdown:

10. Josiah Queen – Dusty Bibles

09. Katy Nichole – Have Your Way

08. Chris Tomlin – How Good It Is

07. Anne Wilson – God Story

06. For KING & COUNTRY ft. Taylor Hill – World On Fire

05. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River (previously #1 for 9 weeks)

04. TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind

03. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

02. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors (Previous #1 for 2 weeks)

01. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

New Music This Week:

Pat Barrett – I’ve Got A Fire

I’ve Got A Fire Special Live Performance

Zach Williams & Ben Fuller – Wait For Me

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Even If You Can Only Imagine Giveaway!

MercyMe’s new movie I Can Only Imagine 2 is out in theatres now!

Mount Vernon’s Premiere Theatre is playing the movie starting tonight! Tickets can be found HERE!

Here’s a synopsis of the movie:

After the breakout success of the song “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe’s Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fan base, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam (Sammy Dell).

When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia, “This Is Us”) joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart’s life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing him to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton), before fame costs him what matters most. Based on the heartfelt true story behind the hit single “Even If,” I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 is the inspiring next chapter of faith, family, and finding God in the fire.

Directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, written by Brent McCorkle, and starring John Michael Finley, Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton, Arielle Kebbel, Sammy Dell with Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid.

Congratulations to Ed from Mount Vernon for being our last Even If You Can Only Imagine Giveaway winner, taking home a pair of Fandango movie passes to see I Can Only Imagine 2 in theatres!

MercyMe – Make It Well

The band’s new song Make It Well was our Fan Choice Friday pick of the week, and you’ll hear this song in their new film!

Listen here!

We got to hear from some of the cast and faces behind I Can Only Imagine 2, where they talked about what they’re excited for you to see and experience with this new sequel!

We heard from Bart Millard, lead singer of MercyMe, John Michael Finley, actor playing Bart Millard in I Can Only Imagine 2, Milo Ventimiglia, actor playing Tim Timmons, and Andrew Erwin, director for I Can Only Imagine 2!

Listen to what they have to say on our SoundCloud here:

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

The NZ Top 10 for 2/13/2026

We saw a shift in the charts on The NZ Top 10 today, on The Afternoon Drive!

Here is this week’s countdown:

10. Katy Nichole – Have Your Way

09. Crowder – STILL

08. Anne Wilson – God Story

07. Chris Tomlin – How Good It Is

06. For KING & COUNTRY ft. Taylor Hill – World On Fire

05. TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind

04. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River (previously #1 for 9 weeks)

03. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

02. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

01. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors (2nd week at #1)

New Music This Week:

Elevation Worship – Alleluia

Next week you have a chance to win a pair of movie tickets to see I Can Only Imagine 2 in theatres starting this next Friday, February 20th!

We’ll be playing MercyMe Name That Tune! If you can guess the MercyMe song, you will be a winner! Tune in on The Morning Thing, 6am-9am, and The Afternoon Drive, 4pm-6pm for your chance to win!

Here’s a synopsis of I Can Only Imagine 2:

After the breakout success of the song “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe’s Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fan base, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam (Sammy Dell).

When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia, “This Is Us”) joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart’s life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing him to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton), before fame costs him what matters most. Based on the heartfelt true story behind the hit single “Even If,” I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 is the inspiring next chapter of faith, family, and finding God in the fire.

Directed by Andrew Erwin and Brent McCorkle, written by Brent McCorkle, and starring John Michael Finley, Milo Ventimiglia, Sophie Skelton, Arielle Kebbel, Sammy Dell with Trace Adkins and Dennis Quaid.

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

The NZ Top 10 for 2/6/2026

We’re already in the month of February! This week’s NZ Top 10 we saw a new song take the spot of #1 after Jamie MacDonald’s 9-week streak throughout the start of the year.

Here is this week’s countdown:

10. Josiah Queen – Dusty Bibles

09. Anne Wilson – God Story

08. For KING & COUNTRY ft. Taylor Hill – World On Fire

07. Crowder – STILL

06. Chris Tomlin – How Good It Is

05. TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind

04. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

03. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

02. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River (previously #1 for 9 weeks)

01. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors (previously #2 for 7 weeks)

New Music This Week:

Tasha Layton – Meet Me In The Valley

Andrew Ripp – I’d Do It Again

The Super Bowl is taking place this Sunday! We hope you’re excited to see the New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks. We know Natalie Grant is! She is a loyal super fan of the Seahawks, and she’ll be cheering on her team this Sunday.

Did you know Natalie Grant sang the National Anthem at a Seahawks game a few years ago? You can watch her performance HERE!

Don’t forget! WNZR is continuing our Spread the Love Valentine’s Giveaway next week!

Each day of the contest, our DJs will select Valentine’s gifts to put in the WNZR Valentine’s box.
During The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive, the DJs will give a cue to call 740-397-WNZR (9697).

Caller #5 gets the chance to answer a Valentine’s question to win a prize.

You can learn more about this contest on our website HERE!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

The NZ Top 10 for 1/30/2026

It’s the last NZ Top 10 countdown for the month of January! Here is this week’s countdown:

10. Leanna Crawford – Honest

09. Anne Wilson – God Story

08. For KING & COUNTRY ft. Taylor Hill – World On Fire

07. Chris Tomlin – How Good It Is

06. Crowder – STILL

05. TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind

04. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

03. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

02. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors (7th week at #2)

01. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River (9th week at #1)

New Music This Week:

Matthew West – Good

We The Kingdom – Rescue Me

Don’t forget! Starting this Monday on The Morning Thing, we are starting our Spread the Love Valentine’s Giveaway!

Each day of the contest, our DJs will select Valentine’s gifts to put in the WNZR Valentine’s box.  
During The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive, the DJs will give a cue to call 740-397-WNZR (9697).  

Caller #5 gets the chance to answer a Valentine’s question to win a prize.

You can learn more about this contest on our website HERE!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

The NZ Top 10 for 1/23/2026

On this week’s top 10 list, we saw songs shift up and down, with a new song entering the chart! Here is this week’s countdown:

10. Phil Wickham – What An Awesome God (former #1 for 12 weeks)

09. For KING & COUNTRY ft. Taylor Hill – World On Fire

08. Chris Tomlin – How Good It Is

07. Josiah Queen & Brandon Lake – Can’t Steal My Joy (former #1 for 4 weeks)

06. Crowder – STILL

05. TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind

04. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

03. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

02. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors (6th week at #2)

01. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River (8th week at #1)

New Artist On WNZR:

Peter Burton

Peter Burton is from California, and seeks to write songs to lead people to hope. When overcoming mental illness, Peter would experience the beauty of how blessing and suffering can go hand in hand, and how faith can transcend feelings. The message of hope he brings is solely through Jesus Christ the foundation of his life and music.

Peter’s solo career may have just begun, but he is well-versed in the industry, having written for and toured with Lincoln Brewster, and joining Matthew West on his Don’t Stop Praying Tour. He also helped start Thrive Worship, contributing to their first album which charted at #1 on Billboard charts.

Read more about Peter Burton HERE!

New Music This Week:

Peter Burton – Where Would I Be

BREAKING NEWS: WinterJam 2026 will be postponing the Columbus, OH show to Monday, February 16 to avoid safety concerns regarding the winter storm warning this weekend. Stay warm. Stay safe.

Stay updated with cancellations on 90.9FM WNZR, and our Facebook page!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

The NZ Top 10 for 1/16/2026

We’re already halfway through January! With another Friday, comes a fresh NZ Top 10 list on WNZR! Here is this week’s countdown:

10. Leanna Crawford – Honest

09. Hope Darst – Mighty Name Of Jesus

08. Phil Wickham – What An Awesome God (former #1 for 12 weeks)

07. TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind (peaked at #2 for 1 week)

06. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

05. Crowder – Still

04. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

03. Josiah Queen & Brandon Lake – Can’t Steal My Joy (former #1 for 4 weeks)

02. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors

01. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River (7th week at #1)

New Music This Week:

MercyMe – Make It Well

MercyMe’s new song is tied to their upcoming movie, I Can Only Imagine 2, which is coming to theatres February 20th! This sequel is a follow-up to the story of the first I Can Only Imagine movie, and we’ll see how Bart Millard takes on the father role this time!

You can learn more about I Can Only Imagine 2 HERE!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

The First NZ Top 10 of 2026!

With the new year settling in, we’re bringing you four brand new songs to WNZR, one of which features a brand new artist! Before we get to that, here is this week’s top 10 countdown:

10. Leanna Crawford – Honest

09. Phil Wickham – What An Awesome God (former #1 for 12 weeks)

08. Hope Darst – Mighty Name Of Jesus

07. TobyMac – Heaven On My Mind (peaked at #2 for 1 week)

06. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

05. Crowder – Still

04. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

03. Josiah Queen & Brandon Lake – Can’t Steal My Joy (former #1 for 4 weeks)

02. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors

01. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River (6th week at #1)

New Music This Week:

Sons of Sunday – GOD DID!

A new artist on WNZR, consisting of Pastor Steven Furtick from Elevation Church, Chris Brown from Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, Leeland, Chandler Moore, and Pat Barrett! We are excited to see this new band on WNZR!

Forrest Frank – THANKFUL

ELEVATION RHYTHM WASHED

Caleb & John Finished

If you’re looking for a fun family event this weekend, Mohican, in Loudonville, Ohio is hosting WinterFest this weekend!

If the weather permits, you can enjoy sponsored ice sculptures all around Main Street around 5PM on Friday evening! These sculptures will stay throughout the weekend. Time schedules are subject to change if it becomes to warm on Friday.

More information can be found on Discover Mohican’s website here!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

WNZR’s Top 10 Songs of 2025!

What a year we have had! On this year’s list, we have songs from some classic WNZR artists, and some artists with their first ever #1 hit!

Without further ado, here is your Top 10 WNZR Songs of 2025!

10. Colton Dixon – Up + Up | Music Video

09. Leanna Crawford – Still Waters (Psalm 23) | Music Video

08. Josiah Queen & Brandon Lake – Can’t Steal My Joy | Lyric Video

07. TobyMac – a lil’ Church | Music Video

06. MercyMe – Oh Death | Music Video

05. Seph Schlueter – Running Back To You | Music Video

04. Jamie MacDonald – Desperate | Lyric Video

03. Crowder – Somebody Prayed | Music Video

02. Jon Reddick – No Fear | Music Video

01. Phil Wickham – What An Awesome God | Music Video

Here is a special music video for Phil Wickham’s song “What An Awesome God”, a sunset walk with Phil Wickham!

We also think Phil’s next new single, “Homesick For Heaven” will be his next hit on The NZ Top 10 in 2026! Listen to his song here:

If you love Phil Wickham’s hits from 2025, you’ll get to here some of them on his next headline tour, the Song Of The Saints Tour, with Tauren Wells and Jamie MacDonald, in Spring of 2026!

You can join Phil on Friday, April 17, at the Schottenstein Center, in Columbus, Ohio. Ticket information can be found on the Concerts page on our website! Or, you can find tickets here!

We can’t wait for another year of incredible new music from your favorite WNZR artists, and potential new artists to come! Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

NZ Top 10 for 11/21/2025

What a week! We have a few new placements on the Top 10! Here is this week’s countdown:

10. Leanna Crawford – Honest

09. Elevation Worship & Brandon Lake – I Know A Name

08. Lauren Daigle – Let It Be A Hallelujah

07. Seph Schlueter – Won’t Start Now

06. Hope Darst – Mighty Name Of Jesus

05. Phil Wickham – What An Awesome God

04. Crowder – STILL

03. Jeremy Camp – No Survivors

02. Jamie MacDonald – Left It In The River

01. Josiah Queen & Brandon Lake – Can’t Steal My Joy (4th week at #1)

New Music This Week:

Danny Gokey – The Moment The Whole World Changed

Sanctus Real & Sarah Kroger – Hope Begins

Jason Gray & Point of Grace – Comfort and Joy

Jason and Point of Grace are coming to Ohio with this song as the headline for their tour! They will be at the Sinclair Community College, on Centerville Campus, in Dayton, Ohio on Sunday, December 14th!

Ticket information for their Comfort & Joy Tour can be found here!

This is the last regular NZ Top 10 of the year! The Holly ’25 starts December 1st when WNZR goes to full Christmas music until the December 25th!

Thank you for listening!
– Joe and Ethan

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