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Jesus On American Idol!

If you would’ve told me that the name of Jesus was being lifted up on the Voice and American Idol, I might not believe you at first. But here we are in 2025, with songs about conversations with the Lord being sung on live television. If you listened to the Backstreet Boys back in the day, you’ll love this next story.

It’s Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday here on the Afternoon Drive, and there’s some really cool stuff happening in media right now.

Baylee Littrell, the son of Backstreet Boys singer Bryan Littrell, has been making a name for himself on the latest season of American Idol, performing a song he wrote in a time of pain and loneliness, called “Hey Jesus”. The performance went viral and Baylee is using his platform to encourage others to follow the Lord.

“There’s a kingdom waiting for you,” The young artist said. “There’s a God waiting for you. All you have to do is trust Him.”

Check out the full story HERE, and the performance here!

Don’t forge that Mom’s Night Out is THIS FRIDAY! Click this link to grab your spot! https://www.wnzr.fm/momsnightout

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He leads me by still waters ’til my fears are gone
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Oh, I know You are with me, my Father, my friend
Your goodness and mercy will follow me all of my days”

Those are the words to “Still Waters” by Leanna Crawford! Congratulations to Kathleen from Mount Vernon, she wins the $5 Gift Card to Watts Restaurant!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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National Day of Prayer!

How fitting for the National Day of Prayer to fall on Praise Thursday here on The Afternoon Drive! Today we came together to pray for our families, neighbors, community and nation! Any prayer request can be lifted and heard today, and if you’d like to hear some prayers from our local community leaders and members, check them out here!

Here’s the recap from today:

12:30am – Marcy Rinehart, WNZR Station Manager and President of Knox Network of Christian Ministries shares a prayer.

1:30am – Richard Hite, Pastor of Church on the Rise in Mount Vernon shares a prayer.

2:30am – David Carter with Child Evangelism Fellowship and a former High School Guidance Counselor shares a prayer.

3:30am – Leslie McCann with LifeWise Academy shares a prayer.

4:30am – Thom Collier from e-Merge Real Estate Champions and the Knox County Chaplains shares a prayer.

5:30am – Tim Stickle with Revive Knox County shares a prayer.

6:30am – Troy McNichols, Pastor of New Life Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon shares a prayer.

7:30am – Dave Mills, Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations at Mount Vernon Nazarene University shares a prayer.

8:30am – Andy Smith, Pastor of New Life Community Church in Fredericktown shares a prayer.

9:30am – Joe Rinehart, MVNU Assistant Professor of Communication and Department Chair and Director of Broadcasting, WNZR-FM and WNZR.TV shares a prayer.

10:30am – Christopher Liberati, Pastor of Gay Street United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon shares a prayer.

11:30am – Cody Blust, Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon shares a prayer.

12:30pm – Joe Proudfoot, Pastor of Mount Vernon FirstNaz shares a prayer.

1:30pm – Jess Kirby, Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center Director of Development shares a prayer.

2:30pm – Kandee Popham, Executive Director for Place 4 Grace shares a prayer.

3:30pm – Amy McDougale, Executive Director for The Least of These Ministry shares a prayer.

4:30pm – Mount Vernon Mayor Dr. Matt Starr shares a prayer.

5:30pm – Dr. Carson Castleman, Mount Vernon Nazarene University President shares a prayer.

6:30pm – Lois Carter with Child Evangelism Fellowship and LifeWise Academy shares a prayer.

7:30pm – Scott Sharpes, Pastor of Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon shares a prayer.

8:30pm – Carolyn Fergus, Executive Director for Knox County Interchurch Social Services shares a prayer.

9:30pm – Marvin Haught, Pastor of Brandon Baptist Church shares a prayer.

10:30pm – Debi Fry, Housing Director with the Mount Vernon Georgia’s House for Women and the Mount Vernon Alpha House for Men shares a prayer.  

11:30pm – Jessica Reynolds, Program Director of TouchPointe Marriage & Family Resources and KNCM Board Member shares a prayer.

Today’s track for Name That Tune was “Let It Begin” by Big Daddy Weave! Congratulations to Casey from Mount Vernon for winning the $5 Watts Restaurant Gift Cards!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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Puppy Love!

Who doesn’t love their furry friends? It’s National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, so we wanna know: what’s your favorite kind of pet, right now or from your childhood.

Jennifer shared about her family’s beloved cows, including May, Larry and Judith. Her family calls May miracle May, because she was born during a severe ice storm in the open, and 12 years later is beautiful and healthy! They also have quite a few chickens, but Jennifer says they have yet to name those.

-I was an NBA Point Guard and Coach

-I won two NBA Championships with the Detroit Pistons, and was also a 12-time all-star

-I was named as one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players of All-time

I am….a stumper! Tune in next week for your chance to win!

Thanks for listening!-Judah

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FORREST FRANK FRENZY!

He’s one of the fastest growing artists in Christian music right now, and he’s got more on the way!

It’s Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday, and have we got some updates for you!

GRAMMY-nominated, award winning artist Forrest Frank is currently performing on his Child of God Part II, and during a stop in LA, announced his new album Child of God II, releases May 9th! WE CAN’T WAIT!

Forrest isn’t the only artist dropping an album this summer….Big Daddy Weave is releasing their first album in six years! Let It Begin releases May 23, their long-awaited follow-up to 2019’s When The Light Comes.

Plus, if you want to hear a super cool conversation, check out Youtuber Bryce Crawford’s interview with the one and only Brandon Lake.

“Who put the breath in my lungs
Who calls us daughters and sons
All praise goes to just One….

Who raised me up from the grave
Who’s always making a way
Let me hear the whole church say”

Those are the words from Micah Tyler’s “God Did It”. Congratulations to Cheyenne from Mount Vernon, she wins the TWO $5 Watts Restaurant Gift Cards!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Life throws a lot at us, and a lot of it is unexpected…which means we have to sometimes get a little uncomfortable.

Stepping outside of what we know can be one of the scariest, and most rewarding experiences, we can take on.

It’s Who Knew Wednesday on The Afternoon Drive, and also National Take A Chance Day! We’re encouraging you to take a chance and take a risk. Maybe that means doing that thing you’ve been wanting to do for years but put off for years, or talk to that person you’ve wanted to speak to…but avoided.

-I was born April 23, 1564, in England

-I was a renowned playwright

-Some of my most well known works include ‘Romeo & Juliet”, “Macbeth”, “A Midsummers Night Dream” and more!

I am…William Shakespeare! Congratulations to Mary from Mount Vernon for naming the right person! She wins a $5 Gift Card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!-Judah

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An American Idol Easter!

Yeah, you read that right. American Idol hosted an Easter special Sunday featuring some legends like CeCe Winans, Carrie Underwood, Brandon Lake and even mainstream artist Jelly Roll!

It’s Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday here on The Afternoon Drive, and we’re very excited to see Gospel music making an impact in culture!

Check out Brandon Lake’s performance here!

Plus, the perfect end to your summer is here! Katy Nicole’s album, Honest Conversations, drops August 15th on all platforms!

“He called my name (He called my name)
And He stole my shame (He stole my shame)
Everything changed when I came ___”

That’s the chorus from “Running Home” by Cochren & Company! Congratulations to Bonnie from Mount Vernon for naming that song, she wins the gift cards to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!-Judah

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He is Risen!

We’re so excited for Easter weekend! School getting out for a couple of days is great and all, but celebrating the greatest news ever, that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave to rescue us is even better!

It’s Praise Thursday here on The Afternoon Drive, and we wanna know what you’re praising the Lord for this Easter weekend!

“He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him.” Matthew 28:6-7

The grave is empty, and because of that we have hope!

Today’s track was “The Cross” by Anne Wilson and Chris Tomlin. Congratulations to Stacy from Mount Vernon for correctly naming the tune and getting the $5 Gift Card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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Banana Split!

It’s National Banana Day on Who Knew Wednesday, so The Afternoon Drive wants to know, what’s your favorite way to enjoy this fruit?

By itself? In smoothies? (strawberry banana will forever be an amazing combination). Maybe you’re like me and love a good banana pudding…or even a banana split, which has never done me wrong!

Let us know here!

– I was born in Britain

-I was a comedic silent film star of the 1920’s and 30’s

-I donned an iconic hat mustache

I am…Charlie Chaplin!

Congratulations to Kevin from Coshocton for correctly naming the person! He wins a $5 Watts Restaurant Gift Card!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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Teachers Make An Impact!

Teachers can be some of the most important people in our lives….they can encourage, uplift and touch our lives or the lives of young people in a special way!

It’s Who Knew Wednesday on The Afternoon Drive, and we wanted to give a special shoutout to Teacher’s everywhere!

They’re some of the most underappreciated people in our lives, but it’s so important that we have good ones!

If you know a teacher who made an impact on your life, make sure to thank them today!

-I was born April 9, 1954 in Houston, TX

-I’m an American Film Actor

-I’ve starred in films like “Soul Surfer”, “Any Given Sunday” and “Reagan”

I am…Dennis Quaid!

Congratulations to Lincoln from Utica, he wins the two $5 Watts Restaurant Gift Cards!

Thanks for listening!-Judah

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