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Driving Notes

The Official Blog of WNZR's Afternoon Drive

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#christian music

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

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

Draft day… and Praise Thursday!

The NFL Draft Kicks off tonight, and we’re some pretty big football fans here at WNZR, so we’re pretty excited about it. But you know what’s really exciting. We get to praise an awesome God every single day!

It’s Praise Thursday on The Afternoon Drive, and we’re thanking God for a lot, including this beautiful weather. If you have something you want to praise God for, let us know!

Don’t forget that Mom’s Night Out is coming soon! Head to Ariel Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University May 9th for a night full of food, games, laughs and an incredible movie, Unsung Hero, which tells the story of For King + Country!

Register here! https://www.wnzr.fm/momsnightout

A stumper for Name That Tune! Make sure to play next week for TWO $5 Watts Restaurant Gift Cards!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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

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

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

Rend Collective In The Vern!

You read that right…Rend Collective is bringing their Folk Fall 2025 Tour to the campus of MVNU November 14, and tickets are available in a week, Wednesday April 23rd!

It’s Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday on The Afternoon Drive, and we’re very excited about some upcoming things, including that concert!

Mom’s Night Out is back for 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited! Get ready for a fun night out with games, fellowship, snacks and a fantastic movie, “Unsung Hero”. Grab your seat here! https://www.wnzr.fm/momsnightout

“I’m desperate
Down on my knees
Send help from heaven
‘Cause that’s what I need
Redeem this wreckage
Restore my peace
I’m not asking, I’m begging
Lord, come through for me”

It’s a stumper! Next week’s will be worth TWO $5 Watts Restaurant Gift Cards!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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

Star Wars…and Jesus??

Never thought we would see the day where famous actors from the Star Wars series voice characters in an animated film about the life of Jesus…but here we are.

It’s Artist Newsday and Game Time Tuesday right here on The Afternoon Drive, and we’ve got something pretty cool to look forward to this Friday.

Angel Studios releases their animated film about the life of Jesus, King of Kings, and the cast is star studded. There are literally so many Star Wars in this…including Luke Skywalker!

For a quick rundown of the cast, we’ve got:

Oscar Isaac, who voices Jesus. A.K.A, Poe Dameron from the latest Star Wars trilogy.

Mark Hamill—a.k.a. Luke Skywalker himself—voicing King Herod.

Forest Whitaker, who brought Saw Gerrera to life in Rogue One.

And even more! Star Wars nerds, this might just be the movie for you.

For more information and to secure free kids’ tickets, visit angel.com/kingofkings.

Plus, Toby Mac is recruiting some young talent to drop some absolute bangers!

Teaming up with Forrest Frank and Josiah Queen, he’s released two new tracks that are perfect for the upcoming summer! https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/tobymac-drops-two-collabs/

“oh God, I’m desperate
Down on my knees
Send help from heaven
‘Cause that’s what I need
Redeem this wreckage
Restore my peace
I’m not asking, I’m begging
Lord, come through for me
I need heaven…”

A stumper! Tune in next week for your chance to grab TWO $5 Watts Restaurant Gift Cards!

Thanks for listening!- Judah

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