MATTHEW WEST RELEASES “BE CLOSE” IN HONOR OF CHARLIE KIRK
2025/10/14.MatthewWestReleasesBeCloseInHonorOfCharlieKirk.asp NEWS SOURCE: OH Creative October 14, 2025
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – “One of Christian music's most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), 5x GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning artist Matthew West releases his new song,“Be Close,” today in honor of what would have been Charlie Kirk's 32nd birthday. Written in the wake of Kirk's passing, the heartfelt track finds West processing the weight of tragedy while clinging to faith and comfort in God's nearness.
“I hope this song reminds you in every difficult season that the Lord is near,” shares West. “Psalm 34:18.”
Next month, West will embark on his Don't Stop Praying For America Tour, visiting 13 cities nationwide with special guest Peter Burton. Keep up with West and his upcoming announcements at matthewwest.com and on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, X and TikTok.
Don't Stop Praying For America Tour dates with special guest Peter Burton:
Nov. 6, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio at Genoa Church
Nov. 7, 2025 in Baltimore, Md. at Trinity Baltimore
Nov. 8, 2025 in Johnson City, Tenn. at The Martin Center
Nov. 9, 2025 in Akron, Ohio at Goodyear Theater
Nov. 13, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wis. at Riverside Theater
Nov. 14, 2025 in Bourbonnais, Ill. at Centennial Chapel
Nov. 15, 2025 in Green Bay, Wis. at Cofrin Family Hall
Nov. 16, 2025 in Wabash, Ind. at Ford Theater
Nov. 18, 2025 in Rapid City, S.D. at Monument Fine Arts Theatre
Nov. 20, 2025 in Fargo, N.D. at Bethel Church
Nov. 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minn. at Grace Church
Nov. 22, 2025 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at Paramount Theatre
Nov. 23, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa at Stephens Auditorium
ABOUT MATTHEW WEST:
Dubbed “one of Christian music's most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), Matthew West has notched 38 No.1 songs combined as an artist and songwriter and has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. West is also a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI's 2025 and 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP's 2023 Golden Note Award recipient, ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year recipient, and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and has been named Billboard's Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.”
In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards eight times and has more than 275 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Anne Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns and others. The release of Don't Stop Praying marks his 13th studio album. West's first single from the album and title track, "Don't Stop Praying" (released January 2024) marked his biggest streaming single debut in his 20-year career and notched a No. 1 spot for two weeks at radio. The newest single, “Unashamed,” from the Don't Stop Praying album climbed the Top 10 on Christian radio, inspiring people across the nation to stand boldly in faith and live unashamed of the Gospel.
Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: K-LOVE award winning “My Story, Your Glory 30-Day Devotional,” “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One,” “Hello, My Name Is,” “The God Who Stays,” “Come Home For Christmas” with his ninth book “Don't Stop Praying” slated to release in February 2026. In 2020, The Matthew West Podcast debuted and continues weekly with special guests. West is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life.
This Friday, May 1, 2026
ALBUMS 1K Phew Any Given Sunday [Reach] GLADDEN Living Proof - EP [DREAM] Haste the Day Dissenter [Solid State] Illustrate Creative (independent) Tommee Profitt The Resurrection of the King (2-CD Release) [Capitol CMG] Queen's Council III - EP [Charon Collective] The Sagehens Valley Go Home [Velvet Blue] TKE3 POWER PACK - EP (independent) Tauren Wells Breathe On It [Capitol CMG]
SINGLES Bloodlines Revivalist (feat. For Today) - Single [Facedown] Elan Brio The Way of the Servant (feat. HIS Hypeman Stract) - Single [Polished Arrow] Chris Caro, OnBeatMusic, tonyxtrotter Tawk - Single [Syntax] Aaron Cole usher in the spirit (feat. Tenroc) - Single [BEC] DOE Know Your Name - Single [Provident] Dubem Burn - Single [Syntax] EJ Swavv, Riley Mobz, Eelmatic Lonely - Single [Syntax] Luvell Elevado Clouded Skies II - Single [Syntax] Faith Worship Arts, John Dreher Something Incredible - Single [Dream Worship] GLADDEN Living Proof - Single [Dream] The Hyssongs Good News Savior - Single [Horizon] IDEGO CALLING OUT (feat. Kins) - Single (independent) Jenn Johnson Thank You Lord (feat. Brooke Ligertwood) - Single [Bethel] KNGDM REVIVAL Psalm 139 - Single [Dream] Brandon Lake & Nick Jonas The Author - Single [Provident] Kevi Morse Blossom - Single [Syntax] Mountain People Worship Treasure In The Field [The Unreleased Work Tapes] - Single [Ocean House] Leslie Perez Back to My Love - Single [Gotee] Chelsea Plank Moonlight - Single [Provident] Mike Rogers Soul on Fire (feat. Mac Powell and The Isaacs) - Single [Gaither] Jordan St. Cyr Wild Love - Single [BEC]
Next Friday, May 8, 2026
ALBUMS Jason Dunn Formerly Known As... (independent) Amy Grant The Me That Remains [AG] idle threat you'll forget the sun [Tooth & Nail] Michael Gabriel Monroe Heaven Sings Holy - EP [Provident/Sony] Allan Scott Just One More (Songs from the Motion Picture) - Multi-Single [Dream]
SINGLES KB Left Hand (feat. Terrian) - Single [Provident] Matthew Plante LUV ME! - Single [Dream]