“If I had one thing that I could say to people, it’s that God is a God of healing.” Singer/songwriter, and new Centricity Music signee, Katy Nichole doesn’t make this statement lightly.
She’s experienced supernatural healing in her own life. And her unwavering belief in God’s ability to heal and the power of prayer have swiftly turned her into a viral sensation thanks to her debut single, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” now sound-tracking millions of personal stories on TikTok and Instagram.
The song, however, finds its genesis in Katy’s own narrative—a miraculous story of suffering, hope, and ultimately, healing, which she explores on her self-titled EP.
In just a short time, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” has propelled Katy to heights rarely experienced by a brand-new artist. The song became the fastest-rising single to reach No. 1 by a debut female artist in the history of the Billboard Christian Airplay chart.
In addition, the unprecedented success of the multi-week chart-topper has opened doors for her to appear at Christian artist Chris Tomlin’s “Good Friday Nashville” event, perform at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and make her Grand Ole Opry debut. Moreover, fans voted “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” the Worship Song of the Year at the 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards; and YouTube named Katy a “Trending Artist on the Rise.”
Katy’s Musical Beginnings
Long before she was performing on celebrated stages and winning awards, Katy was singing in her church choir. By 18, she was writing songs and leading worship.
“My earliest memories of feeling the Lord’s presence were when I was singing and when I had a song in my heart,” Katy recalls. “Singing has always been that place for me where I’m at my best—it’s the best feeling ever.”
Despite her natural gifting and obvious passion for the art form, Katy headed to college thinking she would pursue a profession in the medical field, content to allow music to remain a hobby.
“Funny enough, after being certified as a medical assistant, doors started to close in that area; and they started to open in music. I began to think, OK, God, I think You see something different than what I wanted for my own life,” Katy says. “I think our desires are sometimes different than what God has planned for us. A lot of times, we’ll think it’s going to be a certain way, and then God’s like, ‘Nope, this story is going to look a little different.’”
Katy’s journey to a recording contract—one of those open doors—also looks different than most. Her relationship with both music and God is inextricably intertwined with her path to health and wholeness. “For three years, I was in excruciating pain every single day,” the budding artist reveals. “And no one could tell me why.”
Katy’s Battle with Scoliosis
Eventually diagnosed with scoliosis, Katy underwent surgery when she was 15 to straighten her spine. Yet, the debilitating pain persisted. “I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even get out of bed in the morning,” she confesses. To pass the time, Katy tried her hand at writing pop music on her ukulele—the first instrument she ever learned to play.
Upset over the persistent pain experienced post-surgery, the bedridden teen spiraled into a mental and emotional abyss. “Depression just took over like a smoke cloud,” she shares. “At one point, I looked at a bottle of pills I was given, and I was like, ‘It would be that easy.’ But I remember picking it up, and I heard the voice of God say, ‘Hold on. I’m not done yet.’ Every time I would hit that low point, I would hear that same voice.”
At the advice of a new doctor, Katy went back in for an operation to essentially remove the metal rods and screws that had been placed in her back to correct her scoliosis. “When I came out of the second surgery, that smoke cloud was gone. I encountered the Lord at that moment,” Katy remembers. “My X-rays after the surgery showed that my spine was actually straighter than when the rods had been in it. So, when I say that God can do miracles, I mean it, because I’ve seen it.”
Her healing gave her a new direction for her life—and her music. “I stopped writing pop music and started writing to the One who has inspired me,” Katy shares. “I realized my songs were way better when Jesus was included.”
Katy’s Big Break
At the invitation of Josh Havens, lead singer for The Afters, Katy began leading worship at The Grove in Phoenix, Arizona, where Josh serves as a Worship & Arts Pastor. Josh saw something in Katy she couldn’t even see in herself at the time.
She began writing, recording, and posting her original songs online, which eventually led to a record deal with Centricity Music. Now, the world is getting a glimpse of all the potential Josh recognized early on.
Katy’s Self-Titled EP
Her introductory EP showcases Katy as both an astute storyteller and a tender-hearted worship leader. Cornerstone track “God Is In This Story” (feat. Mike Weaver)” could easily be the theme song of the multidimensional artist’s life.
“There’s no story that doesn’t matter to God. Every story was written by Him, and He’s the greatest author of all time. If you truly believe with your whole heart that God is good, even in the hard times of life, then you’ll see how He was in your story the entire time,” Katy shares of the message behind the anthem that features Big Daddy Weave’s beloved lead singer. “People can see God through us when we tell our stories, and that’s how they’ll know how faithful Jesus truly is. It’s really cool how something I once thought of as my story has become our story.”
Meanwhile, “Jesus Changed My Life” is the 21-year-old’s personal declaration of faith set to melody. “It’s really a testimonial song. I have been changed by the love of Jesus, the grace of Jesus, and the mercy of Jesus. He is so kind to me,” Katy says. “I know how much He’s changed my life, but Jesus can change anybody’s life.”
“Things I Wish I Would’ve Said” reveals the young singer looking back on difficult relational moments and reflecting on life’s brevity; while “Jesus, Thank You” finds her expressing her unending gratitude to the Lord. Fittingly, the six-track set is bookended by “In Jesus Name (God of Possible).” The radio version that set her incredible journey into motion opens the EP, and a stripped-down iteration concludes the collection.
Co-penned with songwriters Ethan Hulse, Jeff Pardo, and David Spencer in the midst of a global health crisis, “In Jesus Name (God of Possible)” continues to resonate with listeners in meaningful ways. With lyrics taken from Katy’s personal journal entries, it’s connecting with a universal audience because everyone—regardless of their beliefs—is searching for healing and restoration in a weary, anxious, and broken world.
“This song is one of the greatest gifts God could ever give me,” Katy says. “It’s a wild thing to see where this song started and where it is now. I’m so thankful for what God is doing. I am in awe of Him, truly.”
What Katy’s Music Is Truly About
Her first batch of songs might bear her name, but there’s only one person Katy is concerned about exalting, and she hopes people discover more of Him in every lyric. “I feel like these songs are my story, but I want people to feel like it’s their story, too. I want them to see themselves in these songs. A lot of my heart has been shared; and, ultimately, what this is about for me is really raising up the name of Jesus,” she attests. “I know my God is good even when my circumstances are not. I think it’s so important listeners know how good my God has been and how faithful He’s been to me through every season.”
Used with permission from Centricity Music and Hoganson Media Relations
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