Christian contemporary artist Colton Dixon's seventh-place finish on Season 11 of American Idol was one of the most surprising and memorable cuts in the show’s history. Still, it was only the beginning for the young artist.
Far from being a setback, Dixon’s Idol journey catapulted him into the Christian music spotlight, where he quickly established himself as a rising star with his debut full-length album, A Messenger. The album featured standout tracks like “You Are” and “Never Gone,” cementing his place in the music industry.
The album’s title draws inspiration from John 13:16: “Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him," reflecting Dixon’s mission to use his platform as a vessel for sharing faith-filled messages.
Following the success of A Messenger, Colton continued to build momentum with his sophomore album Anchor, which gave fans more heartfelt hits, including “Through All Of It” and “More of You.” Known for his compelling mix of vulnerability and hope, Colton’s music resonates deeply with listeners, providing anthems for personal reflection and communal worship. His songwriting has refined over the years, offering a dynamic range of faith-based tracks that speak to life’s challenges and God’s unshakable presence.
After a string of chart-topping singles like “All That Matters” and “The Other Side,” Dixon’s transition to Atlantic Records opened new creative doors, leading to popular songs like “Miracles,” “Made to Fly,” “Build a Boat,” and “My Light.” These hits reflect his growth as an artist and his deepening commitment to creating music that uplifts and inspires. Each release has shown Colton pushing the boundaries of his sound while staying true to his faith-driven roots.
I had the chance to catch up with Colton to talk about his latest hit, “Up + Up,” where he continues to push his music into new territory while delivering powerful messages of faith, hope, and perseverance. We also dove into his creative process, his journey, and how his faith continues to shape every note he writes and sings.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
Life is tough, but I believe God wants the best for us. Though life doesn’t come without trials, I believe God plans to give us hope and a future—a plan that always says ‘up and up’ again. Musically, I wanted to mirror the message of this song: “Don’t let life knock you down, but put your hope in God, and He will take you ‘up and up’ again.”
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Romans 8:28 (VOICE): We are confident that God can orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.
Matthew 17:20-21 (NIV): He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly, I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
2 Corinthians 10:2-5 (NIV): I beg you that when I come, I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. Though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have the divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."
What is the takeaway message?
“Up + Up” has meaning and depth; it feels fun musically. Some things are more than coincidence. I believe there is a God who loves us and is looking out for us. This song is about living to our full potential. It’s meant to encourage how we get through our daily lives, our decisions, and even the why behind those choices. He’s told us the end of the story, and we’re victorious. I see so many people caught up in the details, myself included, but we need to get away with Him, and He will lift us again.
Lyrics
Even though I walk through the valley, sometimes It feels like I crawl through the valley But I got a promise that I hold on tight to I can't lose when I'm right beside you, yeah
God, I know the plans you have for me When my cup is overflowing So, while I'm in the in-between I'm live my life knowing
If I get down, You pick me up From the ground, You give me love That don't give out, give in no condition You lift me up and up again Now, no matter who surrounds I'll let my hallelujah get loud Like a freight train, sunshine or rain I'll lift you up and up again (up and up again)
Ask me how I know You're gonna do it (You did it) Every time a blessing's coming to me (You're In it) The devil tried to make me turn away (forget it) 'Cause even on my worst day
If I get down, You pick me up From the ground, You give me love That don't give out, give in no condition You lift me up and up again Now, no matter who surrounds I'll let my hallelujah get loud Like a freight train, sunshine or rain I'll lift you up and up again
Up and up again I'll lift you up and up again
God, I know the plans you have for me So, while I'm in the in-between I'm a live my life knowing
If I get down, You pick me up From the ground, You give me love That don't give out, give in no conditions You lift me up and up again (Now) no matter who surrounds I'll let my hallelujah get loud Like a freight train, sunshine or rain I'll lift you up and up again
Up and up again I'll lift You up and up again
Ask me how I know You're going to do it Every time a blessing's coming to me (yeah) I'll lift You up and up again
Closing Thoughts
The song "Up + Up" is a very convicting and sobering reminder that God brings trials to remind us how much we need Him. Once the Holy Spirit is in you, you can show that light to others as you live your daily life, including outside of a worship context. If you do everything for God's glory, you demonstrate Jesus's love in every encounter with people.
The song is upbeat and encourages me to remember God's love for me and that He is still with me. “Up + Up” connects to multiple Bible passages. That's what Colton Dixon’s music ministry is all about—loving God with all of his heart, expressed in one catchy song after another.
As the song says, “Even though I walk through the valley sometimes/It feels like I crawl through the valley/But I got a promise that I hold on tight to.” As followers of Jesus, we know we can trust God's Word. We are all a work in progress. So, have faith and let God "work all things together for good." Spend time with God and let Him redeem and restore you. We are not at the end of our story. God's still writing our stories of redemption. He is faithful in completing what He's started in all of us who've put our hope and trust in Jesus for salvation.
Most of all, we must remember that God is the source of all hope, and it doesn't come from anything we do. We need to believe. This song reminds the believer that being a Christian means walking by faith, not sight. Faith requires us to rely on the unseen. The beauty of walking by faith and not sight is that we can fully trust God.
Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life? Are you spending time listening to Him? He wants to hear from you. With everything going on in our world, we need the encouragement that God is with us, and we're not alone. All we need is faith, and God will show us what He has planned for us. He's the author of our lives and knows what's best for us much better than we do. Do you want to be in control, or do you want God to reveal His plans for you?
This song is a great reminder to spend time reading His Word, The Holy Bible, and to have a relationship with Him in prayer. Believe and sing along: “I'll let my hallelujah get loud/Like a freight train, sunshine or rain/I'll lift you up and up again.” Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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