5 Reasons Why Brandon Lake's "That's Who I Praise" Is The Biggest Worship Anthem Of 2025
Contents
Michael Brandon Lake: A Complete Profile and Biography
The man behind the explosive worship anthems is Michael Brandon Lake, an American Christian worship singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has quickly risen to become one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Christian music.- Full Name: Michael Brandon Lake
- Born: June 21, 1990
- Hometown: Dallas, Texas, USA (Raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)
- Current Base: Charleston, South Carolina
- Role: Worship Leader/Songwriter (Writes songs at Seacoast Church in Charleston)
- Family: Son of a preacher (Mac Lake), often referred to as a "PK" (Preacher's Kid).
- Key Collaborations: Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music, Phil Wickham, Chris Tomlin, Jelly Roll.
- Major 2025 Accolades:
- ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter of the Year (2025)
- K-LOVE Fan Award for Male Artist of the Year (2025)
- K-LOVE Fan Award for Artist of the Year (2025)
- K-LOVE Fan Award for Worship Song of the Year ("That's Who I Praise") (2025)
- Notable Albums: *House of Miracles* (2020), *King of Hearts* (2025).
1. The Shocking 2025 Award Wins That Proved Its Success
The most compelling evidence of the song's impact is its performance during the 2025 awards season. "That's Who I Praise" was not just another single; it was an industry-recognized triumph. The song took home the coveted Worship Song of the Year trophy at the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards. This particular award is significant because it is voted on by the fans, demonstrating a powerful connection between the song's message and the global worship community. Furthermore, the track was nominated for the prestigious Song of the Year at the 2025 Dove Awards, placing it alongside other chart-topping hits. This success came as Brandon Lake himself dominated the awards circuit, also winning Male Artist of the Year and Artist of the Year at the K-LOVE event. The track's phenomenal performance is part of a larger, record-breaking year for Lake, whose other major single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah," also topped the Billboard Hot Christian Songs year-end chart for 2025. The song's current success is a direct reflection of its vibrant, energetic, and unapologetic declaration of faith.2. The Deep Biblical Meaning and Old Testament Inspiration
What truly gives "That's Who I Praise" its topical authority and staying power is its deep, intentional connection to biblical narratives. The song is not merely a modern praise chorus; it's a vibrant tapestry woven from the stories of Old Testament heroes. The core of the song's inspiration revolves around the theme of perseverance—praising God *despite* circumstances, not just because of them. Lake shared that the song was inspired by the courageous faith of Old Testament figures who faced enormous challenges. The lyrics explicitly reference these powerful figures, inviting listeners to emulate their radical faith:- "I wanna dance like David": A reference to King David's uninhibited worship before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14).
- "I wanna faith like Paul, I wanna sing like Silas tearing down the prison wall": This points to the Apostles Paul and Silas, who praised God in prison, leading to an earthquake and their miraculous release (Acts 16:25-26).
- "I wanna walk like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego": A nod to the three men who refused to bow to an idol and were thrown into the fiery furnace, only to emerge unharmed (Daniel 3).
3. The Powerhouse Songwriters Behind the Anthem
The creative genius behind "That's Who I Praise" is a collaboration of some of the biggest names in contemporary Christian music and worship songwriting, a factor that significantly contributed to its high-impact sound. Brandon Lake co-wrote the song with four other powerhouse writers: Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Micah Nichols, and Zac Lawson. Steven Furtick, the lead pastor of Elevation Church, is renowned for his contributions to global worship hits, often collaborating on songs for Elevation Worship. Benjamin William Hastings is a celebrated songwriter known for his work with Hillsong and other major artists. This collective of talent ensured the song was not only theologically sound but also structurally and musically dynamic. The song's release as a single on July 29, 2024, immediately set the stage for the full album release.The King of Hearts Album Connection
"That's Who I Praise" is a key track on Brandon Lake's studio album, *King of Hearts*, which was released on June 13, 2025. The album itself features a dynamic range of worship and Christian contemporary tracks, including the other chart-topping single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah." The song is a perfect fit for the album's theme, which explores the sovereignty and goodness of God in a modern context. Its inclusion on the album, particularly the *King of Hearts (Full Deck Deluxe)* version, ensures its continued airplay and relevance well into the future.4. The Unforgettable Live Performances and Collaborations
The song’s energy truly comes alive in a live setting, which has been a major driver of its popularity. Brandon Lake is known for his passionate and uninhibited worship leading, and this song provides the perfect vehicle for that. One of the most notable live versions of the song was performed during the Summer Worship Nights 2024 tour, where Lake frequently shared the stage with fellow worship artist Phil Wickham. This collaboration, often captured in official and fan-made videos, showcased the song’s ability to fill massive venues with a joyous, unifying sound. The official live video for "That's Who I Praise (Live)" further captured this raw energy, allowing the global audience to experience the atmosphere of a Brandon Lake worship night. The song’s structure—with its building verses, powerful bridge, and explosive, anthemic chorus—is perfectly crafted for corporate worship and stadium-sized performances, making it a favorite for setlists across the country.5. Why It Resonates: An Anthem of Uninhibited Joy
Ultimately, the reason "That's Who I Praise" became the biggest worship anthem of 2025 is its simple, yet profound, message: uninhibited praise is the only logical response to God's faithfulness. The song serves as an invitation to the listener to move past fear, doubt, and self-consciousness and embrace a radically joyful form of worship. It moves beyond the quiet contemplation often associated with worship music and dives into a vibrant, high-energy celebration, using verbs like "dance," "sing," and "shout." This energetic approach is a hallmark of Brandon Lake's style and a key reason he is leading a new wave of Christian music. In a world filled with uncertainty, the song offers a steadfast anchor, declaring that no matter the trial—whether it’s a fire, a prison, or a giant—the object of our praise remains the same. It’s a powerful, unifying declaration that has earned its place as a contemporary classic.Detail Author:
- Name : Mr. Allen Kerluke Sr.
- Username : pfannerstill.maximillia
- Email : meghan87@schuppe.com
- Birthdate : 1988-08-20
- Address : 29286 Gilberto Causeway Port Adalineberg, IA 52695
- Phone : 1-540-560-2123
- Company : Johnston, Waters and Kuhn
- Job : Building Inspector
- Bio : Saepe vel quia illo sit vel corporis. Ratione quis assumenda qui sequi. Id voluptatem perferendis enim voluptatum tenetur.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/mossieswaniawski
- username : mossieswaniawski
- bio : Quibusdam odit mollitia molestiae aliquam veritatis et.
- followers : 1433
- following : 1171
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/swaniawski2010
- username : swaniawski2010
- bio : Soluta sed natus et et. Sit veniam quis fugit provident. A possimus aut voluptas et et ad debitis.
- followers : 5446
- following : 1328
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/mossie_official
- username : mossie_official
- bio : Nihil at est eaque consectetur odio occaecati. Placeat illum delectus natus repellat.
- followers : 4613
- following : 1336
