The Blessing (song)

"The Blessing"
Single by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship
from the album Graves into Gardens
ReleasedMarch 20, 2020 (2020-03-20)
RecordedMarch 1, 2020
VenueElevation Ballantyne, Charlotte, North Carolina, US
GenreContemporary worship music
Length8:34 (live version)
8:27 (album version)
4:35 (radio version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • C. Brown
Kari Jobe singles chronology
"Cover the Earth"
(2018) 		"The Blessing"
(2020)
Cody Carnes singles chronology
"Christ Be Magnified"
(2020) 		"The Blessing"
(2020) 		"Too Good to Not Believe"
(2021)
Elevation Worship singles chronology
"Impresionante"
(2020) 		"The Blessing"
(2020) 		"Graves into Gardens"
(2020)
Music videos
"The Blessing" (Live from Elevation Ballantyne) on YouTube
"The Blessing" (Living Room Session) on YouTube
"The Blessing" (Live from Home) on YouTube
"The Blessing" (Lyrics) on YouTube

"The Blessing" is a song performed by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship, released as the lead single from Elevation Worship's twelfth live album, Graves into Gardens (2020),[1] as well as Kari Jobe's third live album, The Blessing (2020),[2] on March 20, 2020.[3] The song was written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Steven Furtick.[4] Chris Brown handled the production of the single.

"The Blessing" was a commercial success upon its release, having debuted at No. 3 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.[5] It peaked at No. 2 on Hot Christian Songs chart, and No. 15 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. It has been certified gold by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[6] "The Blessing" won the GMA Dove Award for Worship Recorded Song of the Year at the 2020 GMA Dove Awards, and the GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year at the 2021 GMA Dove Awards. It has also garnered a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2021 Grammy Awards. It was further recorded into dozens of cover versions by various artists, produced in various languages and in different parts of the world.

Background

Initially, "The Blessing" was released as music video on Elevation Worship's YouTube channel in early March 2020,[1] with Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes leading the song in a worship service at Elevation Church's Ballantyne campus on March 1.[3] Jobe, Carnes had written the song together with Steven Furtick and Chris Brown in a writing session on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Elevation prior to leading it at Elevation's Sunday service on March 1, 2020.[3][7] The song became popular on YouTube, leading to the release of the live audio recording on March 20, 2020, to other platforms. The song's music video had garnered over 3 million views on YouTube at the time of its release.[8]

"The Blessing" was serviced to Christian radio stations on May 1, 2020.[9]

Composition

"The Blessing" is composed in the key of B with a tempo of 70 beats per minute and a musical time signature of 4
4.[10] Carnes' and Jobe's vocal range spans from F♯3 to E5.[11]

The lyrics are largely taken from the Priestly Blessing found in the Book of Numbers within the Old Testament of the Bible. [12] [13]

Commercial performance

On the Hot Christian Songs chart dated April 4, 2020, the song debuted at No. 3, while also peaking at No. 4 on the US Digital Song Sales chart.[14] The song had sold 12,000 downloads and garnered 1.3 million streams in its first week, and thus becoming Kari Jobe's and Elevation Worship's fourth top ten hit on Hot Christian Songs and Cody Carnes first top ten on the chart, as well as the highest debut for all three acts. The song is also the highest-charting faith-based song on Digital Song Sales chart in four years since Jordan Smith's rendition of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" peaked at No. 3 in December 2015.[14]

Music videos

On March 6, 2020, Elevation Worship released the live music video of "The Blessing" featuring Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes recorded at Elevation Church's Ballantyne campus on its YouTube channel.[15] Cody Carnes released a "Live from Home" performance video featuring Kari Jobe to YouTube on March 19, 2020.[16] On March 31, 2020, a "Living Room Session" performance video of the song was uploaded by Elevation Worship to YouTube.[17] Kari Jobe published the lyric video of the song on YouTube on April 8, 2020.[18]

Additionally, many worship leaders and churches throughout the world released cover versions in their native languages. A compilation cover video was released to Youtube on November 24, 2021 featuring 12,000 worshipers singing in 257 different languages.

Accolades

Awards
Year Organization Award Result Ref
2020 GMA Dove Awards Worship Recorded Song of the Year Won [19]
2021 Grammy Awards Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song Nominated [20]
Billboard Music Awards Top Christian Song Nominated [21]
GMA Dove Awards Song of the Year Won [22]

Track listing

"The Blessing (Live)"[23]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Blessing" (Live)
8:34
"The Blessing (Live)" – Apple Music bonus content[24]
No.TitleLength
2."The Blessing" (Live From Elevation Church Ballantyne, Charlotte, NC, March 1, 2020; Music Video)12:10
Total length:20:44
The Blessing EP – Kari Jobe[25]
No.TitleLength
1."The Blessing" (featuring Cody Carnes)7:03
2."The Blessing" (featuring Cody Carnes; Cinematic Version)6:41
3."The Blessing" (featuring Cody Carnes; Radio Version)4:33
4."The Blessing" (featuring Cody Carnes; Radio Alternate Version)4:33
5."The Blessing" (featuring Cody Carnes; Radio Alternate Version 2)4:33
Total length:27:53
The Blessing EP – Apple Music bonus content[24]
No.TitleLength
6."The Blessing" (featuring Cody Carnes; Studio Version/Lyric Video)7:04
Total length:34:57

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[6] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Version Date Format Label Ref.
Various Live March 20, 2020
[23][24]
United States Radio May 1, 2020 Christian radio [9]
Various EP
(Kari Jobe featuring Cody Carnes) 		May 22, 2020
  • Digital download
  • streaming
  • Sparrow
  • Capitol CMG
 [25]

Cover versions

"I'm so moved by this song and how quickly it came about, because this song is based on Scripture, the message is timeless, and we wanted to release it as quickly as we could, knowing the effect it could have on people's hearts and spirits immediately, as it did ours.

– Kari Jobe, on the decision to speedily release the song.[35]
  • Bethel Music and We the Kingdom collaborated on a rendition of the song which was released on Bethel's album, Peace (2020).[36][37] Bethel Music artist Sean Feucht released a live performance cover of the song featuring Emmy Rose to YouTube.[38]
  • In early April 2020, Selena Gomez released a video performing a cover of the song with Anna Golden and Liz Golden at home on Instagram.[39]
  • On Easter Sunday 2020, singers from almost 30 churches in Pittsburgh released "The Pittsburgh Blessing," the first in a series of similar compilations from cities, countries, and regions around the world.[40]
  • On May 3, The UK Blessing channel released a collective version that included contributions from over 65 United Kingdom churches and movements, and tens of other individuals,[41] coming together to sing the song online, with the aim of spreading hope and encouragement during the COVID-19 pandemic. The video included the message: "Churches around the UK have come together at this time, to sing a blessing over the nation"; and, "Our buildings may be closed, but the Church is Alive."[42][43]
  • On May 16, Canadian churches released their version, noting: "The Church in Canada is beautiful, broad and diverse and it is a nearly impossible task to accurately represent the full breadth of true diversity within the church in Canada from coast to coast to coast."[44][45]
  • On August 20, the New Zealand cover version was released. "The Blessing Aotearoa" features more than 200 individuals. This version is mostly in English with a verse in Te Reo Māori and parts in NZSL.[46]
  • On July 24, 2021, Justin Bieber performed the song along with Jobe and Carnes at SoFi Stadium during the "Freedom Experience", an event put on in order to help socially disadvantaged communities in southern California.[47][48][49]

References

  1. ^ a b "Elevation Worship Teams with Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes for "The Blessing"". Hallels. March 8, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  2. ^ Clarks, Jessie (September 18, 2020). "Kari Jobe Releases Three Songs From Upcoming Album". The Christian Beat. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Clarks, Jessie (March 8, 2020). "Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship Release "The Blessing (Live)"". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  4. ^ "The Blessing | Chords, Lyrics and Sheet Music | SongSelect®". SongSelect. CCLI. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Elevation Worship Chart History (Hot Christian Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  6. ^ a b "American single certifications – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, and Elevation Worship – The Blessing". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  7. ^ "Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation's "The Blessing: Live" Hits the Christian Charts on Debut | Music Times". Music Times. April 2, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  8. ^ "'The Blessing' Video Garners More than 3 Million Views". Premier Productions. March 20, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  9. ^ a b ""The Blessing" by Kari Jobe feat. Cody Carnes - 55 Promotion". 55 Promotion. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  10. ^ "The Blessing by Elevation Worship, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe". MultiTracks. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  11. ^ "Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes "The Blessing" Sheet Music (Leadsheet) in B Major (transposable) - Download & Print - SKU: MN0209094". Musicnotes. Retrieved April 5, 2020.
  12. ^ Numbers 6:22–27
  13. ^ "Over 100 Virtual Choirs Cover Elevation Worship's 'The Blessing'". Christian Headlines. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  14. ^ a b Asker, Jim (April 1, 2020). "All-Star Collab 'The Blessing: Live' Debuts on Christian Charts: 'We Pray This Song Will Bring Peace' | Billboard". Billboard. Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  15. ^ "The Blessing with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes | Live From Elevation Ballantyne | Elevation Worship - YouTube". YouTube. YouTube, LLC. March 20, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  16. ^ "The Blessing - Live From Home - YouTube". YouTube. YouTube, LLC. March 19, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  17. ^ "The Blessing | Living Room Session | At Midnight | Elevation Worship - YouTube". YouTube. YouTube, LLC. March 31, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  18. ^ "Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship - The Blessing (Live) [Official Lyric Video] - YouTube". YouTube. YouTube, LLC. April 8, 2020. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  19. ^ Grein, Paul (October 30, 2020). "For King & Country, Kanye West Among 2020 GMA Dove Awards Winners: Complete List | Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  20. ^ Warner, Denise (November 24, 2020). "2021 Grammy Nominations: See the Full List | Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
  21. ^ Longs, Herb (April 29, 2021). "Billboard Music Awards Announce 2021 Nominees For Top Christian/Gospel Artist, Song & Album - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  22. ^ "2021 Winners | The 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards". GMA Dove Awards. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  23. ^ a b "The Blessing (Live) by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Elevation Worship on Spotify". Spotify. March 20, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  24. ^ a b c "The Blessing (Live) - Single by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship on Apple Music". Apple Music. United States. March 20, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  25. ^ a b "The Blessing by Kari Jobe on Spotify". Spotify. May 22, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  26. ^ "Elevation Worship Chart History (Hot Canadian Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  27. ^ "Kari Jobe Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  28. ^ "Elevation Worship Chart History (Christian Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  29. ^ "Elevation Worship Chart History (Christian Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2020.
  30. ^ "Elevation Worship Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  31. ^ "Hot Christian Songs - Year-End | Billboard". Billboard. Billboard-Hollywood. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  32. ^ "Christian Airplay Songs - Year-End | Billboard". Billboard. Billboard-Hollywood. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  33. ^ "Christian AC Songs - Year-End | Billboard". Billboard. Billboard-Hollywood. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  34. ^ "Hot Christian Songs – Billboard". Billboard. Year-End Chart. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  35. ^ Clarks, Jessie (March 21, 2020). "Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes & Elevation Worship Release "The Blessing (Live)"". The Christian Beat. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  36. ^ Longs, Herb (April 10, 2020). "Bethel Music Drops Timely New Album Titled 'Peace'". The Christian Beat. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  37. ^ Yap, Timothy (April 10, 2020). "Bethel Music "Peace" Album Review : Exclusives : Hallels". Hallels. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  38. ^ Harper, Blessing (March 17, 2020). "Listen to Sean Feucht and Emmy Rose's Rendition of Elevation Worship's "The Blessing"". Hallels. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  39. ^ "All-Star Collab 'The Blessing: Live' Debuts on Christian Charts: 'We Pray This Song Will Bring Peace'". Billboard. April 1, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  40. ^ Fowler, Megan (July 29, 2020). "'The Blessing' Sung Around the World: 100 Virtual Choirs Spread Worship Anthem". Christianity Today. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  41. ^ Morris, Andrea (May 4, 2020). "Christians Unite to Sing 'The UK Blessing,' Powerful Message of Hope to Bless Others Goes Viral | CBN News". CBN News. Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  42. ^ "The UK Blessing – Churches sing 'The Blessing' over the UK - YouTube". YouTube. May 3, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  43. ^ Weston, Christopher (May 4, 2020). "What is The UK Blessing? YouTube phenomenon explained! – HITC". HITC. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  44. ^ "The Blessing - Canada". YouTube. May 16, 2020. Retrieved June 20, 2020.
  45. ^ Ritchie, Flyn (May 21, 2020). "Worship leaders sing with one voice to share 'The Blessing – Canada'". Church for Vancouver. Retrieved June 25, 2020.
  46. ^ "Christians united in song deliver beautiful blessing over Aotearoa". 1 NEWS. TVNZ. August 23, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  47. ^ Adelekan, Timothy (July 28, 2021). "Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes - The Blessing Ft. Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly & Chandler Moore". Gospelmetrics. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  48. ^ Paul, Larisha (July 15, 2021). "Justin Bieber To Headline SoFi Stadium's 'Freedom Experience' Event". uDiscover Music. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  49. ^ "Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Tori Kelly, and Chance the Rapper Lead Worship During Justin Bieber's Freedom Experience Concert". CBN News. July 31, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.