Jay DeMarcus Explains Surge in Country + Christian Collaborations

Rascal Flatts member sees 'perfect marriage' between country and faith-based music

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Jay DeMarcus of the country group Rascal Flatts discussed the recent surge in faith-based country music and collaborations between country and Christian artists. DeMarcus noted that country music listeners and artists share core values with Christian artists, making the two genres a "perfect marriage." He cited examples of country songs that have incorporated religious themes, including Rascal Flatts' own songs "My Wish" and "Bless the Broken Road." DeMarcus also pointed to recent Grammy wins for songs blending country and Christian music, as well as the crossover success of Christian artist Anne Wilson into the country genre.

Why it matters

The growing popularity of faith-based country music highlights the strong connection between country music and Christian values, as well as the ability of artists to reach broader audiences by blending genres. This trend reflects the shared sensibilities of country music fans and the Christian community, and demonstrates the commercial viability of music that appeals to both.

The details

DeMarcus explained that country music listeners and artists tend to share the same core values as Christian artists, making collaborations between the two genres a "perfect marriage." He cited examples of country stars like Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson, Josh Turner, and Carrie Underwood incorporating religious themes and references to Jesus into their music. DeMarcus also pointed to recent Grammy wins for songs that blended country and Christian music, as well as the crossover success of Christian artist Anne Wilson into the country genre.

  • In 2006, Alan Jackson released a gospel-country album called "Precious Memories".
  • In 2006, Josh Turner had a hit with the song "Me and God" that blended country and religious themes.
  • In 2005, Carrie Underwood released the crossover hit "Jesus, Take the Wheel".

The players

Jay DeMarcus

A member of the country group Rascal Flatts and a record label owner.

Rascal Flatts

A popular country music group known for incorporating faith-based themes into their music.

Jelly Roll

A country artist who collaborated with Christian artist Brandon Lake on the Grammy-winning song "Hard Fought Hallelujah".

Anne Wilson

A Christian music artist who has found success crossing over into the country genre.

Alan Jackson

A veteran country artist who released a gospel-country album in 2006.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's a wonderful thing. Country music listeners, fans and artists share the same core values as Christian artists do. I think it's a perfect marriage.”

— Jay DeMarcus, Rascal Flatts member (1043wowcountry.com)

“I think that the people that show up at a Rascal Flatts concert are the same folks that listen to K-Love radio while they're driving down the highway.”

— Jay DeMarcus, Rascal Flatts member (1043wowcountry.com)

What’s next

The continued success of faith-based country music collaborations and crossover artists will likely lead to more artists exploring this space and further blending of the country and Christian music genres.

The takeaway

The growing popularity of country music that incorporates religious themes and collaborations with Christian artists reflects the shared values and sensibilities of country music fans and the Christian community. This trend demonstrates the commercial viability of music that appeals to both audiences and the ability of artists to reach broader audiences by bridging genres.