Michael Tait

Michael DeWayne Tait (born May 18, 1966) is an American contemporary Christian music artist. Tait met Toby McKeehan in 1984 when he was in high school. Both Tait and McKeehan and Michael met Kevin Max while attending Liberty University in the late 1980s, and together they formed four-time Grammy winning band DC Talk, releasing five acclaimed studio albums. Following the group's entrance into hiatus in 2000, Tait had success in a solo career, founding a self-titled band that toured until 2007. Following his solo band's dissolution, Tait was the lead singer of Newsboys from 2009 to 2025. Aside from singing, Tait is also a self-taught guitar player. Tait has a sister, Lynda Randle, who is a Southern Gospel singer.

On June 10, 2025, it was reported that Tait was alleged to have groomed and sexually assaulted several men. He subsequently admitted the allegations were "largely true", apologized and would continue to seek spiritual healing away from the public.

Musical career

DC Talk (1988–2001)

Michael Tait met Toby McKeehan in 1984 while he was in high school in the Washington, D.C. area, and together they began creating music. Michael Tait and Toby McKeehan both met Kevin Max while attending Liberty University in the mid-1980s. Together, all three formed the four-time Grammy winning band DC Talk and released 5 acclaimed studio albums. In 2000, the band announced a hiatus with the release of '' Intermission: the Greatest Hits'' while all three members devoted themselves to solo projects. The band has not toured together since 2001 (except for one time in Redmond, Washington in 2005 and when TobyMac made a surprise guest appearance at Winter Jam in 2010 in Nashville and sang "Jesus Freak" with Tait). The three have recorded four songs together since the announcement of the hiatus including the remix of "Atmosphere" on TobyMac's 2004 album '' Welcome to Diverse City'', a cover of the Prince song "The Cross" on Kevin Max's 2007 album '' The Blood'', "Love Feels Like" on TobyMac's 2015 album '' This Is Not a Test'' and "Let's Roll" following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Tait (1997–2007)

After DC Talk's hiatus was announced, Tait dedicated more time to his band Tait (which he named after his father, Nathel). Tait had partially formed this band around 1997. One of the original members was guitarist Pete Stewart (from the hard rock band Grammatrain), who is featured on the first album, but absent from the second one due to his departing the band to work on his own solo projects. In 2006, Tait announced that they were working on an album titled ''Loveology''. Though Michael is now touring as frontman for the Newsboys, he still has plans to release ''Loveology''. In an interview with John Dibiase of Jesusfreakhideout.com, he stated that ''Loveology'' is still in the works, and will be a separate project from the Newsboys. In the interview Michael said, "Loveology is going to become something we're going to be writing about very soon. I can't tell you now, but it's a project with the boys and I and Ben Moody, which is another whole music project."

Newsboys (2009–2025)

An official statement was released on March 9, 2009 that announced Michael Tait as the new lead singer of Newsboys. Coincidentally, Tait's former group, DC Talk toured with Newsboys in the 1990s. On March 7, 2009, Tait surprised the crowd by performing as Newsboys' lead singer for the first time and announcing that he would be the band's new lead singer. In the official statement released on March 9, Tait said, "For years DC Talk and Newsboys have been family and thus shared the same fans. When I received the initial call from Newsboys to consider joining the band as lead singer, I was speechless! I immediately sought wise counsel and flooded the heavens with endless prayers for insight and vision, and I soon received a clear and definite peace. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to perform my first show as Newsboys' front man to an audience of 12,000 people. I was completely wrapped in love and support by Newsboys' fans, who are clearly the best fans on the planet. Now I know this is exactly where I belong in this new and wonderful moment in my life's history. This is a definite highlight of my career and for my 20+ years of walking with Jesus, and I am humbled, proud and privileged to call myself a Newsboy."

Former Newsboys lead singer Peter Furler still provided lead vocals on the 2009 album ''In the Hands of God'', though Michael Tait provided supporting vocals, along with Jamie Rowe of Guardian. Furler's last performance as lead vocalist took place during a performance at Disney's Night of Joy 2009. Michael performed lead vocals for most of the songs, but Peter did come out to sing lead on the song "Breakfast".

In 2010, the reborn Newsboys announced information about their 15th studio album (and first with Tait on lead vocals), ''Born Again'', which was released on July 13. That was followed by '' Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday'', including a previously recorded Tait song. In 2011, '' God's Not Dead'', and the live follow-up, '' Newsboys Live in Concert: God's Not Dead'' in 2012, '' Restart'' in 2013, and '' Hallelujah for the Cross'' in 2014.

After the release of '' Love Riot'', and ''United'', the Newsboys released ''Stand'' on October 1, 2021. The band released a special version of the title track "Stand" with Toby Mac as a guest.

On January 16, 2025, Tait released a statement on social media saying he will be stepping down as lead singer of Newsboys. Adam Agee stepped up to the lead vocalist spot. On March 14, 2025, the band released their first single with Agee as the vocalist, "How Many Times (Oh How You Love Me)".

"Worldwide Revival (Deluxe)" was released on May 30, 2025. The album, while not titled "Part 2", is the second half of the project, and includes 4 more songs than "Worldwide Revival Part 1", giving it a total of 12 songs.

In June 2025, it was reported that Tait was alleged to have engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with three different men in 2004, 2010, and 2014. The remaining members of the band issued a statement saying that while Tait had confessed to "living a double life" as a reason for leaving the band, they were unaware of the allegations made against him prior to the reports. Furthermore, they expressed support to the victims involved and encouraged others to come forth.

Two days later, the band confessed that they heard rumors of Tait's behavior, which he denied when initially confronted about it. Following this development, several Christian radio stations removed the band's music from rotation, with the band being held responsible for perceived complicity in Tait's actions.

On June 10, Tait released a public statement admitting to the allegations, apologizing to the victims, the band, and everyone else affected by his actions. He stated furthermore that one reason for his abrupt departure was to seek treatment and counseling and vowed to continue pursuing repentance and spiritual healing away from the stage.

Other projects

Tait has also starred as Hero in '' !Hero''. He also contributed to various books, including the popular '' Jesus Freaks'' and ''Jesus Freaks II'' books. He has also contributed to the books '' Under God'' and '' Living Under God'' with DC Talk bandmate TobyMac.

Discography

with DC Talk

Studio albums

*'' DC Talk'' (1989)
*'' Nu Thang'' (1990)
*'' Free at Last'' (1992)
*'' Jesus Freak'' (1995)
*''Supernatural'' (1998)
*''Solo'' (2001)

with Tait

* '' Empty'' (2001)
* '' Lose This Life'' (2003)

with Newsboys

Studio albums

* ''Born Again'' (2010)
* '' God's Not Dead'' (2011)
* '' Restart'' (2013)
* '' Hallelujah for the Cross'' (2014)
* '' Love Riot'' (2016)
* ''United'' (2019)
* ''Stand'' (2021)
* ''Worldwide Revival (Pt. 1)'' (2024)

EPs

* ''Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday'' (2010)

Live albums

* '' Live in Concert: God's Not Dead'' (2012)

Guest appearances

* Carman - ''Addicted to Jesus'' - "Addicted to Jesus" (1992)
* Reality Check - ''Reality Check'' - "Apart from You" (1997)
* Rich Mullins - ''Canticle of the Plains'' (1997)
* Pete Stewart - ''Pete Stewart'' - "Uphill Battle" (1999)
* Point of Grace - ''A Christmas Story'' - "Light of the World" (1999)
* '' Roaring Lambs'' - "Salt and Light" (with Ashley Cleveland) (2000)
* Jaci Velasquez - '' Crystal Clear'' - "Center of Your Love" (2000)
* Jennifer Knapp - ''The Way I Am'' - "Say Won't You Say" (2001)
* '' City on a Hill: It's Christmas Time'' - "It's Christmas Time", "O Holy Night" (2002)
* Newsboys - "The Fad of the Land" - '' Thrive: From the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame'' (DVD) (2002)
* Third Day - '' Offerings II: All I Have to Give'' - "God of Wonders ive (2003)
* TobyMac - '' Welcome to Diverse City'' - "Atmosphere (remix featuring DC Talk)" (as DC Talk) (2004)
* '' In the Name of Love: Artists United for Africa'' - "One" ( U2 cover) (2004)
* DJ Maj - ''Boogiroot'' - "H.A.N.D.S." (2005)
* Building 429 - '' Rise'' - "Empty" (2006)
* Kevin Max - '' The Blood'' - "The Cross" (as DC Talk) (2007)
* Marc Scibilia - ''Fixity'' - "Worship Song" (2007)
* T-Bone - '' Bone-Appetit!'' - "Raised in Harlem" (2007). Previously released on '' !Hero'' (2003)
* Newsboys - '' In the Hands of God'' (2009)
* "Come Together Now (Music City Unites for Haiti)" ( charity single, relief effort led by Michael W. Smith) (2010)
* ''JakeACE'' - ''Get Down Everybody'' - "Wings Like Eagles" (2010)
* '' Music Inspired by The Story'' - "Bring Us Home (Joshua)" with Blanca Callahan from Group 1 Crew and Lecrae ( EMI Christian Music 2011)
* Karyn Williams - ''Only You'' - "Hey There" (2013)
* TobyMac;– '' This Is Not a Test'' - "Love Feels Like (featuring DC Talk)" (as DC Talk) (2015)
* TobyMac;– '' Hits Deep Live'' - "Love Feels Like ive (featuring DC Talk)" (as DC Talk) (2016)
* TobyMac - Life After Death-space( Ft Kevin max and Michael Tait)as DC Talk 2022

Music videos

With DC Talk

*"Heavenbound" (1989)
*"I Luv Rap Music" (1991)
*" Nu Thang" (1991)
*"Walls" (1992)
*" Jesus Is Just Alright" (1993)
*"The Hardway" (1994)
*"Luv Is a Verb" (1994)
*" Jesus Freak" (1995)
*" Between You and Me" (1996)
*" Colored People" (1997)
*"Day by Day" (1997)
*"My Friend, So Long" (1998)
*"Consume Me" (1999)

With Tait

*"Altars" (2001)
*" Lose This Life" (2003)

With Newsboys

*"Born Again" (2010)
*"Miracles" (2011)
*" God's Not Dead (Like a Lion)" (2012)
*"Live With Abandon" (2013)
*"That's How You Change The World" (2014)
*"We Believe" (2014)
*"Guilty" rom the film ''God's Not Dead 2''">God's_Not_Dead_2.html" ;"title="rom the film ''God's Not Dead 2">rom the film ''God's Not Dead 2''(2015)
*"Crazy" (2016)
*"Hero" (2016)
*"Guilty" (2016)

Video guest appearances

*"Addicted to Jesus" by Carman (1992)
*"AKA Public School" by Audio Adrenaline (1993)
*"I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe (2001)
*"Thrive: Live from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" by Newsboys (2002)
*"Mountaintop" by The City Harmonic (2013)

Personal life

Family

Tait has five sisters, one of whom is Southern gospel alto singer Lynda Randle. He also has three brothers.

Politics

Tait told Fox News Radio host Todd Starnes in February 2016 that he supported Ted Cruz for president in the 2016 election.Christian Recording Artist Says He Supports Ted Cruz
/ref> Tait signed a letter opposing President Donald Trump's impeachment in December 2019 and also participated in the Evangelicals for Trump rally in January 2020.

In 2021, he appeared on '' Candace'', a political commentary show hosted by conservative activist Candace Owens.

Sexual assault allegations

In June 2025, it was reported that Tait groomed and assaulted three different men in 2004, 2010, and 2014, respectively. Two of them alleged that Tait assaulted them while they were intoxicated and asleep.
All three men were in their twenties at the time of the actions and feared they would be blacklisted in the Christian music industry if they revealed the incidents.

Shortly after the report, the remaining members of Newsboys issued a statement expressing disappointment with the allegations against Tait. While they admitted that Tait had privately revealed leading "a double life" as a factor in his leaving the band, they claimed to be unaware of the extent of it. Furthermore, they expressed support towards the victims involved and encouraged others to step forward. A few days later, they admitted that they heard rumors of Tait's behavior and confronted him about it, but he denied any misconduct. As a result, all music from DC Talk and Newsboys was removed from many radio stations, including radio station K-Love.

On June 10, Tait issued a statement on his Instagram page admitting that the allegations of sexual misconduct were "largely true," and also admitted to touching "men in an unwanted sensual way" as well as at least two decades of cocaine and alcohol abuse. He said that his abrupt departure from Newsboys came because he was "tired of living a double life," and wanted to seek professional help and counseling. Furthermore, he expressed remorse and apologized to all who were affected by his actions and would continue to pursue repentance and spiritual healing away from the stage.

On June 13, ''The Guardian'' reported the results of its own investigation into Tait's conduct. Three men claimed Tait sexually assaulted them. Two of them said Tait assaulted them after plying them with drugs or alcohol; one of them said he was 16 at the time of the assault. Four others claimed Tait fondled them or made passes at them. ''The Guardian'' also spoke with 25 people with ties to Christian music who said Tait's drug addiction and abusive behavior was well known in the CCM community; one of them said it was "the biggest open secret in Christian music."

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tait, Michael
1966 births
Living people
20th-century African-American male singers
20th-century American male singers
20th-century evangelicals
21st-century African-American male singers
21st-century American male singers
21st-century evangelicals
African-American Christians
American evangelicals
American performers of Christian music
DC Talk members
Liberty University alumni
Newsboys members
Performers of contemporary Christian music