Dena Ross: June 2008 Archives

It's pretty much inevitable that sometime this summer you'll hear Katy Perry's hit single "I Kissed a Girl" blaring out of someone's car, or in a dance club, or in a department store, if you haven't already. And, if you aren't looking for any kind of spiritual enlightenment and just want to hear a cool song with a great beat and interesting lyrics, you just might find yourself dancing or even (gasp!) singing along to it, as I have.

However, as Beliefnet's Gospel Soundcheck blogger Joanne Brokaw points out, up until a few years ago, Katy Perry was known in the Christian music industry as Katy Hudson, daughter of two pastors, and released a self-titled, faith-based album in 2001. Obviously, this is causing a stir in some circles.

In a recent ABCNews.com piece, which explores Perry's conversion from Christian singer to sexpot pop star, Joe Levy, Editor in Chief of Blender magazine, says of Perry, "I don't think she fits in with other Christian music artists who transition to pop success. She didn't transition--she stopped dead, reinvented herself, became an artist who has nothing to do with Christian music. It's a footnote in her career. It looks like who she is now is who she wants to be, slightly outrageous and very cute. And right now that's working."

Our friends, Christian rockers P.O.D., are offering you a chance to download their upcoming single, "Shine with Me"--set to hit radio July 15--for free, from now until September 30. Click on the photo below to download the song, and when you're finished, be sure to click here to read our new interview with P.O.D.'s lead singer, Sonny Sandoval.

For more Christian music news, reviews, interviews, and more, check out our Christian music channel and Christian music blog, Gospel Soundcheck.

You probably remember child stars Kirk Cameron and his sister Candace for their roles on "Growing Pains" (Mike Seaver) and "Full House" (D.J. Tanner) respectively--but did you know that they are now both Christian entertainers?

Kirk is currently working with his Christian ministry, "The Way of the Master," and will be starring in the upcoming movie "Fireproof." He's also just released his autobiography, "Still Growing."

Currently, Candace is starring in the new Christian movie "The Wager," alongside country singer Randy Travis who plays an actor struggling to save his marriage, his faith, and mend his damaged career. Candace plays a fellow actor trying to seduce him.

Beliefnet has 5 copies "Still Growing" as well as 5 DVD copies of "The Wager." We will give away 5 prize packs consisting of one copy of the DVD and one copy of the book.

Want a Cameron family prize pack?

Post a comment below by July 10th answering the question: "What has been the biggest test of your faith?" Make sure you include your email address in the designated area (it won't be made public). The 5 best responses--based on the judgment of the Idol Chatter editors--will win a prize pack consisting of one DVD and one book.

For complete rules and regulations click here.

And stay tuned to Beliefnet for upcoming interviews with Candace and Kirk!

In the movie "Bonneville" (available on DVD on June 24th), a widow, played by Jessica Lange, must decide whether to give her newly-deceased husband's ashes to her mean step-daughter in order to keep her home, or keep them and lose everything she has. In the process of deciding, she takes her Mormon pals, played by Kathy Bates and Joan Allen, on a road trip in her late-husband's prized Bonneville. Watch a clip from the movie below.

If you're a fan of Christian hip-hop superstar tobyMac, his new DVD/CD collection, "Alive and Transported"--his first live album-- is a must-have. Featuring versions of some of his most popular songs, such as "Jesus Freak" and "No Ordinary Love," the set also includes videos of the show and other special features.

Beliefnet has 5 copies of the DVD/CD set to give away.

Want a copy?

Post a comment below by June 30th answering the question: "When do you feel most alive?" Make sure you include your email address in the designated area (it won't be made public). The 5 best responses--based on the judgment of the Idol Chatter editors--will win a copy.

For complete rules and regulations click here.

And, after you've entered, check out our Q & A with the man himself, tobyMac.

Starting today, every Monday, our Gospel Soundcheck blogger, Joanne Brokaw will post a trivia question about Christian music. Check out today's question here and be sure to return to Gospel Soundcheck on Wednesday for the answer!...

What?! The devil is not the greatest threat to salvation? Watch this funny news report from "Family Guy."...

As you may have read in Sherry Huang's Idol Chatter post yesterday, a new parody website, Disbeliefnet.com, has just launched. Designed as a marketing tool promoting Bill Maher's upcoming documentary, "Religulous"--which will explore the problems with religion in the world--...

If you love Christian music of all kinds, you'll love our brand new blog, Gospel Soundcheck. Written by music journalist, Joanne Brokaw, the blog will include reviews, commentary, interviews, video, and more on your favorite Christian artists and music--everything from...