Koryn Hawthorne facts for kids

Koryn Mattanah Hawthorne (born December 26, 1997) is an American singer. She is known for her contemporary Christian music and gospel songs. When she was 17, Koryn was a finalist on NBC's singing show The Voice in season 8. She was part of Pharrell Williams's team.

After finishing fourth on the show, Koryn signed with RCA Inspiration. This is a part of Sony Music that focuses on gospel music. Her first album, Unstoppable, came out on July 13, 2018. This album earned her many awards and nominations, including two Grammy nominations.

Koryn's Music Journey

Starting on The Voice (2015)

Koryn Hawthorne tried out for the 8th season of The Voice. She sang "My Kind of Love" by Emeli Sandé. Both Christina Aguilera and Pharrell Williams wanted her on their team. Koryn chose Christina Aguilera as her coach.

In the Battle rounds, Koryn sang "Love Me Harder" with Vance Smith. Christina Aguilera picked Koryn to move forward. During the Knockout rounds, Koryn sang "Try" but lost to Kimberly Nichole. However, Pharrell Williams "stole" her for his team, and she continued in the competition.

During the Playoffs, she sang "How Great Thou Art". The public could only save two artists from Pharrell's team, and Koryn was not chosen. But Pharrell saved her himself. The next week, she sang Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" and the public voted to save her.

In the Top 10, Koryn performed "Make It Rain" by Foy Vance. This song became very popular, reaching the third spot on iTunes. The next week, she sang "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys and was saved again.

In the Top 6, Koryn showed her rock side. She sang "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M and "Dream On" by Aerosmith. In the Top 5, she sang "One" by U2 and the traditional song "Oh Mary Don't You Weep". She ended up in the bottom two. For her last chance, she sang "If I Were a Boy" by Beyoncé and was saved.

In the finale, Koryn performed "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" by James Brown. She also sang "We Can Work It Out" by The Beatles with her coach Pharrell Williams. She also performed her own song, "Bright Fire," which Pharrell wrote. Koryn finished in 4th place on the show.

The Voice Performances List

     – Studio version of performance reached the top 10 on iTunes

Signing a Record Deal and First EP (2016–2017)

After The Voice, Koryn Hawthorne signed with RCA Inspiration. This is a record label that focuses on gospel music. She started working on her first songs. In 2016, she appeared on the TV show Mary Mary. There, she met producer Warryn Campbell, who later helped her create her music.

She also recorded a song for the TV show Saints & Sinners. In 2017, Koryn worked with Christian artist Branan Murphy on the song "All the Wrong Things". She also appeared on the TV show Greenleaf, where she sang "Won't He Do It" for the first time. This song became the main single from her first collection of songs.

Her first collection of four songs, called Koryn Hawthorne – EP, was released on August 11, 2017. Famous producers and songwriters helped her create this music. The EP earned Koryn two Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominations. She was nominated for New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year.

First Album and Grammy Nominations (2018–2019)

Koryn's first full album, Unstoppable, came out on July 13, 2018. It quickly reached number 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. The main song from the album, "Won't He Do It", also reached number 1 on three major Billboard gospel charts. Koryn was the first woman in five years to top four gospel charts at the same time. She also held the number 1 spot on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs Chart for the longest time as a female artist.

In July 2018, Koryn joined other Christian artists like Jeremy Camp and Matthew West for the Summer Lights Tour. She was also featured on Aaron Cole's song "Down Like That".

Later in 2018, Koryn was nominated for two GMA Dove Awards. She won the award for Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year for "Won't He Do It". In November 2018, she performed "Won't He Do It" at the Soul Train Awards.

In February 2019, the music video for her song "Unstoppable" was released, featuring Lecrae. Koryn received a nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song ("Won't He Do It") at the 61st Grammy Awards. She also received seven Stellar Awards nominations and two NAACP Image Awards nominations, winning one from each. She was also nominated for three Billboard Music Awards in 2019.

In August 2019, Koryn sang "Enough" for the soundtrack of the movie Overcomer. She received her second Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song ("Speak the Name") at the 62nd Grammy Awards. In December 2019, her song "Won't He Do It" was officially certified Gold. This means it sold over 500,000 copies.

New Music: I AM (2020–Present)

On July 24, 2020, Koryn released "Pray". This was the first song from her second album. It reached number 1 on Billboard's Gospel Digital Song Sales chart. On August 7, 2020, the second song from the album, "Speak to Me", was released. Koryn's second album, I AM, came out on September 18, 2020.

For the second year in a row, Koryn Hawthorne was nominated for Billboard's Top Gospel Artist award. She was also nominated for the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the BET Soul Train Awards 2020.

In February 2021, Koryn was nominated for the Best Gospel/Christian Album at the NAACP Image Awards. She was also nominated for three categories at the Billboard Music Awards 2021. Her song "Speak to Me" was nominated for two categories at the 52nd GMA Dove Awards.

Musical Inspirations

Koryn Hawthorne looks up to many artists who have influenced her music. Some of her main inspirations include Etta James, Mary J. Blige, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, and Kirk Franklin.

Koryn's Music Albums

Studio Albums

EPs (Extended Plays)

Singles

As the Main Artist

Other Songs That Charted

Promotional Singles

As a Featured Artist

Songs from The Voice

Albums

Competition Singles

Awards and Nominations

American Music Awards

Billboard Music Awards

GMA Dove Awards

Grammy Award

NAACP Image Awards

Stellar Gospel Music Awards

Soul Train Awards

See also

In Spanish: Koryn Hawthorne para niños