Michael W. Smith

=== ''A Million Lights'' and ''Surrounded'' (2017–present) ===

On August 11, 2017, Smith released a new single, "A Million Lights", which marks a departure from his previous sound.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael W. Smith Releases 'A Million Lights' Single Today|url=http://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=2531|website=newreleasetoday.com|publisher=NewReleaseToday|access-date=October 27, 2017|date=August 11, 2017}}</ref> It is the lead single and title track from his [[A Million Lights (Michael W. Smith album)|pop album]] released on February 16, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Patrick|title=Michael W. Smith is lost in space in 'A Million Lights' video|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/10/24/exclusive-michael-w-smith-lost-space-uplifting-a-million-lights-video/785063001/|work=USA Today|access-date=October 27, 2017|date=October 24, 2017}}</ref> A week after, on February 23, 2018, Smith released another album called ''[[Surrounded (Michael W. Smith album)|Surrounded]]'' which is his first live worship album in ten years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Two For February: Second album by Michael W Smith to be released in February|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Two_For_February/61797/p1/|website=Cross Rhythms|access-date=January 12, 2018|date=January 2, 2018}}</ref> The two albums became his 30th and 31st top 10 entries in ''Billboard'''s Top Christian Albums chart, the most among solo artists in the span of his career.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Asker|first1=Jim|title=Passion, Michael W. Smith & Jekalyn Carr Debut on Christian & Gospel Charts|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8238637/passion-michael-w-smith-christian-gospel-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 14, 2018|date=March 8, 2018}}</ref>

In May 2018, Smith launched a new children's book series, ''Nurturing Steps'', which he created with [[VeggieTales]] co-creator Mike Nawrocki. The first book, ''Nighty Night and Good Night'', was released May 8. He also released his first children's album, ''Lullaby'', to accompany the book.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lundin|first1=Marcus|title=Michael W. Smith Launches 'Nurturing Steps,' Releases 'Lullaby' Music Album, New Book For Infants, Toddlers|url=http://www.breathecast.com/articles/michael-w-smith-launches-nurturing-steps-releases-lullaby-music-album-new-book-for-infants-toddlers-37758/|website=breathecast.com|access-date=May 18, 2018|date=April 8, 2018}}</ref>

On August 30, 2018, Smith hosted a free event at Nashville's [[Bridgestone Arena]] called "Surrounded: A Night to Pray, Worship and Be Awakened". The event will be broadcast on [[Trinity Broadcasting Network|TBN]] later this year in 175 countries worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/michael-w-smith-to-spearhead-next-great-awakening-singer-to-fulfill-prophecy-over-nashville-226911/|title=Michael W. Smith to Spearhead Next Great Awakening? Singer to Fulfill Prophecy Over Nashville|access-date=September 16, 2018}}</ref>

On February 22, 2019, Smith released ''Awaken: The Surrounded Experience'', a live worship album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/artists/MichaelWSmith.asp|title=Michael W. Smith Discography, Michael W. Smith Artist Database {{!}} Jesusfreakhideout.com|website=www.jesusfreakhideout.com|access-date=February 23, 2019}}</ref>

Smith released a live album of worship music, ''Worship Forever'', to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, which is also the date in which his original album ''Worship'' was released.{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} It was also accompanied by a live concert on TBN.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iILJ2gy_IcA|title=Michael W. Smith: Worship Forever &#124; Amy Grant, Tauren Wells, and Matt Redman &#124; FULL CONCERT &#124; TBN|accessdate=January 20, 2022|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

In March 2024, Smith released his worship EP ''Worthy is the Lamb'' which was recorded at [[Belmont University]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Woolum |first1=Brandon |title=Michael W. Smith Releases New EP 'Worthy Is The Lamb' |url=https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/michael-w-smith-releases-new-ep-worthy-is-the-lamb/ |website=CCM Magazine |access-date=13 April 2024 |date=18 March 2024}}</ref>