The Powerful Voice Bridging Gospel and Mainstream R&B
Who Is Koryn Hawthorne?
Koryn Hawthorne, born Koryn Mattanah Hawthorne in 1997 in Abbeville, is one of the most influential voices in modern Urban Gospel music. She first gained national attention at age 17 as a finalist on The Voice Season 8, finishing in fourth place on Pharrell Williams’ team.Since then, she has broken barriers between Gospel, R&B, and Pop music. Signed to RCA Inspiration, Koryn became the first female Gospel artist in several years to receive RIAA Gold certification. She is often nicknamed “the little girl with the big voice.”
Career & Journey
| Period |
Key Moment |
| 2015 |
Appeared on The Voice USA. Her blind audition performance of “My Kind of Love” went viral, and Pharrell Williams became her mentor |
| 2017 |
Signed with RCA Inspiration. Her breakout single “Won’t He Do It” became a massive Gospel hit and topped Billboard Gospel Airplay charts |
| 2018 |
Released her debut album Unstoppable, which reached #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart |
| 2020 |
Released the album I AM featuring songs like “Pray” and “Speak to Me.” She also appeared as a guest judge on Sunday Best |
| 2023–2026 |
Continued her success with the album On God and major touring appearances. In 2026, she announced the collaboration “Know You” with Lecrae |
Musical Style & Signature
Voice : Koryn Hawthorne possesses a powerful contralto voice filled with soul, grit, and emotion. She can move from soft vulnerability to explosive worship within moments.
Message : Her music carries a bold, faith-driven message centered on victory, prayer, identity, perseverance, and spiritual strength. She openly rejects “watered-down Gospel.”
Sound : Her sound combines: 90s-style R&B | Urban Gospel Trap-inspired rhythms Traditional church choir influences
Her music works both on mainstream radio and in church environments.
5 Essential Songs for 940 Gospel Radio
Won't He Do It : Her breakthrough hit and one of the defining Gospel songs of the late 2010s.
Pray : A powerful anthem about trusting God through uncertainty and difficult seasons.
Speak to Me : A vulnerable piano-driven worship ballad filled with honesty and emotional depth.
Sunday : A modern Urban Gospel track mixing uplifting lyrics with contemporary production.
Unstoppable : An energetic motivational anthem encouraging listeners to walk confidently in faith.
Impact & Legacy
Awards & Recognition ,Koryn Hawthorne has received:
She also became one of the few Gospel artists to perform on mainstream television platforms and award shows.
Influence : She helped create space for younger Gospel artists within the R&B and Hip-Hop world, while staying rooted in Christian faith and worship.
Culture & Media
Koryn has performed at: The White House | Essence Festival | Super Bowl Gospel Celebration events
Minisrty : She speaks openly about anxiety, mental health, and self-worth, and launched initiatives encouraging young women to embrace confidence and faith.
Did You Know?
1. Her middle name, Mattanah, means “gift” in Hebrew. Her parents believed music was part of her calling from birth.
2. Pharrell Williams once said:
“When Koryn sings, you forget she’s only 17. She sounds like someone with decades of life experience.”
3. Koryn reportedly turned down several secular Pop opportunities in order to remain focused on Gospel music and ministry.
2026 Update
In 2026, Koryn Hawthorne continues expanding her influence with the release of “Know You” featuring Lecrae — a Gospel and Hip-Hop collaboration.She is also recording a live project titled Koryn: Live in New Orleans, expected in early 2027, while serving as an ambassador for educational and youth empowerment initiatives.Based in Nashville, she remains active in church ministry and surprise worship appearances.
Signature Quote
“I’m not here just to be a Gospel singer. I’m here to be a daughter of God who sings. If it inspires people, if it brings healing, then I’ve done my job.” — Koryn Hawthorne
