Billboard Christian Charts The first Billboard chart dedicated to Christian music published in 1980: Top Christian Albums, then named Best Selling Inspirational LPs. The genre holds onto its stars, as evidenced by the long-lasting careers and chart histories of acts including Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and others who continue to thrive. Into the 1990s, Christian rockers led the list, such as dc Talk, Jars of Clay, Petra, P.O.D and Third Day. Even from the earliest charts, country has crossed over into the genre, from Kenny Rogers to LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood. In 2003, Billboard initiated the Christian Airplay and Christian AC Airplay charts. Hot Christian Songs, like the Billboard Hot 100, today blends streaming, airplay and sales, with data for all Christian charts, including those ranking streaming and sales specifically, provided to Billboard by Luminate. In the 2020s, social media has helped newer artists make their mark, evidenced by the success of acts including Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake and Josiah Queen.