Matthew West, an award-winning artist and songwriter from Illinois, began his career writing hits for others before making his mark as a Christian music star. Initially pursuing baseball, he shifted focus after earning a music scholarship at Millikin University, where he released several independent albums. Signed in 2003, his major-label debut Happy won a Dove Award, followed by History in 2005. After vocal surgery in 2007, West returned stronger with Something to Say and its hit single “You Are Everything.” Albums like Live Forever and All In cemented his success, and he launched his own label in 2020 with Brand New. His 2023 double album, My Story Your Glory, showcased his enduring impact, with the 2024 single “Don’t Stop Praying” seeing tremendous success.