Bart Millard's Unimaginable Journey: 5 Shocking Facts About The MercyMe Frontman In 2025

Bart Millard is a name synonymous with one of the most successful songs in Christian music history, "I Can Only Imagine," yet his journey and current work in late 2025 continue to captivate millions. The lead singer and primary songwriter for the multi-platinum selling band MercyMe is more than just a musical powerhouse; he is a storyteller whose life has been transparently shared through blockbuster films and chart-topping albums.

As of late 2025, Millard remains incredibly active, balancing a major national tour, the release of MercyMe’s 12th studio album, and the exciting development of a sequel to the film based on his life. This article dives deep into the latest updates, his enduring legacy, and the personal battles that continue to shape his influential career in Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).

Bart Millard: Complete Biography and Profile

Bart Marshall Millard is an American singer and songwriter, best known as the frontman for the Christian rock and pop band MercyMe. His life story, marked by childhood abuse and eventual reconciliation with his father, became the subject of the 2018 biographical film I Can Only Imagine.

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• Full Name: Bart Marshall Millard
• Date of Birth: December 1, 1972
• Place of Birth: Greenville, Texas, U.S.
• Best Known For: Lead singer and primary songwriter of MercyMe; author of the hit song "I Can Only Imagine."
• Spouse: Shannon Millard (married for over 20 years)
• Children: Five (including son Sam, who has Type 1 Diabetes)
• Band: MercyMe (formed in 1994)
• Solo Albums: Hymned, №1 (2005) and Hymned Again (2008)
• Recent Projects (2025): MercyMe album Wonder & Awe; host of the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards; production start for I Can Only Imagine 2.
• Genre: Contemporary Christian Music, Christian Rock, Pop

The Latest Chapter: MercyMe’s New Album and Tour in 2025

Maintaining a relentless pace, Bart Millard and MercyMe have cemented their status as one of CCM’s most enduring acts. The year 2025 brought significant new material and live performances, proving their relevance decades into their career.

Awe and Wonder: The New Album Release

MercyMe released their twelfth studio album, Wonder & Awe, on August 8, 2025, through Fair Trade Services. The album's title and theme were inspired by Millard's observation of a "lack of awe" within the modern church, prompting him to write songs that encourage listeners to regain a sense of wonder in their faith. The project, which includes the track "Make It Well," demonstrates Millard's continuing role as the band's chief lyricist and composer.

MercyMe Live 2025: On the Road

To support the new release, MercyMe embarked on a major tour in 2025. The MercyMe Live 2025 tour featured special guests Zach Williams and Sam Wesley, bringing their signature mix of powerful ballads and upbeat anthems to audiences across the country. Millard's stage presence and ability to connect with fans have made these live events a must-see for Christian music enthusiasts, showcasing the band's tight musicianship alongside members like Barry Graul, Nathan Cochran, Robby Shaffer, and Mike Scheuchzer.

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5 Shocking Facts About Bart Millard's Life and Career

Beyond the music, Bart Millard's life is a tapestry of personal struggles, faith, and unexpected triumphs that few people fully realize. These facts highlight the depth of his character and the breadth of his influence.

1. The Sequel is Coming: Production Starts for 'I Can Only Imagine 2'

Perhaps the most surprising news of 2025 is the announcement of a sequel to the highly successful 2018 film, I Can Only Imagine, which chronicled Millard's turbulent relationship with his abusive father, Arthur Millard, and his father's eventual redemption. The follow-up film, tentatively titled I Can Only Imagine 2, is set to begin production in the spring of 2025, a collaborative effort between Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate. The original film, starring J. Michael Finley as Bart Millard and Dennis Quaid as Arthur Millard, became a box-office phenomenon, and the sequel promises to delve deeper into Millard's life after the song's massive success.

2. He Hosted the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards

In a testament to his standing in the industry, Bart Millard was selected to host the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards. This high-profile role required him to engage with the biggest names in Christian music, including director Andy Erwin and singer-songwriter Tim Timmons, showcasing his versatility beyond just performing. His hosting gig was a major highlight of the year, further solidifying his position as a central figure in the CCM community.

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3. His Son's Chronic Illness Inspired a Song

Millard's songwriting is often deeply personal, and this remains true in his family life. He has openly shared the emotional journey of caring for his son, Sam Millard, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of two. This experience with chronic illness inspired the song "Make It Well" from the *Wonder & Awe* album, serving as a powerful reminder of the real-life challenges he faces. He and his wife, Shannon Millard (his childhood sweetheart), emphasize that family remains the center of their lives, providing a grounded foundation amidst the demands of fame.

4. He is a Two-Time Solo Artist

While known primarily for MercyMe, Millard has also pursued a successful solo career focused on traditional hymns. He released two solo albums: Hymned, №1 (2005) and Hymned Again (2008). His first solo effort was so well-received that he charted as the top-selling new Christian artist in the year of its release, demonstrating his ability to connect with audiences outside of the MercyMe band format.

5. The Song's Success Was (Initially) Terrifying

The success of "I Can Only Imagine" was so monumental that it crossed over into mainstream pop charts, becoming the best-selling Christian single of all time. While a blessing, Millard has admitted that the sheer magnitude of the song's popularity was initially overwhelming and even terrifying. The song, written after the death of his father, became a global phenomenon, forever changing his life and the trajectory of MercyMe. This level of unexpected, colossal success is a rarity in the music industry, particularly for a song with such profound religious themes.

Bart Millard's Enduring Topical Authority

Bart Millard’s influence extends far beyond his discography. His willingness to share a painful, yet ultimately redemptive, personal story has given him topical authority on themes of forgiveness, grief, and faith. The success of the film and the ongoing demand for MercyMe's music—including the latest *Wonder & Awe* album—confirms that his message resonates deeply with a global audience. Millard continues to use his platform to discuss important issues, such as the challenges of marriage and raising a family while touring, which he and Shannon have openly discussed with organizations like Focus on the Family. His commitment to authenticity, from the stage to his personal life, is what makes him a truly unique and enduring figure in modern music.