Colton Dixon is fast becoming a familiar name within the world of Christian music. And the 21-year-old Murfreesboro, Tennessee native sure won't get lost in a crowd either, with his signature Mohawk hairstyle and handsome good looks. We were first introduced to Colton and his now 18-year-old sister Schyler when they both originally auditioned for the tenth season of American Idol in 2011. But neither of them made it very far until the next year, when he was really only there to support her as she auditioned for the second time. The judges remembered him (maybe his hair?) and coaxed him to give it a try. They both got further this time around, but only Colton moved on to the top twelve, finishing seventh during season eleven.

While Colton's sound can definitely be classified as rock, he's not at all shy about writing and performing these tunes with faith-based lyrics. His musical influences include former American Idol favorites Daughtry and David Cook, along with the bands Skillet, Switchfoot and Lifehouse, whose song "Everything," his favorite worship song, is one that he performed while on the show. I know that song has great meaning for him, but my personal favorite was when did an amazing rendition of Billy Joel's classic "Piano Man" and made it his own.

The CD A Messenger ("A servant isn't greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the One who sent him." - John 13:16) released on January 29 this year and debuted at number one on both Billboard Music's Christian and Gospel charts, making Colton the highest selling new solo Christian artist in SoundScan history. Current American Idol top five contestant Angie Miller performed Colton's song "Never Gone" on the March 5 show and received rave responses from all four judges. He's currently out on "The Miracle Tour" with headliners Third Day and singer-songwriter Josh Wilson. And Schyler has performed with Colton and Third Day during some of the shows.

I had the pleasure of meeting this talented young man for a homecoming at his high school, Middle Tennessee Christian, and again at an album release gathering at the EMI offices. One can immediately sense a genuine sincerity flowing from him. With his God-given talents of singing, songwriting, piano/keyboard skills and his heart for Jesus, Colton Dixon could well be the Michael W. Smith of the next generation.