Austin French

French grew up in the small town of Cordele, Georgia. When he was young, he wished to be a contemporary Christian artist who wrote songs that "shared his faith and passion for Jesus." He formed bands learning to take his music to stages, churches, and anyone who would listen. He toured while in high school. "We would fill up the church van or my best friend's Suburban and drive, praying that we would make it to the gigs without breaking down, just to play for 10 people and then do it again every weekend we could," says French. He saw a passion and calling from God to share music which was "rooted in the gospel." He started leading music at Journey Church, in Tifton at the age of 18 and became the full-time worship pastor. He met his wife, Joscelyn French, at the church. He led musicians and the congregation in worship for three years.^[5]

In 2014, French was featured on the first season of the ABC TV show "Rising Star". He performed songs such as "Bless the Broken Road" and "If I Ain't Got You".^[6][7] He impressed millions of viewers working with guest judges Ludacris, Kesha, and Brad Paisley and making it to the finale.^[8] He finished as the runner-up on the show and had the opportunity to share the stage with multi-platinum recording artist, Josh Groban.^[9]

After Rising Star, French began working in the CCM industry. He found his manager and CEO of One One 7, Jason Davis, a manager/partner with First Company Management. Through many writing trips to Nashville, French expanded his ministry and developed as a performer. His passion for ministry led him to move with his family to Delray Beach, serving as the worship pastor at The Avenue Church. While there, French continued to write and travel to Nashville, writing songs and making friendships which were vital in the industry. He signed a record deal with Fair Trade Services, a record label home for artists including the Newsboys, MercyMe, Phil Wickham, Laura Story, Hawk Nelson, and several other successful Christian artists.^[5]

French released his debut single "Freedom Hymn" on December 8, 2017.^[10] A lyric video was released on September 19, 2017.^[11] The single peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Top 10. According to Billboard, the song increased by seven percent to 6.8 million impressions reaching No. 7 on the Christian Airplay chart.^[12] His debut album Wide Open was released on September 7, 2018 and features 12 songs including "Freedom Hymn", "Wide Open", "Why God", "Born Again", and "Good Feeling," all singles.^[13] The album charted on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and Heatseekers Albums charts, at Nos. 30 and 9 respectively.^[14] "Good Feeling" was featured in the teaser trailer for the 2025 Pixar film Elio.^[15]

In 2024, French accompanied Christian band Big Daddy Weave for the spring leg of the band's ongoing Heaven Changes Everything tour.^[16]