Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton
Houghton in 2015
Houghton in 2015
Background information
Also known asIsrael
Born (1971-05-19) May 19, 1971 (age 54)
Oceanside, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • producer
  • arranger
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, keyboards
Years active1997–present
LabelsIntegrity, RCA Inspiration, District 11
Member ofNew Breed
Spouse
Meleasa Houghton
​
​
(m. 1994; div. 2016)​
​
(m. 2016)​
Websiteisraelandnewbreed.com

Israel Houghton (/ˈhoʊtən/; born May 19, 1971) is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, producer, and worship leader. His worship team is credited as Israel & New Breed.

Musical career

Houghton produced an album by Michael Gungor, Bigger Than My Imagination, which was described as "one of the year's best worship albums" in a 2003 Christianity Today review.[1]

Israel & New Breed

New Breed is the backing band of Israel Houghton. Many of Israel's album releases are credited to Israel & New Breed.

Personal life

Houghton is mixed race; he was born to a white mother and Jamaican father.[2] Houghton and his college girlfriend had a son together.

In 1994, Houghton married Meleasa Houghton, with whom he had three children: Mariah in 1996, Israel Jr. in 2001, and Milan in 2003.[3] They separated in 2015 and their divorce was finalized in February 2016.[4] During his marriage, Houghton fathered two sons with his mistress, DeVawn Moreno: Kingston in 2012, and Khristian in 2014.[5][6]

On November 11, 2016, Houghton married singer and TV personality Adrienne Bailon in Paris, after several months of dating.[7] In 2022, the couple welcomed their first child together, a son.[8]

Discography

Albums

Studio albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[9] 		US
Christ
[10] 		US
Gospel
[11]
Whisper It Loud[12] — — —
Real[13]
  • Released: January 1, 2002
  • Label: Integrity Music
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — 33 13
Esse Momento...[14]
  • Released: January 1, 2007
  • Label: Discotoni
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — —
The Power of One[15]
  • Released: March 29, 2009
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — —
Love God. Love People.[16]
  • Released: August 31, 2010
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — —
Road to DeMaskUs[17] — — —
Feels Like Home, Vol. 1[18]
  • Released: February 26, 2021
  • Label: District 11 Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 —[A] 3 1
Feels Like Home, Vol. 2[19]
  • Released: April 2, 2021
  • Label: District 11
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — 7
Coritos, Vol. 1[20]
  • Released: May 9, 2025
  • Label: District 11/Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — 12
Coritos, Vol. 2[21]
  • Released: September 19, 2025
  • Label: District 11/Integrity
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Live albums

Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[9] 		US
Christ
[10] 		US
Gospel
[11] 		UK
C&G
[22]
Nueva Generación[23]
  • Released: January 1, 2001
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — — —
New Season[24]
  • Released: July 31, 2001
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — — —
Live From Another Level[25]
  • Released: January 1, 2004
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 146 5 1 —
Alive in South Africa[27]
  • Released: August 20, 2005
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 62 3 2 —
A Deeper Level[28]
  • Released: September 4, 2007
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 48 3 1 —
Jesus at the Center[29]
  • Released: August 14, 2012
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 32 1 2 17
Covered: Alive in Asia[30]
  • Released: July 24, 2015
  • Label: RGM NewBreed/RCA Records, Sony
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 48 1 1 19
Project LA: Alive in Los Angeles[31]
  • Released: October 22, 2021
  • Label: District 11
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — 13 —
Worship Anywhere: Live from Camp NewBreed[32]
  • Released: October 7, 2022
  • Label: District 11
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — — 12 —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Christmas albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
Christ
[10] 		US
Gospel
[11] 		US
Holiday
[33]
A Timeless Christmas[34]
  • Released: September 26, 2006
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 40 11 32

Compilation albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
[9] 		US
Gospel
[11]
Decade[35]
  • Released: March 6, 2012
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 —[B] 10
Playlist: The Very Best of Israel & New Breed[36]
  • Released: January 21, 2014
  • Label: Integrity
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 — 34
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Spanish reissue albums

Title Details Peak chart positions
US
Christ
[10] 		US
Gospel
[11] 		US
Latin
[33] 		US
Latin
Pop
[37]
Jesús En El Centro: En Vivo
  • Released: April 21, 2013
  • Label: Integrity/Columbia Record
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 48 16 23 11
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Charted singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Adult
R&B
[38] 		US Gospel
[39] 		US
Gospel
Air.
[40]
"Not Forgotten" 2005 — 17 Alive in South Africa
"Turn It Around" 2006 — 17
"With Long Life"
(featuring T-Bone) 		2007 — 13 A Deeper Level
"If Not for Your Grace" 2008 — 18 Non-album single
"It's Not Over (When God Is in It)"
(featuring James Fortune and Jason Nelson) 		2012 32 1 Jesus at the Center
"How Awesome Is Our God"
(featuring Yolanda Adams) 		2015 — 9 6 Non-album single
"Chasing Me Down"
(featuring Tye Tribbett) 		2016 — 15 — Covered: Alive in Asia
"Hymn of Breakthrough" 2021 — — 9 Feels Like Home, Vol. 1
"Coritos de Fuego"
(with Unified Sound featuring Adriene Houghton, Nate Diaz, Aaron Moses, and Lucia Parker) 		2025 — 12 — Coritos, Vol. 1
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US Gospel
[39] 		US
Gospel
Air.
[40]
"Friend of God" 2005 17 Alive in South Aftrica
"Give Thanks"
(featuring Byron Cage) 		24
"Another Breakthtough" 26 Live From Another Level
"Again I Say Rejoice" 28 Alive in South Africa
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

Daytime Emmy Awards

The Daytime Emmy Awards are awarded yearly by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for artistic and technical merit for American daytime television programming. Houhgton has received 1 nomination.[41]

Year Award Nominated work Result
2019 Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program "Secrets"
(shared with Adrienne Houghton) 		Nominated

GMA Dove Awards

Main article: Dove Awards

The Dove Awards are awarded annually by the Gospel Music Association. Houghton has won 15 awards from 40 nominations.[42][43][44][45][46]

Year Award Nominated work Result
2002 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "There's a Liftin' of the Hands" Nominated
2003 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Real Nominated
Urban Recorded Song of the Year "Get Up" Nominated
2005 Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year "Again I Say Rejoice" Won
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Live From Another Level Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year "Friend of God" Nominated
2006 Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year "Not Forgotten" Won
Song of the Year "Friend of God" Nominated
Praise & Worship Album of the Year Alive in South Africa Nominated
Long Form Music Video of the Year Live From Another Level Nominated
2007 Alive in South Africa Nominated
Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year "Turn It Around" Won
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year It's Not Over (as producer) Won
Choral Collection of the Year Again I Say Rejoice: Celebrating The Songs Of Israel Houghton Nominated
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "Favor" (as producer) Nominated
2008 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year A Deeper Level Won
Producer of the Year Nominated
Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year "Say So" Won
2009 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Change The World (as producer) Won
2010 Urban Song of the Year "Just Wanna Say" Won
Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year "The Power of One (Change the World)" Won
"Every Prayer" Nominated
2011 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year Love God, Love People Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year "You Hold My World" Nominated
2013 Long Form Video of the Year Jesus at the Center Nominated
Spanish Language Album of the Year Jesus En El Centro Nominated
Gospel Performance of the Year "It's Not Over (When God Is In It)" Nominated
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year Nominated
2014 Traditional Gospel Album of the Year Duets (shared with Donnie McClurkin, Asaph A. Ward, Aaron W. Lindsey, Trent Phillips, Justin Savage) Won
Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year "Sunday Kind of Love" Nominated
2015 Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year "How Awesome Is Our God" Won
Gospel Artist of the Year Himself Nominated
2016 Urban Worship Album of the Year Covered: Alive in Asia Nominated
2019 Contemporary Gospel Album of the Yeaer Road To DeMaskUs Nominated
2022 Clarity (as producer) Won
2025 Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year "One Hallelujah" Nominated
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year "Coritos de Fuego" Won
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year "Then and Now (Live)" Nominated

Grammy Awards

Main article: Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Houghton has won 8 awards from 18 nominations.[47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58]

Year Award Nominated work Result
2005 Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album Live From Another Level Nominated
2006 Best Gospel Song "Again I Say Rejoice" Nominated
2007 Best Traditional Gospel Album Alive in South Africa Won
Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album A Timeless Christmas Nominated
Best Gospel Song "Not Forgotten" Nominated
Best Gospel Performance Nominated
2008 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album A Deeper Level Won
Best Gospel Performance "With Long Life" Nominated
2010 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album The Power Of One Won
Best Gospel Song "Every Prayer" Nominated
2011 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album Love God, Love People Won
Best Gospel Performance "You Hold My Hand" Nominated
2013 Best Contemporary Christian Music Song "Your Presence Is Heaven" Won
Best Gospel Album Jesus at the Center: Live Nominated
2016 Covered: Alive In Asia – Israel & New Breed Won
Best Gospel Performance/Song "How Awesome Is Our God" Nominated
2022 Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Feels Like Home, Vol. 2 Nominated
2025 Best Gospel Performance/Song "One Hallelujah" Won
2026 Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Coritos Vol. 1 Won

Stellar Awards

The Stellar Awards are awarded annually by SAGMA. Houghton has received 2 awards from 33 nominations.[59][60][61][62][63][64][65]

Year Award Nominated work Result
2005 CD of the Year Live from Another Level Won
Male Vocalist of the Year Won
Artist of the Year Nominated
Producer of the Year Nominated
2006 Music Video of the Year Nominated
2007 CD of the Year ALIVE in South Africa Nominated
Contemporary CD of the Year Nominated
Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Urban/Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year "Turn It Around" Nominated
2009 Contemporary CD of the Year Live: A Deeper Level Nominated
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year Nominated
Group/Duo of the Year Nominated
Praise and Worship CD of the Year Nominated
2010 Male Vocalist of the Year The Power of One Nominated
Praise and Worship CD of the Year Nominated
2012 Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year Love God. Love People Nominated
Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Praise and Worship CD of the Year Nominated
Producer of the Year Nominated
2014 Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year Jesus at the Center: Live Nominated
Group/Duo of the Year Nominated
Praise and Worship CD of the Year Nominated
2016 Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year Covered: Alive in Asia Nominated
Group/Duo of the Year Nominated
Praise and Worship CD of the Year Nominated
Special Event CD of the Year Nominated
2018 Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year Reckless Love Nominated
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year Road to DeMaskUs Nominated
2022 Contemporary Duo/Group Chorus of the Year Feels Like Home Nominated
Contemporary Male Artist of the Year Nominated
Duo/Group Chorus of the Year Nominated
Male Artist of the Year Nominated


Notes

  1. ^ Feels Like Home, Vol. 1 did not enter the Billboard 200, but peaked at number 26 on the Top Album Sales.
  2. ^ Decade did not enter the Billboard 200, but peaked at number 174 on the Top Current Album Sales.

References

  1. ^ "ChristianityToday album review". ChristianityToday.com.
  2. ^ "Israel Houghton - An Intimate Portrait of Worship". Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  3. ^ "Who Is Adrienne Bailon's Husband? All About Israel Houghton". People.com. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
  4. ^ "Israel Houghton Repents, Gets Transparent About Divorce and Sins". February 24, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
  5. ^ Thomasos, Christine (December 13, 2016). "Israel Houghton Child Support Case Reportedly Dropped". christianpost.com. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  6. ^ Yomary, Tatayana (December 8, 2016). "Adrienne Bailon's Husband Israel Houghton Escapes Paternity, Child Support Suit". Latin Times. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  7. ^ "Adrienne Bailon Is Married — See the Photo from the Stunning Paris Wedding". Peoplemag. November 11, 2016. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
  8. ^ "Adrienne Bailon and Husband Israel Houghton Welcome First Baby, a Son named Ever James Houghton". Peoplemag. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  10. ^ a b c d "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Top Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Top Gospel Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  12. ^ Whisper It Loud - Album by Israel - Apple Music (Media notes). Warner Records. January 28, 1997. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  13. ^ Real - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. January 1, 2002. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  14. ^ Esso Momento... - Album by Israel - Apple Music (Media notes). Discotoni. January 1, 2007. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  15. ^ The Power of One - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. March 24, 2009. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  16. ^ Love God. Love People. - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. August 31, 2010. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  17. ^ Road to DeMaskUs - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Provident Label Group/Sony Music Entertainment. September 28, 2018. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  18. ^ Feels Like Home, Vol. 1 - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). District 11 Entertainment. February 26, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  19. ^ Feels Like Home, Vol. 2 - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). District 11 Entertainment. April 2, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  20. ^ Coritos, Vol. 1 - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). District 11 Entertainment/Integrity Music. May 9, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  21. ^ Coritos, Vol. 2 - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). District 11 Entertainment/Integrity Music. September 19, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  22. ^ "ISRAEL & NEW BREED songs and albums chart history | full Official Chart history". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  23. ^ Nueva Generación - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. January 1, 2001. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  24. ^ New Season (live) - Album by Israel & New Breed & Israel Houghton - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. July 31, 2001. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  25. ^ Live From Another Level - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. January 1, 2004. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  26. ^ a b "American certifications – Israel & New Breed". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  27. ^ Alive in South Africa - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. August 20, 2005. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  28. ^ "Israel & New Breed, "Live: A Deeper Level" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. September 4, 2007. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  29. ^ Jesus at the Center - Album by Israel & New Breed & Israel Houghton - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. August 14, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  30. ^ Covered: Alive in Asia - Album by Israel & New Breed & Israel Houghton - Apple Music (Media notes). RGM NewBreed/RCA Records, Sony Music Entertainment. July 24, 2015. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  31. ^ Project LA: Alive in Los Angeles - Album by Israel & New Breed & Israel Houghton - Apple Music (Media notes). District 11 Entertainment. October 22, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  32. ^ Worship Anywhere: Live from Camp NewBreed - Album by Israel & New Breed & Israel Houghton - Apple Music (Media notes). District 11 Entertainment. October 7, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  33. ^ a b "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Top Holiday Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2026. Cite error: The named reference "LCM" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  34. ^ A Timeless Christmas - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. September 26, 2006. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  35. ^ Decade - Album by Israel & New Breed - Apple Music (Media notes). Integrity Music. March 6, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  36. ^ "Jesusfreakhideout.com: Israel & New Breed, "Playlist: The Very Best of Israel & New Breed"". Jesus Freak Hideout. January 21, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  37. ^ "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Latin Pop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  38. ^ "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  39. ^ a b "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Hot Gospel Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  40. ^ a b "Israel & New Breed Chart History (Gospel Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  41. ^ "The 45th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Nominations". New York: emmyonline.tv and National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. 2019. Archived from the original on March 21, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  42. ^ "Past Winners". doveawards.com.
  43. ^ GMA Releases 36th Dove Award Nominees List at The Christian Post; Camacho, Justin (February 9, 2005)
  44. ^ "37th Annual GMA Awards Nominations & Winners". About.com. February 9, 2011. Archived from the original on July 7, 2011. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
  45. ^ Nominations Announced for 38th GMA Dove Awards on CBN.com
  46. ^ Nominations Announced for 39th GMA Dove Awards at CBN.com (February 14, 2008)
  47. ^ "Israel Houghton". Grammy.com. Recording Academy. Retrieved September 7, 2025.
  48. ^ "47th Annual Grammy Award Nominations". GospelFlava.com.
  49. ^ "The Complete List of Grammy Nominations". The New York Times. December 8, 2005. p. 3.
  50. ^ "Grammy Award Winners". The Recording Academy. Archived from the original on October 2, 2009.
  51. ^ "The 49th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees List". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on December 20, 2006.
  52. ^ "The 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards Roundup: Gospel Field". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. December 2, 2014. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  53. ^ "Grammy 2008 Winners List". MTV. February 10, 2008. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008.
  54. ^ "Grammy Nomination List". Archived from the original on December 8, 2007.
  55. ^ "53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees And Winners: Gospel Field". The Recording Academy. April 30, 2017.
  56. ^ "52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards Nominees And Winners: Gospel Field". The Recording Academy. April 30, 2017.
  57. ^ "2013 Grammy Nominations Revealed *Updated*". ThatGrapeJuice. December 5, 2012.
  58. ^ Malia Mendez (November 7, 2025). "Here's the complete list of 2026 Grammy nominees". Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  59. ^ "Stellar Award History - Gospel Flava". Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  60. ^ "20th Annual Stellar Award Winners". GospelFlava.com.
  61. ^ "21st Annual Stellar Award Winners". GospelFlava.com.
  62. ^ "22nd Annual Stellar Award Winners". GospelFlava.com.
  63. ^ "25th Annual Stellar Award Winners". GospelFlava.com.
  64. ^ "27th Annual Stellar Award Winners". GospelFlava.com.
  65. ^ "29th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards" (PDF). Retrieved February 19, 2021.
allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_%26_New_Breed