Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Terrian was no stranger to church or to the sound of praise and worship music in her home. “I learned a lot from being able to observe my family live out their faith,” recounts Terrian.

From the early age of 5, Terrian and her family knew that one day she would go on to pursue a career in music. This calling was further confirmed by a guest preacher at her church who proclaimed to Terrian, “Your singing of worship is your weapon.” But it wasn’t until later that Terrian began to own her faith and develop a deeper relationship with God, revealing the unique purpose for her life.

After stumbling upon "Oceans” by Hillsong UNITED as a young teen, Terrian realized the depth and focus of the song’s message — the person of Jesus. Inspired, she knew from that moment on that she was created to make the same kind of music that would positively shine a light on her faith and her personal Savior.

“For the first time in my life, I accepted that God actually does love me and that he sees me and that he was with me in my darkest moments growing up,” said Terrian.

In 2016, Terrian took a leap of faith in her musical career by auditioning for “American Idol.” After advancing to the Top 48 singers during Hollywood Week, Terrian was ultimately sent home by the judges — a roadblock that made the young singer question God’s will and purpose for her life.

“I just started praying to the Lord, and I had a moment with him where I just surrendered to his will and whatever that was going to be for my life,” said Terrian. “After that moment of surrender, doors just began to open.”

After a season of waiting, Terrian joined TobyMac’s Diverse City band in 2017 and was signed to Gotee Records, a Nashville-based label owned by TobyMac. Today, the singer-songwriter has pursued a solo career that honors God through the gift of music. In 2024, she was featured in the Recording Academy's “Positive Vibes Only” series with an exclusive acoustic performance of her song "He Sees You” and nominated for “New Artist of the Year” at the 2024 Dove Awards. Most recently, Terrian has been nominated for “Female Artist of the Year,” which will be announced during the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 25.

“Receiving the ‘no’ from ‘American Idol’ was tough because I wanted to forge my path,” said Terrian. “It was a journey of denial; I did not want to accept that that was God's will for me. I’m grateful for that ‘no’ because the Lord taught me how to surrender to his will. I don’t think it’s worth stepping outside of God’s will for anything on this earth.”

Terrian’s story is a powerful reminder that surrendering to God’s will — even in times of failure or disappointment — leads to greater reward than chasing our own plans, and that God can redeem even our deepest setbacks.

To learn more about Terrian’s story of surrender, visit iamsecond.com/film/terrian. For more information about I Am Second, visit iamsecond.com.

About I Am Second

I Am Second, an initiative of e3 Partners, is a global storytelling ministry that tells stories that lift up Jesus though digital and other media and provides pathways for people to grow as a follower of Jesus. Through various discipleship resources and missions activities, I Am Second seeks to help individuals boldly pursue God’s unique calling for their lives. To learn more about I Am Second, visit iamsecond.com.

For more info on Terrian, visit the JFH Artists Database.

 

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