From Carbon Hill to the Grand Ole Opry: Loretta Jent’s Year of God’s Favor
From Carbon Hill to the Grand Ole Opry: Loretta Jent’s Year of God’s Favor
Some years stand out as turning points, moments when the path ahead becomes clearer, and God’s fingerprints are visible in every step. For Christian recording artist Loretta Jent, 2025 is shaping up to be exactly that kind of year.
It began with quiet faithfulness, writing songs, sharing her music, and continuing her ministry from her hometown of Carbon Hill, Alabama. But as spring turned to summer, the Lord began opening doors that even Loretta admits she could not have imagined.
The timing of this season in Loretta’s life feels especially significant. After years of faithfully creating, performing, and trusting God behind the scenes, the doors opening now are a reminder that His plans unfold right on schedule. She often encourages others that waiting on God’s timing is never wasted time, every season of preparation is part of the testimony.
In June, she received the news that she had been nominated for the 2025 Fans’ Choice Award – Female at the Josie Music Awards. Since its founding in 2015 by Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino, the Josie Music Awards have stood as one of the most respected platforms for independent music, recognizing exceptional talent and creativity across genres. The nomination itself is a rigorous process, with each entry reviewed by a panel of professional judges, a fact that makes this honor even more meaningful.
The ceremony will take place at the historic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. For a “small-town Alabama gal,” as Loretta calls herself, the opportunity to walk onto that stage is more than a career highlight, it’s a testimony. “This nomination means so very much to me, words can't express how thankful, humbled, and so very excited I am about what God has/is doing!” she shared.
For Loretta, music has always been more than melody, it’s ministry. She approaches every song as an opportunity to plant seeds of hope, whether the listener is a lifelong believer or hearing the Gospel for the first time. Her prayer is that even one lyric might reach a hurting heart, remind someone of their worth, and point them back to the One who never lets go.
Then, in what she calls another “God wink,” Loretta’s name appeared again, this time among the nominees for the WVIU Radio Music Awards.
The WVIU Radio Music Awards specifically honor Christian and Gospel artists, leaders, and creatives whose sincerity and dedication to ministry shine through their work. WVIU Web Radio has been a strong supporter of Loretta’s ministry, regularly playing her music and inviting her to perform at the WVIU Gospel Music Showcase in April 2025.
Loretta’s response to the WVIU nomination was as humble as her music is heartfelt: “I am humbled to be a nominee for the WVIU Radio Awards. This recognition is not a result of my efforts, but rather a testament to God’s guidance and provision. Am I bragging on myself? Absolutely NOT, but yes, I am bragging on God!”
For her, the awards are not an end goal, but a platform to do what she has always felt called to do, encourage others, point people to Jesus, and make sure every listener knows they matter. She prays that her music leaves people better than she found them, and her newest projects reflect that mission.
In the coming months, Loretta will release “Red Rover”, a song inspired by the classic childhood game but carrying a deeper challenge: Which side will you choose? She hopes every listener chooses “Team Jesus.” She is also working on new original music with award-winning songwriter Gerald Crabb and respected songwriter Corey Lee Barker, all with the same goal, glorifying God through song.While the upcoming awards bring well-deserved recognition, Loretta’s vision extends far beyond trophies and titles.
She hopes to use this moment to inspire other artists, especially those in small towns, to keep pressing forward in their calling. Her journey is proof that God can take any willing vessel, no matter how humble the beginning, and place them exactly where they’re meant to be.
Loretta’s music is available on all major streaming platforms, and updates on her ministry can be found at lorettajentmusicministry.com or on Facebook at Loretta Jent Music.
Fans and supporters are invited to cast their vote for Loretta in the WVIU Radio Music Awards at wviuradio.net. Every vote is more than just support for an artist, it’s a celebration of what God can do through a willing heart.