[WhiteRob]

Michael W. Smith wrapped “The Celebration Tour” in his home state of W. Va. this weekend with a sold-out performance at Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington. Just prior to taking the stage, Smith was presented with the Distinguished West Virginian Award by state Sen. Steve Harrison.

“He’s known the world over for his inspirational music, and I thought ‘This is certainly something he’s deserving of,’” said state Sen. Harrison, who bestowed the honor. “He said it wasn’t necessary, but I told him I thought it was long overdue.”

Commemorating Smith’s unprecedented career in Christian music, “The Celebration Tour” offered fans an evening of hits. The 19-date tour visited arenas nationwide and was seen by a cumulative audience exceeding 140,000. Having grossed more than 3.5 million and selling out 17 venues, this is Smith’s most successful tour to date.

Michael W. Smith concerts have long been recognized as key events in major markets across the country. This run was no exception. “This concert tour was one of the highlights of the fall season. We promoted four dates and each one not only met, but surpassed our expectations,” says Roy Morgan of Premier Productions.

On the heels of “The Celebration Tour,” Smith embarks on the 15-date “Christmastime Tour” with special guests Point of Grace and The Katinas. Launching Nov. 28 in Duluth, Ga., the tour has already reported ticket sales reflecting sold-out venues in multiple markets.

In addition to seeing stellar tour numbers, Smith’s 17th audio recording, The Second Decade 1993-2003, released on Oct. 7 to claim the No. 1 position on Nielsen SoundScan’s Christian and Christian/Mainstream Combined music sales charts. The album, celebrating his unparalleled career, offers 13 hits from the past ten years and two new songs including the record-setting radio single, “Signs.”

With his most recent albums, Worship and Worship Again, selling more than two-million copies collectively, and the Worship DVD receiving RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) platinum certification, Smith is undoubtedly one of the highest and most consistent selling artists in Christian music.