She’s sold more than 25 million records worldwide, won five GRAMMY awards and numerous Doves – including “Artist of the Year” four times – and performed everywhere from the White House to The Grand Ole Opry. 

She’s had 10 Top 40 pop singles and 17 Top 40 adult contemporary tracks, as well as a string of contemporary Christian chart-toppers.  Her tours have consistently played to sold-out arenas.

After a rumored scandal that led to divorce and remarriage, however, Amy Grant became persona non grata for many Christians.  But joy comes in the morning, and Grant is back on top once again. 

This time, it’s in prime time.

As host of NBC’s  “Three Wishes,” which premieres Friday evening, September 23, 2005, Grant travels the country, focusing on small town residents with big hopes. 

With a slew of colleagues that include Carter Oosterhouse (NBC’s “Today,” “Trading Spaces”), Eric Stromer (“Clean Sweep”) and Diane Mizota (“Trading Spaces: Boys vs. Girls”), she does everything in her power to grant those wishes – then sits back and watches as communities transform themselves.

“You cannot believe the ripple effect,” Grant said, during a recent promotional tour for the show.  “And that’s exactly my hope – that people will be reenergized [to help others].”

In each town, the crew sets up a “wish tent,” where residents come and tell their stories, sharing their deepest dreams.  Sometimes, it’s a kid wanting to honor his stepfather, or students longing to fulfill their dying coach’s last wish.  Another time, it’s a life-threatening illness and the medical bills that are drowning a family in debt.

Always, it’s about hope – and the power to effect change.

Grant described an incident in one wish tent where, after standing in line, a woman finally shared her wish.

“She said, ‘My wish is for the wish of the person in front of me to come true,’” Grant said.  “People just want to be involved.  You can’t guarantee how that’s going to happen, but it’s captivating.  And what’s happening is that needs are being expressed.  You can’t respond if the needs aren’t being expressed.”

Entertainment Weekly recently called “Three Wishes” one of the “most promising” new series for fall, and NBC has purchased nine episodes.  If the tear factor is any indication, however, “Three Wishes” is likely to become a hit.