Wisconsin Music Festival Keeps Newsboys on Lineup Despite Allegations against Michael Tait
A one-day Christian music festival in Eagle, Wisconsin, announced it will keep the Newsboys as its headliner despite allegations against former frontman Michael Tait. In a statement on social media, the board of directors of Praise in the Pines maintained that they are "united in supporting the Newsboys," Church Leaders reports.
"We choose love. With hearts full of love and faith, we continue to move forward with our mission to glorify God through music and worship," they stated.
"The Newsboys, with their unwavering commitment to ministry, remain dedicated to this event," Praise in the Pines continued. "They are approaching this moment with humility, prayer, and steadfast focus on their calling. We are excited to welcome them to the festival and celebrate the joy of this gathering together."
In conclusion, the festival thanked concertgoers for their "continued support and prayers for everyone involved. Let's come together to spread the joy of Jesus at the Praise in the Pines Festival on July 19th!"
The announcement comes after other Christian festivals, including Kingdom Bound, Lifest, and Big Church Festival, pulled Newsboys from their lineups after Tait groomed, sexually assaulted, and drugged young men as well as watched a young woman be raped while on tour in 2014.
Additional allegations suggest current management and past crew members took no action despite being aware of Tait's wrongdoing.
Praise in the Pines later made another post stating, "When faith is tested, grace responds," which also included a message from one of its sponsors, Craig Figgins, founder of Superior Business Systems, Inc.
"It has been heavy on my heart, hearing the accusations and confession of former Newsboys front man Michael Tait, but more importantly, how was it going to affect the 2025 Praise in the Pines event?" Figgins said. "I was extremely pleased [with] the joint board statement made today and affirmed why I decided to become a major sponsor of the event."
"By taking this position, it proves that God is present with you all, and WILL be present during the event," he continued. "Even with the negative press and what has happened, you have shown grace as God does, He is strong even in our weakness."
Figgins cited 2 Corinthians 12:9 in closing his statement: "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/Praise in the Pines
Originally published July 10, 2025.
