The gospel music world is in shock following the official announcement that two of Maverick City Music's most recognizable and powerful voices, Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine, have departed from the award-winning worship collective.

Their exit marks the close of a defining chapter for the group, which has redefined contemporary worship globally since its founding in 2019.

Maverick City Music, founded by Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay, quickly became a global force with its raw, spontaneous worship, producing anthems like "Jireh," "Promises," and "Wait on You." Over five years, the collective amassed critical acclaim, including five Grammy Awards. Within this explosive rise, Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine became synonymous with Maverick's signature sound.

Chandler Moore, born in 1995, cemented his place as a fan favorite with his soaring vocals on key tracks, helping to shape the new wave of contemporary Christian worship. Naomi Raine, born in 1987, carried the soul of the collective, debuting with the group in 2019 and becoming integral to its biggest tours. Her solo album, Journey, also showcased her considerable songwriting depth. Together, their vulnerable and powerful worship style helped the collective break denominational boundaries and bring Christian music into mainstream conversations.

In October 2025, both artists released heartfelt statements explaining their decision to step away.
Moore described the choice as "bittersweet," acknowledging that Maverick gave him "community and belonging" and fulfilled his dream of making music that connects people with God.

He hinted at the complexity of the departure, describing it as "almost like saying goodbye to your own kid," and noted that "business matters" were being handled by his legal team.

However, his focus remains clearly on the future, driven by a vision to make music that helps people feel "a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone."

Raine’s statement balanced the same sentiments of gratitude and anticipation.

She emphasized that being part of the collective "truly changed my life," turning a small gathering of singers into a phenomenon she never imagined.

Taine believes she has received "the green light" from God to step into what she is individually called to do, stating the departure is "not really an ending, but a new beginning."

Moore and Raine leave behind a considerable legacy, having co-created songs that became some of Maverick City’s most-streamed hits and led diverse audiences in worship across international tours. While the collective loses two of its strongest members, the format has always thrived on collaboration, suggesting other voices are ready to carry on the sound.

As for their future, Raine appears to have a clear direction, ready to continue blending ministry and artistry independently, building on the success of her solo work and tours. Moore is expected to focus on deeply personal storytelling through solo releases and collaborations that reflect his artistic growth.

The exit of Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine signifies not a loss of impact, but rather the expansion of their influence as they transition from a collaborative platform to independent ministries, carrying the powerful sound of worship they helped define into new frontiers.