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{{Short description|American Christian singer songwriter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Moriah Smallbone
| name = Moriah Peters Smallbone
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name = Moriah Castillo Peters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=3480740&search_in=c&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=25&start=1|title=Peters Moriah Castillo|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|ASCAP]]|accessdate=April 17, 2012}}</ref>
| birth_name = Moriah Castillo Peters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=3480740&search_in=c&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=25&start=1|title=Peters Moriah Castillo|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=[[American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers|ASCAP]]|accessdate=April 17, 2012}}</ref>
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|10|2|mf=y}}<ref name=TWITTERBIRTHDAY>{{cite web|url=https://www.twitter.com/moriahpeters/statuses/120760370733387776|title=The finale of My Birthday|date=October 3, 2011|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=April 15, 2012}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|10|2|mf=y}}<ref name=TWITTERBIRTHDAY>{{cite web|url=https://www.twitter.com/moriahpeters/statuses/120760370733387776|title=The finale of My Birthday|date=October 3, 2011|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=Twitter|accessdate=April 15, 2012}}</ref>
| death_date =
| spouse = [[Joel Smallbone]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}}
| birth_place = [[Pomona, California]], U.S.<ref name="All Access">{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/christian/10-questions/archive/19464/10-questions-with-moriah-peters |title=10 Questions with ... Moriah Peters |author=Staff(s) |date=July 14, 2014 |website=allaccess.com |publisher=All Access |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Pomona, California]], U.S.<ref name="All Access">{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/christian/10-questions/archive/19464/10-questions-with-moriah-peters |title=10 Questions with ... Moriah Peters |author=Staff(s) |date=July 14, 2014 |website=allaccess.com |publisher=All Access |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref>
| instrument = Vocals, guitar
| genre = [[Contemporary Christian music|Contemporary Christian]], [[pop rock]]
| instrument = Vocals, guitar
| genre = [[Contemporary Christian music|Contemporary Christian]], [[pop rock]]
| occupation = Singer, songwriter
| occupation = Singer, songwriter, actor
| years_active = 2008–present
| years_active = 2008–present
| label = [[Reunion Records|Reunion]]
| label = [[Reunion Records|Reunion]]
| associated_acts =
| associated_acts = Past member of the group TRALA
| website = {{URL|https://www.moriahsmallbone.com/}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.moriahofficial.com/}}
}}
}}
'''Moriah Castillo Peters''' (born October 2, 1992) is an American [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]] singer and songwriter born in Pomona, California and raised in Chino, California and Ontario, California. In 2012, Peters released the album entitled ''[[I Choose Jesus]]'', her first full-length studio album.
'''Moriah Smallbone'''<ref name="smallbone">{{cite news |last1=Clarks |first1=Jessie |title=Courtney + Moriah Smallbone Preview 'Unsung Hero' Movie |url=https://www.thechristianbeat.org/courtney-moriah-smallbone-preview-unsung-hero-movie/ |access-date=5 October 2023 |work=The Christian Beat |date=6 March 2023}}</ref> (born '''Moriah Castillo Peters''', October 2, 1992) is an American actress, and [[Latin music|Latin]] country artist from [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. Working previously under the name "Moriah Peters", she is a singer and songwriter born in [[Pomona, California]] who was raised in [[Chino, California]] and [[Ontario, California]]. Since 2023, she has been a cast member of the streaming television series, ''[[The Chosen (TV series)|The Chosen]]'', portraying [[Bathsheba]], one of the wives of [[King David]].


== Background ==
== Early life ==
Moriah Castillo Peters was born on October 2, 1992,<ref name="California Birth Index">{{cite web |url=http://www.californiabirthindex.org/birth/moriah_castillo_peters_born_1992_21686733 |title=Moriah Castillo Peters, Born 10/02/1992 in California |author=State of California |author-link=California |website=californiabirthindex.org |publisher=California Birth Index |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref> in [[Pomona, California]].<ref name="All Access" /> Her father is Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Anthony Moreno Peters and her mother is Patricia Castillo Peters;<ref name="Tweet about father">{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/MoriahPeters/status/406180985538367488 |title=Tweet |last1=Peters |first1=Moriah |date=November 28, 2013 |website=twitter.com |publisher=Twitter |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Facebook about father">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/moriahmusic/photos/a.418444001552971.96261.151438621586845/711367318927303/?type=1 |title=Facebook post |last1=Peters |first1=Moriah |date=May 13, 2014 |website=facebook.com |publisher=Facebook |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref> she has an older sister named Bianca and younger brother named Anthony Ezra.<ref name="All Access" /><ref name="Tweet about father" /> Peters grew up in the California inland towns of Chino and Ontario.<ref name="All Access" />
Moriah Castillo Peters was born on October 2, 1992,<ref name="California Birth Index">{{cite web |url=http://www.californiabirthindex.org/birth/moriah_castillo_peters_born_1992_21686733 |title=Moriah Castillo Peters, Born 10/02/1992 in California |author=State of California |author-link=California |website=californiabirthindex.org |publisher=California Birth Index |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref> in [[Pomona, California]].<ref name="All Access" /> Her father is Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Anthony Moreno Peters and her mother is Patricia Castillo Peters;<ref name="Tweet about father">{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/MoriahPeters/status/406180985538367488 |title=Tweet |last1=Peters |first1=Moriah |date=November 28, 2013 |website=twitter.com |publisher=Twitter |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Facebook about father">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/moriahmusic/photos/a.418444001552971.96261.151438621586845/711367318927303/?type=1 |title=Facebook post |last1=Peters |first1=Moriah |date=May 13, 2014 |website=facebook.com |publisher=Facebook |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref> she has an older sister named Bianca and younger brother named Anthony Ezra.<ref name="All Access" /><ref name="Tweet about father" /> Smallbone grew up in the California inland towns of Chino and Ontario.<ref name="All Access" />


Peters started writing songs at the age of 13 and played the guitar since she was young.<ref name=MoriahPetersAbout>{{cite web|url=http://moriahpeters.com/about/|title=Moriah Peters - About|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=MoriahPeters.com|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Peters "had dedicated herself to the leadership of God at the age of 14 and can still remember her heart's genuine prayer of, 'God, I just want to be used by you.'"<ref name=FACEBOOKABOUT>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/moriahmusic?sk=info|title=About Moriah Peters|date=March 28, 2011|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=April 15, 2012}}</ref>
Smallbone started writing songs at the age of 13 and played the guitar since she was young.<ref name=MoriahPetersAbout>{{cite web|url=http://moriahpeters.com/about/|title=Moriah Peters - About|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=MoriahPeters.com|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Smallbone "had dedicated herself to the leadership of God at the age of 14 and can still remember her heart's genuine prayer of, 'God, I just want to be used by you.'"<ref name=FACEBOOKABOUT>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/moriahmusic?sk=info|title=About Moriah Peters|date=March 28, 2011|last=Peters|first=Moriah|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=April 15, 2012}}</ref>


Peters attended [[Don Antonio Lugo High School]] in [[Chino, California]], where she achieved a 4.1 [[Grading in education|Grade Point Average]], which earned her a scholarship to [[California State University, Fullerton|Cal State-Fullerton]].<ref name=DENVERPOST>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/highernote/2012/04/16/moriah-peters-ignores-american-idol-advice/3423/|title=Moriah Peters ignores "American Idol" advice|last=Somers|first=Liz|date=April 16, 2012|newspaper=[[Denver Post]]|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> She planned to use the scholarship for law school with the end goal of becoming an entertainment lawyer.<ref name=DENVERPOST/> However, she felt compelled by God to become a Christian singer. She was initially uncomfortable about her "froggy" voice, but after hearing [[Jaci Velasquez]], she never felt that way about her voice again.<ref name=DENVERPOST/> McKay compared her voice to that of [[Natalie Grant]] and [[Nichole Nordeman]].<ref name=AL>{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/04/moriah_peters_releases_i_choos.html|title=Moriah Peters releases 'I Choose Jesus' (Ear 2 Ear)|last=McKay|first=Ace|date=April 16, 2012|publisher=Alabama Live|accessdate=April 17, 2012}}</ref> Because her dad is a jazz bass player, her musical influences are varied and include [[Chaka Khan]], [[Stevie Wonder]] and [[Steely Dan]].<ref name=DENVERPOST/>
Smallbone attended [[Don Antonio Lugo High School]] in [[Chino, California]], where she achieved a 4.1 [[Grading in education|Grade Point Average]], which earned her a scholarship to [[California State University, Fullerton|Cal State-Fullerton]].<ref name=DENVERPOST>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.denverpost.com/highernote/2012/04/16/moriah-peters-ignores-american-idol-advice/3423/|title=Moriah Peters ignores "American Idol" advice|last=Somers|first=Liz|date=April 16, 2012|newspaper=[[Denver Post]]|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> She planned to use the scholarship for law school with the end goal of becoming an entertainment lawyer.<ref name=DENVERPOST/> However, she felt compelled by God to become a Christian singer. She was initially uncomfortable about her "froggy" voice, but after hearing [[Jaci Velasquez]], she never felt that way about her voice again.<ref name=DENVERPOST/> McKay compared her voice to that of [[Natalie Grant]] and [[Nichole Nordeman]].<ref name=AL>{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/04/moriah_peters_releases_i_choos.html|title=Moriah Peters releases 'I Choose Jesus' (Ear 2 Ear)|last=McKay|first=Ace|date=April 16, 2012|publisher=Alabama Live|accessdate=April 17, 2012}}</ref> Because her dad is a jazz bass player, her musical influences are varied and include [[Chaka Khan]], [[Stevie Wonder]] and [[Steely Dan]].<ref name=DENVERPOST/>


==Career==
Peters auditioned for ''[[American Idol]]'', but the judges—Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Avril Lavigne—were harsh to her because of her wholesome image, telling her to experience life ("kiss a boy") before entering the music industry.<ref name=DENVERPOST/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkb0ZsoSb6s|title=Moriah Peters Shares About Her American Idol Experience|author=Spirit 105.3|author-link=KCMS|date=January 26, 2012|publisher=[[YouTube]]|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Peters had a 'no kissing' rule and believed in waiting for marriage to kiss anyone.<ref name=AL/> Touched by the values she portrayed at the audition, a random stranger introduced Peters to [[Sierra (group)|Wendi Foy]],<ref name=DENVERPOST/> who helped her make a three-song demo to market to record labels in Nashville.<ref name=DENVERPOST/> As a result, Peters joined [[Reunion Records]] on August 11, 2011.<ref name=DENVERPOST/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2011/08/11.MORIAH%20PETERS%20JOINS%20PROVIDENT%20LABEL%20GROUP%20FAMILY%20OF%20ARTISTS.asp|title=Moriah Peters Joins Provident Label Group Family of Artists|author=Provident Label Group|date=August 11, 2011|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> On April 17, 2012, Peters released the album ''[[I Choose Jesus]]''.
Smallbone auditioned for ''[[American Idol]]'', but the judges—Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Avril Lavigne—were harsh to her because of her wholesome image, telling her to experience life ("kiss a boy") before entering the music industry.<ref name=DENVERPOST/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkb0ZsoSb6s|title=Moriah Peters Shares About Her American Idol Experience|author=Spirit 105.3|author-link=KCMS|date=January 26, 2012|publisher=[[YouTube]]|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Smallbone had a 'no kissing' rule and believed in waiting for marriage to kiss anyone.<ref name=AL/> Touched by the values she portrayed at the audition, a random stranger introduced Smallbone to [[Sierra (group)|Wendi Foy]],<ref name=DENVERPOST/> who helped her make a three-song demo to market to record labels in Nashville.<ref name=DENVERPOST/> As a result, Smallbone joined [[Reunion Records]] on August 11, 2011.<ref name=DENVERPOST/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2011/08/11.MORIAH%20PETERS%20JOINS%20PROVIDENT%20LABEL%20GROUP%20FAMILY%20OF%20ARTISTS.asp|title=Moriah Peters Joins Provident Label Group Family of Artists|author=Provident Label Group|date=August 11, 2011|publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> On April 17, 2012, Smallbone released the album ''[[I Choose Jesus]]''.


Peters was the singing voice of Vanna Banana on the ''[[VeggieTales]]'' movie ''[[Princess and the Popstar]]''.<ref name=DENVERPOST/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1991247/|title=Veggietales: Princess and the Popstar|author=IMDb|author-link=IMDb|year=2011|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=April 17, 2012}}</ref>
Smallbone was the singing voice of Vanna Banana on the ''[[VeggieTales]]'' movie ''[[Princess and the Popstar]]''.<ref name=DENVERPOST/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1991247/|title=Veggietales: Princess and the Popstar|author=IMDb|author-link=IMDb|year=2011|website=[[IMDb]]|accessdate=April 17, 2012}}</ref>


During the writing phase of the ''[[I Choose Jesus]]'' album project Peters wrote 50 songs.<ref name=TIMESRECORD/> Her inspiration for the album came from a myriad of places "including her family, her own relationship with Christ and experiences she's walked through with other young girls while leading her high school Bible study."<ref name=TIMESRECORD/>
During the writing phase of the ''[[I Choose Jesus]]'' album project Smallbone wrote 50 songs.<ref name=TIMESRECORD/> Her inspiration for the album came from a myriad of places "including her family, her own relationship with Christ and experiences she's walked through with other young girls while leading her high school Bible study."<ref name=TIMESRECORD/>


Her second album, ''[[Brave (Moriah Peters album)|Brave]]'', was released July 15, 2014.<ref name="Jesus Freak Hideout">{{cite web |url=http://jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/MoriahPetersBrave.asp |title=Moriah Peters, "Brave" Review |last1=Gelwicks |first1=Roger |date=July 13, 2014 |website=Jesusfreakhideout.com |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref> "[[You Carry Me]]" was the lead single from the album.
Her second album, ''[[Brave (Moriah Peters album)|Brave]]'', was released July 15, 2014.<ref name="Jesus Freak Hideout">{{cite web |url=http://jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/MoriahPetersBrave.asp |title=Moriah Peters, "Brave" Review |last1=Gelwicks |first1=Roger |date=July 13, 2014 |website=Jesusfreakhideout.com |publisher=Jesus Freak Hideout |accessdate=July 16, 2014}}</ref> "[[You Carry Me]]" was the lead single from the album.


She appeared in her first film, ''Because of Gracia'', that was released in 2017.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}
She appeared in her first film, ''Because of Gracia'', that was released in 2017.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} She will play [[Loyce Whiteman]] in the film ''[[Reagan (2024 film)|Reagan]]''.

In 2023, Smallbone was cast as [[Bathsheba|Queen Bathsheba]], the wife of [[King David]] of [[Israel]], in the streaming television series, ''[[The Chosen (TV series)|The Chosen]]''. She has appeared in two episodes, one in the final episode of Season 3 and in the third episode of Season 4.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chatting with The Chosen |url=https://www.againstthetidemedia.com/c-tc |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=Against the Tide Med |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-26 |title='Finding Strength in Community' with Moriah Smallbone |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/where-ya-from-podcast/finding-strength-in-community-with-moriah-smallbone.html |access-date=2024-07-05 |website=ChristianityToday.com |language=en}}</ref><!-- These are just quick format to fix the [[WP:BAREURL]]. Podcasts should use {{Cite podcast}} and identify the time where the supported material occurs in the source. -->


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Peters is of Mexican-French heritage.<ref name=MoriahPetersAbout/> Peters married [[Joel Smallbone]], from the band [[For King & Country (band)|for King & Country]], on July 7, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dinger |first=Anna |url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/131/20130708/king-countrys-joel-smallbone-married-moriah-peters-july-7-photo.htm |title=For King & Country's Joel Smallbone Married Moriah Peters On July 7 [Photo&#93; : Articles |publisher=MusicTimes |date= |accessdate=July 10, 2013}}</ref> They now reside in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] together.<ref name="All Access" />
Smallbone is of Mexican-French heritage.<ref name=MoriahPetersAbout/> Smallbone married [[Joel Smallbone]], from the band [[For King & Country (band)|for King & Country]], on July 7, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dinger |first=Anna |url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/131/20130708/king-countrys-joel-smallbone-married-moriah-peters-july-7-photo.htm |title=For King & Country's Joel Smallbone Married Moriah Peters On July 7 [Photo&#93; : Articles |publisher=MusicTimes |date= |accessdate=July 10, 2013}}</ref> They now reside in [[Nashville, Tennessee]] together.<ref name="All Access" /> Though she previously worked under the name "Moriah Peters", Smallbone now goes by her husband's surname.{{r|smallbone}}<ref name="CHVN">{{cite news |last1=St Cyr |first1=Sylvia |title=WATCH: Moriah (Peters) Smallbone releases new music after 7 years |url=https://chvnradio.com/articles/watch-moriah-peters-smallbone-releases-new-music-after-7-years |access-date=5 October 2023 |work=CHVN 95.1FM |date=20 September 2021}}</ref>


== Tours ==
== Tours ==
Peters was on ''[[The Hurt & The Healer]]'' tour with [[MercyMe]] and fellow artist [[Chris August]], where she was the opening act for the two.<ref name=TIMESRECORD>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2012-04-20/Worship/New_artists_snag_spots_on_Camp_MercyMe_tours.html|title=New artists snag spots on Camp, MercyMe tours: Moriah Peters chooses Jesus|author=''[[The Times Record (Maine)|The Times Record]]|date=April 20, 2012|publisher=The Times Record|accessdate=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601181852/http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2012-04-20/Worship/New_artists_snag_spots_on_Camp_MercyMe_tours.html|archive-date=June 1, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tennessean.com/article/D4/20120330/LIFESTYLE/303300020/MercyMe-Christian-band-brings-Hurt-Healer-Boro|title=MercyMe: Christian band brings 'Hurt and the Healer' to 'Boro|last=Davis|first=Doug|date=March 29, 2012|newspaper=[[The Tennessean]]|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Peters also toured with [[Tenth Avenue North]], [[Audrey Assad]], and [[Rend Collective|Rend Collective Experiment]] in 2012 and 2013, during the "Struggle Tour".{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}} In August 2014 she was on the Air1 Positive Hits Tour.{{Citation needed|date=September 2014}}
Smallbone was on ''[[The Hurt & The Healer]]'' tour with [[MercyMe]] and fellow artist [[Chris August]], where she was the opening act for the two.<ref name=TIMESRECORD>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2012-04-20/Worship/New_artists_snag_spots_on_Camp_MercyMe_tours.html|title=New artists snag spots on Camp, MercyMe tours: Moriah Peters chooses Jesus|author=''[[The Times Record (Maine)|The Times Record]]|date=April 20, 2012|publisher=The Times Record|accessdate=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601181852/http://www.timesrecord.com/news/2012-04-20/Worship/New_artists_snag_spots_on_Camp_MercyMe_tours.html|archive-date=June 1, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tennessean.com/article/D4/20120330/LIFESTYLE/303300020/MercyMe-Christian-band-brings-Hurt-Healer-Boro|title=MercyMe: Christian band brings 'Hurt and the Healer' to 'Boro|last=Davis|first=Doug|date=March 29, 2012|newspaper=[[The Tennessean]]|accessdate=April 16, 2012}}</ref> Smallbone also toured with [[Tenth Avenue North]], [[Audrey Assad]], and [[Rend Collective|Rend Collective Experiment]] in 2012 and 2013, during the "Struggle Tour".{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}} In August 2014 she was on the Air1 Positive Hits Tour.{{Citation needed|date=September 2014}}


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
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|-
|-
| style="text-align:left" |2015
| style="text-align:left" |2015
| style="text-align:left" |"Brave"
| style="text-align:left" |"Brave" {{small|(solo or feat. [[Andy Mineo]])}}
| 29
| 29
| 24
| 24

Latest revision as of 05:46, 11 November 2024

Moriah Peters Smallbone
Birth nameMoriah Castillo Peters[1]
Born (1992-10-02) October 2, 1992 (age 32)[2]
Pomona, California, U.S.[3]
GenresContemporary Christian, pop rock
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, actor
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active2008–present
LabelsReunion
SpouseJoel Smallbone
Websitewww.moriahofficial.com

Moriah Smallbone[4] (born Moriah Castillo Peters, October 2, 1992) is an American actress, and Latin country artist from Nashville, Tennessee. Working previously under the name "Moriah Peters", she is a singer and songwriter born in Pomona, California who was raised in Chino, California and Ontario, California. Since 2023, she has been a cast member of the streaming television series, The Chosen, portraying Bathsheba, one of the wives of King David.

Early life

[edit]

Moriah Castillo Peters was born on October 2, 1992,[5] in Pomona, California.[3] Her father is Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Anthony Moreno Peters and her mother is Patricia Castillo Peters;[6][7] she has an older sister named Bianca and younger brother named Anthony Ezra.[3][6] Smallbone grew up in the California inland towns of Chino and Ontario.[3]

Smallbone started writing songs at the age of 13 and played the guitar since she was young.[8] Smallbone "had dedicated herself to the leadership of God at the age of 14 and can still remember her heart's genuine prayer of, 'God, I just want to be used by you.'"[9]

Smallbone attended Don Antonio Lugo High School in Chino, California, where she achieved a 4.1 Grade Point Average, which earned her a scholarship to Cal State-Fullerton.[10] She planned to use the scholarship for law school with the end goal of becoming an entertainment lawyer.[10] However, she felt compelled by God to become a Christian singer. She was initially uncomfortable about her "froggy" voice, but after hearing Jaci Velasquez, she never felt that way about her voice again.[10] McKay compared her voice to that of Natalie Grant and Nichole Nordeman.[11] Because her dad is a jazz bass player, her musical influences are varied and include Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan.[10]

Career

[edit]

Smallbone auditioned for American Idol, but the judges—Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Avril Lavigne—were harsh to her because of her wholesome image, telling her to experience life ("kiss a boy") before entering the music industry.[10][12] Smallbone had a 'no kissing' rule and believed in waiting for marriage to kiss anyone.[11] Touched by the values she portrayed at the audition, a random stranger introduced Smallbone to Wendi Foy,[10] who helped her make a three-song demo to market to record labels in Nashville.[10] As a result, Smallbone joined Reunion Records on August 11, 2011.[10][13] On April 17, 2012, Smallbone released the album I Choose Jesus.

Smallbone was the singing voice of Vanna Banana on the VeggieTales movie Princess and the Popstar.[10][14]

During the writing phase of the I Choose Jesus album project Smallbone wrote 50 songs.[15] Her inspiration for the album came from a myriad of places "including her family, her own relationship with Christ and experiences she's walked through with other young girls while leading her high school Bible study."[15]

Her second album, Brave, was released July 15, 2014.[16] "You Carry Me" was the lead single from the album.

She appeared in her first film, Because of Gracia, that was released in 2017.[citation needed] She will play Loyce Whiteman in the film Reagan.

In 2023, Smallbone was cast as Queen Bathsheba, the wife of King David of Israel, in the streaming television series, The Chosen. She has appeared in two episodes, one in the final episode of Season 3 and in the third episode of Season 4.[17][18]

Personal life

[edit]

Smallbone is of Mexican-French heritage.[8] Smallbone married Joel Smallbone, from the band for King & Country, on July 7, 2013.[19] They now reside in Nashville, Tennessee together.[3] Though she previously worked under the name "Moriah Peters", Smallbone now goes by her husband's surname.[4][20]

Tours

[edit]

Smallbone was on The Hurt & The Healer tour with MercyMe and fellow artist Chris August, where she was the opening act for the two.[15][21] Smallbone also toured with Tenth Avenue North, Audrey Assad, and Rend Collective Experiment in 2012 and 2013, during the "Struggle Tour".[citation needed] In August 2014 she was on the Air1 Positive Hits Tour.[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Christ.
[22] 		US
Heat.
[23]
I Choose Jesus
  • Released: April 17, 2012
  • Label: Reunion
  • Format: CD, digital download
 23 11
Brave
  • Released: July 15, 2014 (2014-07-15)
  • Label: Reunion/Essential
  • Format: CD, digital download
 9 –
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart

EPs

[edit]
List of extended plays
Title Album details
Live from the Quarry
  • Released: December 3, 2021
  • Label: Cathedral Company
  • Format: CD, digital download

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
US
Christ.
[24] 		US
Christ.
Air.
[25]
2012 "I Choose Jesus" 23 I Choose Jesus
"Well Done" 24
2014 "You Carry Me" 20 17 Brave
2015 "Brave" (solo or feat. Andy Mineo) 29 24
2021 "Known, Seen, Loved" — — Live from the Quarry
"Trust" — —
"Worth" (feat. Joel Smallbone) — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart
[edit]
Year Title Artist Album
2018 "Pioneers" For King & Country Burn the Ships

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Peters, Moriah. "Peters Moriah Castillo". ASCAP. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  2. ^ Peters, Moriah (October 3, 2011). "The finale of My Birthday". Twitter. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e Staff(s) (July 14, 2014). "10 Questions with ... Moriah Peters". allaccess.com. All Access. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  4. ^ a b Clarks, Jessie (March 6, 2023). "Courtney + Moriah Smallbone Preview 'Unsung Hero' Movie". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  5. ^ State of California. "Moriah Castillo Peters, Born 10/02/1992 in California". californiabirthindex.org. California Birth Index. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  6. ^ a b Peters, Moriah (November 28, 2013). "Tweet". twitter.com. Twitter. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  7. ^ Peters, Moriah (May 13, 2014). "Facebook post". facebook.com. Facebook. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  8. ^ a b Peters, Moriah. "Moriah Peters - About". MoriahPeters.com. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  9. ^ Peters, Moriah (March 28, 2011). "About Moriah Peters". Facebook. Retrieved April 15, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Somers, Liz (April 16, 2012). "Moriah Peters ignores "American Idol" advice". Denver Post. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  11. ^ a b McKay, Ace (April 16, 2012). "Moriah Peters releases 'I Choose Jesus' (Ear 2 Ear)". Alabama Live. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  12. ^ Spirit 105.3 (January 26, 2012). "Moriah Peters Shares About Her American Idol Experience". YouTube. Retrieved April 16, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ Provident Label Group (August 11, 2011). "Moriah Peters Joins Provident Label Group Family of Artists". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  14. ^ IMDb (2011). "Veggietales: Princess and the Popstar". IMDb. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
  15. ^ a b c The Times Record (April 20, 2012). "New artists snag spots on Camp, MercyMe tours: Moriah Peters chooses Jesus". The Times Record. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  16. ^ Gelwicks, Roger (July 13, 2014). "Moriah Peters, "Brave" Review". Jesusfreakhideout.com. Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
  17. ^ "Chatting with The Chosen". Against the Tide Med. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  18. ^ "'Finding Strength in Community' with Moriah Smallbone". ChristianityToday.com. March 26, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
  19. ^ Dinger, Anna. "For King & Country's Joel Smallbone Married Moriah Peters On July 7 [Photo] : Articles". MusicTimes. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  20. ^ St Cyr, Sylvia (September 20, 2021). "WATCH: Moriah (Peters) Smallbone releases new music after 7 years". CHVN 95.1FM. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  21. ^ Davis, Doug (March 29, 2012). "MercyMe: Christian band brings 'Hurt and the Healer' to 'Boro". The Tennessean. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
  22. ^ Billboard (May 5, 2012). "Christian Albums: Week of May 05, 2012". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  23. ^ Billboard (May 5, 2012). "Heatseekers Albums: Week of May 05, 2012". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2012.
  24. ^ "Moriah Peters (Hot Christian Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 1, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  25. ^ "Moriah Peters (Christian Airplay)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 1, 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
[edit]
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