Terrian Shares Her Story of Surrender, Calling, and Purpose with I Am Second

Terrian’s journey is a powerful reminder that surrendering to God—even in seasons of disappointment—leads to a greater purpose. Her life and music bear witness to how God redeems setbacks and writes better stories than we ever could on our own. Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Terrian was no stranger to church or the sound of praise and worship music in her home.  She shared her story in the latest I Am Second episode.

“I learned a lot from being able to observe my family live out their faith,” recounts Terrian.

From the early age of five, Terrian and her family sensed she was destined for a career in music. That calling was affirmed when a guest preacher at her church declared,

“Your singing of worship is your weapon.”

Yet, it wasn’t until later in life that Terrian truly began to own her faith and cultivate a deeper relationship with God—uncovering the unique purpose He had for her.

As a young teen, Terrian stumbled upon "Oceans" by Hillsong UNITED. Listening closely, she was moved by the depth and clarity of the song’s focus: Jesus.
Inspired, she realized she was created to make music that would shine a light on her faith and her Savior.

“For the first time in my life, I accepted that God actually does love me, that He sees me, and that He was with me in my darkest moments growing up,” she reflects.

In 2016, Terrian took a bold step and auditioned for American Idol. She advanced to the Top 48 during Hollywood Week but was eventually sent home by the judges—a heartbreaking moment that made her question God's will.

“I just started praying to the Lord, and I had a moment with Him where I just surrendered to His will—whatever that was going to be for my life,” she says.
“After that moment of surrender, doors just began to open.”

Following a season of waiting, Terrian joined TobyMac’s Diverse City Band in 2017 and signed with Gotee Records, the Nashville-based label founded by TobyMac. Since then, she has flourished as a solo artist dedicated to honoring God through music.

In 2024, Terrian was featured in the Recording Academy’s “Positive Vibes Only” series with an exclusive acoustic performance of her song "He Sees You". That same year, she was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards. Most recently, she has been nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards, to be announced on May 25.

Reflecting on her American Idol rejection, Terrian shares:

“Receiving the ‘no’ from American Idol was tough because I wanted to forge my own path. It was a journey of denial; I did not want to accept that that was God's will for me.
I’m grateful for that ‘no’ because the Lord taught me how to surrender to His will. I don’t think it’s worth stepping outside of God’s will for anything on this earth.”