Known from movies

Hillsong: Let the Hope Rise (2016)
as herself

The Wally Show Podcast (2013)
as Taya (2013-2017)

Made in Hollywood (2016)
as herself



Who is Taya Smith?

Born on May 10, 1989 in Wales, UK, Taya Smith is a singer, best known for her work as a member of Australian worship band Hillsong United. She is responsible for the hit “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”, which reached the top of the US Billboard Christian Songs chart and eventually won several awards.

Taya Smith’s Wealth

As of mid 2020, Taya Smith’s net worth is estimated to be over $1 million earned through a successful gospel music career. She receives a consistent salary from her work with Hillsong United – the band’s success has also led to many financial rewards.

Early life and career beginnings

Growing up in Wales, Taya pursued a variety of interests at a young age and even considered a career in acting. Before her career as a singer, she was part of “The Wally Show Podcast”, with Garry Wallace, Betty Lou and Rebekah Eaker. The podcast was intended to be a talk show, with comedians getting together, playing games and talking about different aspects of life.

She and her family later moved to Australia, where she joined their local church and eventually became a youth group leader. She also sang for her church at the time and had been doing so for some time.

Eventually she came across the group Hillsong, one of the most recognizable praise and worship bands in the world. Eventually, she and her family began attending that church, and she also began to receive recognition for her vocal talents.

Hillsong United

Hillsong United takes its name from Hillsong Church, a Christian megachurch in the country, whose history dates back to 1983, when it was founded by Brian Houston. Over the years, the church gained international recognition for its worship music, with many of its musicians composing and releasing songs. Hillsong United is the second band to come out of the church, the first being Hillsong Worship and the last being Hillsong Young & Free.

While each band releases music independently, they have been known to cross paths from time to time, especially during worship services where most of the band members mix.

Hillsong United was founded sometime in 1998 by a close group of friends within the Primary at Hillsong Church. The group had a habit of re-arranging popular songs as well as composing original songs; the two later split into two groups, Powerhouse and Wildlife. The latter consisted of a younger audience, while Powerhouse had band members over the age of 18. In 2003, the band was handed over to Joel Houston, who would go on to help form the current Hillsong United lineup, which included Smith.

There were initially numerous members of the band, and after a strong summer camp performance, the group began calling themselves United.

The success of Hillsong United

After hearing some of the band’s compositions, Hillsong Worship singer Darlene Zschech suggested they record an album. This led to the creation of their debut extended play (EP) “One”. They eventually worked on their debut album “Everyday”, and both releases received national attention, both achieving gold status. As the years progressed, the band changed into Hillsong Unitedand began releasing albums annually.

Many of their members would become involved in Hillsong Church services, but many band members would later resign to pursue other interests or settle down.

United’s current lineup includes Taya, Dylan Thomas, Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, Matt Crocker, Jonathon Douglass, Simon Kobler, Peter James, Adam Crosariol and Benjamin Tennikof. In 2007, the band received international recognition after the release of their first full-length studio album – “All of the Above” – ​​​​which led to a tour around the world to perform. They became an international hit and their success lasted for many years.

Their current logo debuted during the “To the Ends of the Earth” album, and was designed by Munns.

Oceans and Recent Efforts

In 2013, Taya sang lead on the Hillsong United single “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”, the last track of their third studio album “Zion”. The song was very successful and reached number one on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart Remained there for 61 non-consecutive weeks, between 2014 and 2016, while remaining in the top 10 until 2017. It is ranked as the best Christian song of the decade, was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of American (RIAA), and won Song of the Year at the Dove Awards.

The song not only further elevated the status of the band but also brought a lot of popularity in Taya’s way.

During their run as a band, they have won five Dove Awards and the Top Christian Artist awarded by Billboard Music Awards. They have also been nominated several times for the American Music Awards. In 2018 they released another hit “me too (100 billionX)”, this time under the direction of Benjamin Hastings. The song is on their album “Wonder”, their latest studio album. They have since released live albums and other extended plays.

Private life

Taya was previously in a relationship with Hillsong Young and Free singer and songwriter Aodhan King, but they eventually broke up. She later started a relationship with Ben Gee whom she met at church. After dating for a while, she realized he was the one while they were on a trip to the beach, and they got engaged in 2017, and married the following year in a private ceremony officiated by one of her bandmates. Some of the photos from their wedding have been posted online and she describes it as one of her greatest experiences, she even managed to get her dream dress for the wedding.

General information

First and last name	Taylor Smith
Profession	Singer

Links to social profiles

Movies

Actress

Title	Year	Status	Character
The Wally Show podcast	2013	TV serials	Taya (2013-2017)

Yourself

Title	Year	Status	Character
Made in Hollywood	2016	TV serials	herself
Hillsong: Let hope rise	2016	Documentary	herself

Source: IMDb, Wikipedia