Who is Taya Smith?
Taya Smith, an acclaimed Australian singer, is widely recognized for her significant role within the renowned Australian worship group, Hillsong United. She gained prominence for her crucial contribution to the creation of the hit song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” which topped the American Billboard Christian Songs chart and received numerous well-deserved awards and praise.
Taya’s deep connection to the world of music and spirituality began in her hometown of Lismore, Australia. She immersed herself in the church music scene and took on the role of a youth mentor, laying the foundation for her extraordinary journey.
In 2010, Taya’s search for a career in music led her to the vibrant city of Sydney. There, she stumbled upon her spiritual home at Hillsong Church’s City Campus. She selflessly dedicated her time and energy to volunteer work in youth and young adult ministries, while also playing an essential part in the church’s musical ensemble. Her unwavering commitment to these roles not only showcases her musical talent but also reflects her deep passion for the sacred space of the church.
Biography
Taya Smith is a truly remarkable Australian gospel artist, actress, and worship leader known for her association with the renowned Hillsong United. But before she ventured into the world of music, Taya dedicated herself to serving as a youth group leader within her church community. Her journey to stardom was significantly accelerated by her soul-stirring vocal contributions to the Hillsong United track, “Oceans.”
Taya is an enchanting worship leader whose voice has the extraordinary ability to touch the hearts of believers all over the world. Her vocal presence in songs like ‘Oceans’ and ‘A Million Suns’ from UNITED’s celebrated album, Zion, goes beyond borders and creates a deep emotional connection. With every note she sings, Taya radiates an unmistakable passion for worship, a sentiment that has been the driving force behind her journey from the very beginning.
Her path into worship leadership was nurtured in her hometown of Lismore. It was there that she first experienced the transformative power of worship within the loving embrace of the church. As an integral part of the worship team and as a youth leader, Taya discovered her profound love for guiding others on their faith journeys and igniting their spiritual connection.
In 2010, her journey led her to Sydney, driven by her pursuit of a career in secular music. She found her spiritual home within Hillsong Church’s City Campus, where she embraced roles that perfectly embodied her unwavering commitment to both worship and engaging with the youth.
Her involvement with the youth worship expression, Young & Free, marked a beautiful convergence of her passions. Taya contributed to their debut album and embarked on tours that spread their impactful message far and wide.
In February 2013, Taya’s journey took a new direction as she officially joined Hillsong’s creative team. Her responsibilities expanded across a diverse spectrum, from mentoring the city vocal team’s development to crafting creative elements for young adult events. Her presence became synonymous with key Hillsong events and tours with Young & Free and UNITED, solidifying her position as a driving force within the community.
Yet, at the core of it all, Taya finds her purpose in the concept of ‘home.’ When she’s not on the road, her dedication is evident in the smallest of actions, from nurturing individuals within the creative team to leading prayer meetings and anchoring worship during weekend services. Her words convey the essence of her dedication, as she says, “I am most passionate about worship – true, honest worship.”
Taya’s humility shines through when she talks about her journey. For her, worship is a conduit, a means to shift the focus from the self to the divine. Her mission is crystal clear: to guide people into a realm of worship that resonates more deeply than ever before, fostering a profound relationship with Jesus. With unwavering dedication, Taya embodies the essence of wholehearted worship, serving as a vessel through which she magnifies the divine and inspires others to do the same.
Taya Smith Wiki
Taya Smith, known affectionately by her given name, proudly holds Australian citizenship, and her roots run deep in the beautiful land down under. For Taya, Australia is more than just a place of residence; it’s an integral part of her identity.
In the section that follows, we’ll delve deeper into the life of this extraordinary artist and learn more about her journey.
| Attribute | Information |
| Full name | Taya Smith-Gaukrodger |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 10 May 1989 |
| Age | 33 years (as of 2022) |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Place of birth | Lismore, New South Wales, Australia |
| Current residence | New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in feet | 6’ |
| Height in centimetres | 183 |
| Weight in pounds | 159 |
| Weight in kilograms | 72 |
| Hair colour | Blonde |
| Eye colour | Blue |
| Mother | Lesley-Leanne |
| Father | Ronald Arthur |
| Siblings | 2 |
| Marital status | Married |
| Husband | Ben Gaukrodger |
| Profession | Gospel singer, songwriter |
| Net worth | $1.5 million |
| @tayagaukrodger | |
| TAYA |
Education
Taya Smith has maintained a certain level of privacy regarding her educational journey. She has chosen not to disclose information about the schools she may have attended or her educational background, opting to keep this part of her life shielded from the public eye.
Taya Smith Age
In the year 2023, Taya Smith stands at the age of 34, having been born on May 10, 1989. Throughout the years, she has carved out a remarkable legacy as an Australian Gospel singer, with her soul-stirring voice leaving an enduring impression on the hearts of many. Taya is most recognized as the lead vocalist for Hillsong, where her singing has moved and inspired countless souls.
Personal Life
Taya Smith’s heart has found its true home in Ben Gaukrodger, the love of her life. Their love story took a beautiful turn when they announced their engagement in 2017, and they sealed the deal with a heartfelt wedding in 2018. What made their union even more special was the fact that their fellow bandmate, Jonathan Douglass, known as JD, officiated their private church ceremony.
Ben’s deep devotion to Jesus Christ and the people they encounter resonates deeply with Taya. She considers marrying him one of the most profound and wonderful decisions she’s ever made. In her eyes, Ben is nothing less than a miraculous gift from God. Taya expressed her gratitude and faith on her Instagram page, saying, “I highly recommend and appreciate Jesus and the individuals he has placed in our lives for such a time to show love, kindness, and support.”
As for whether they have children, Taya Smith has chosen to keep that aspect of her life private, and there’s no public information available. What is abundantly clear, though, is that they share a life filled with love and prosperity, cherishing the strong bond they’ve built together.
Taya Smith Parents
Taya Smith’s roots can be traced back to the pristine landscapes of New South Wales, Australia. This is where she spent her formative years under the care of her guardians. While many have tried to uncover details about her family background and the identities of her parents, this realm of knowledge remains shrouded in mystery, out of reach for the general public. Additionally, it’s unclear whether Taya has any siblings or close relatives. The intricacies of this part of her life are currently under scrutiny, and any future revelations will be shared as soon as they become available.
Ethnicity
Taya Smith’s ethnicity, nationality, ancestry, and race have been the subject of curiosity for many. However, according to the available public resources such as IMDb and Wikipedia, Taya Smith’s ethnicity remains undisclosed or unknown. When it comes to her religion and political views, it appears that this information is still pending updates. We’ll need to check back in a few days to see if any new details emerge regarding these aspects of Taya Smith’s life.
Career
Taya Smith’s journey in the world of music and ministry took an unexpected turn when she made the move to Sydney. Initially, she had set her sights on secular music, but fate had a different plan in store for her. It was in Sydney that she serendipitously found herself at Hillsong Church’s City Campus, marking the beginning of a profound chapter in her life.
Taya wholeheartedly embraced her role as a volunteer in the church’s creative team and threw herself into the youth and young adults departments. While she had arrived in Sydney with a different goal in mind, it was here that her deep passion for Jesus Christ and various ministerial projects began to flourish. Her journey in serving the youth department started as a member of the Hillsong church’s worship team, and with time, she rose to the position of a youth leader.
As her faith continued to blossom, Taya found herself thriving in her worship ministry and developing a profound connection with the younger generation. A pivotal step in her journey was joining Hillsong’s youth worship group, aptly named Hillsong Young & Free. Taya played a crucial role in the recording of their debut album, “We Are Young & Free.” This marked the beginning of her journey on the road as she embarked on tours with the group, spreading their uplifting message.
Taya’s remarkable journey continued to ascend as she was appointed a member of the church’s creative team. In this role, she was entrusted with managing the vocal team and played a pivotal role in enhancing the vibrancy of youth and young adult events. Her influence and dedication within the community grew, leading her to set a high standard in vocals for major Hillsong events and to participate in tours with the celebrated Hillsong musical band, UNITED.
Throughout her career, Taya had the privilege of collaborating with well-known gospel musicians such as Jad Gillies, Dylan Thomas, Michael Guy Chislett, Jonathan “JD” Douglass, Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, and many more. Her commitment to sharing her knowledge and skills was evident whether she was teaching within the creative team, leading worship during weekend services, or organizing uplifting prayer meetings, all while balancing her busy travel schedule. Taya Smith’s journey stands as a testament to her unwavering passion for music, ministry, and her dedication to guiding and inspiring others.
The Success of Hillsong United
The journey of Hillsong United, the Australian worship band, is nothing short of remarkable. It all began when Hillsong Worship singer Darlene Zschech got a taste of some of their compositions and had a brilliant idea – they should record an album. This inspired the creation of their debut Extended Play (EP) titled “One.”
The response to their music was overwhelming, prompting them to work on their first full-fledged album, “Everyday.” Both of these releases quickly garnered national attention and achieved the coveted gold status.
As the years went by, the band decided to rebrand themselves as Hillsong United, signifying a new chapter in their musical journey. They embarked on an annual tradition of releasing albums that further solidified their place in the worship music scene.
Many of their members also became actively involved in the services of Hillsong Church. However, as time passed, some band members made the decision to step down and pursue other interests or establish roots in different areas of their lives.
The current lineup of Hillsong United includes talented individuals like Taya, Dylan Thomas, Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, Matt Crocker, Jonathon Douglass, Simon Kobler, Peter James, Adam Crosariol, and Benjamin Tennikof. Together, they continue to create music that deeply resonates with many souls.
In 2007, the band achieved international recognition with the release of their first full studio album, “All of the Above.” This breakthrough led them to embark on worldwide tours, taking their music to fans across the globe. They became an international sensation, and their success has endured over the years.
Notably, their current logo made its debut during the album “To the Ends of the Earth,” serving as a symbol of their ever-evolving journey. This logo was thoughtfully designed by Munns, encapsulating the essence of their music and message.
Oceans and Recent Endeavors
In 2013, Taya took center stage as the lead vocalist for Hillsong United’s single “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” a track that served as the poignant conclusion to their third studio album, “Zion.”
This song didn’t just rise to the top; it skyrocketed. It quickly claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart and became nothing short of a phenomenon. From 2014 to 2016, it held that prestigious position for an incredible 61 weeks in a row and continued to stay in the top 10 until 2017. “Oceans” wasn’t just a hit; it became a phenomenon.
It’s fair to say that this song was the most influential Christian hymn of its time. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) honored it with a platinum certification, and it won the Song of the Year award at the Dove Awards, solidifying its status as a classic. The popularity of “Oceans” not only elevated the band’s reputation but also propelled Taya to fame.
Hillsong United has seen tremendous success as a band, clinching five Dove Awards and being recognized as the Top Christian Artist at the Billboard Music Awards. They’ve also earned multiple nominations at the American Music Awards.
In 2018, they gifted the world with another hit song, “So Will I (100 BillionX),” this time led by Benjamin Hastings. This track found its place on their album “Wonder,” which happens to be their latest studio release. Since then, they’ve continued to share their music with the world, delivering live albums and other Extended Plays, ensuring that their legacy endures.
Taya Smith Net Worth
As of 2023, Taya Smith’s estimated wealth is around $1 million, a testament to her successful career in the world of gospel music.
Her collaboration with Hillsong United has been spiritually fulfilling and financially rewarding. The band’s immense popularity and success have undoubtedly played a significant role in enhancing her financial well-being.
Taya’s lifestyle reflects her financial success. She enjoys the comforts of a lavish life, including a personal luxury vehicle and a spacious home. Her frequent travels around the world, as evident from her social media posts, hint at a life filled with exploration and adventure.
It’s important to note that while her estimated wealth is in the million-dollar range, the exact details of her assets and financial obligations are still subject to scrutiny. Therefore, her true financial picture may be even more substantial than what is publicly known.
Taya Smith Husband
Taya Smith’s love story has had its fair share of twists and turns. In 2018, she took the big step and married her husband, Ben Gaukrodger. But before Ben came into the picture, there was another chapter in her life that involved a relationship with Aodhan King, a fellow singer and songwriter from Hillsong Young and Free. Their paths eventually went in different directions, leading to the end of their romantic journey.
However, love had different plans in store for Taya. She crossed paths with Ben, lovingly known as Ben Gee, within the welcoming walls of their shared church. As they got to know each other, their connection deepened, and it became evident that they were meant to be together.
The turning point in their relationship came during a beach trip when Taya realized that Ben was the one she wanted to spend her life with. In 2017, they took the significant step of getting engaged, and the following year, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony. Notably, one of Taya’s bandmates officiated the wedding, making it an especially unique and heartfelt occasion.
Some glimpses of their beautiful wedding day were shared online, and Taya holds it as one of the most incredible experiences in her life. To add to the magic, she was able to wear her dream wedding dress, making the day even more memorable and meaningful.
Facts:
- Taya Smith is an Australian gospel artist and worship leader.
- She gained widespread recognition for her role in Hillsong United.
- Taya Smith was born on May 10, 1989, in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.
- She is married to Ben Gaukrodger, and they had a private church wedding officiated by a bandmate.
- Taya’s extraordinary voice is featured prominently in the chart-topping song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).”
- “Oceans” held the number one position on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart for an impressive 61 weeks.
- The song received a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
- Taya’s dedication to worship began in her hometown, where she served as a youth leader in her church.
- She started as a volunteer in Hillsong Church’s creative team before joining Hillsong United.
- Taya Smith has an estimated net worth of around $1 million in 2023.
Summary:
Taya Smith, a prominent Australian gospel artist and worship leader, has made a name for herself as a vital member of the renowned worship group, Hillsong United. Her extraordinary voice and her pivotal role in the chart-topping hit “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” propelled her to fame, and the enduring success of the song earned her numerous accolades.
Taya’s journey commenced in her hometown, where she dedicated herself to serving as a youth leader in her church community. Later, she made the significant move to Sydney, where she discovered her spiritual home at Hillsong Church’s City Campus. Her unwavering commitment to music and ministry has endeared her to countless worshippers around the world.
FAQ:
How old is Taya Smith in 2023?
Taya Smith is 34 years old as of 2023.
When did Taya Smith get married?
Taya Smith married Ben Gaukrodger in 2018.
What is Taya Smith’s most famous song?
Taya is best known for her role in the hit song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United.
What is the significance of “Oceans” in Taya Smith’s career?
“Oceans” is the song that propelled Taya to fame, and it held the number one position on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart for an astonishing 61 weeks.
How did Taya Smith start her career in music?
Taya’s musical journey began when she volunteered in the creative team at Hillsong Church before joining Hillsong United.
What is Taya Smith’s estimated net worth?
Taya Smith’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million in 2023.
Who officiated Taya Smith’s wedding?
A fellow bandmate officiated Taya Smith’s private church wedding to Ben Gaukrodger.
What is the name of Taya Smith’s husband?
Taya Smith is married to Ben Gaukrodger.
What is Taya Smith’s hometown?
Taya Smith hails from Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.
What awards did “Oceans” win?
“Oceans” received a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and won the Song of the Year honor at the Dove Awards.
