The Story Behind "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship
October 26, 2026
Few modern worship songs have travelled as far as "What a Beautiful Name." Released by Hillsong Worship in 2016, it moved quickly from one church in Sydney to Sunday services around the world. Here is the story behind the song, and what worship leaders and songwriters can learn from it.
Who wrote "What a Beautiful Name"?
The song was written by Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood (known earlier in her career as Brooke Fraser), two songwriters from the Hillsong Church community. Brooke sang the lead vocal on the recording.
Where was it released?
"What a Beautiful Name" first appeared on Hillsong Worship's 2016 album Let There Be Light. It became one of the most widely sung worship songs in churches over the following years and won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2018.
What is the song about?
The song is a meditation on the name of Jesus. It moves through who Christ is as the eternal Word, His coming to bring us back to God, and His victory over sin and death. Each chorus builds the idea a step further: the name of Jesus is beautiful, then wonderful, then powerful. That simple progression gives the congregation a clear path to follow and lets the song grow from quiet reflection into full declaration.
Why churches keep singing it
The melody sits comfortably for most voices, the chorus is easy to learn after one pass, and the lyric is rooted in Scripture, drawing on passages such as John 1 and Philippians 2. It works with a full band or a single piano. Those are the same qualities we aim for at CROSS & CROWN: songs a whole room can sing, centred on Christ.
Tips for leading it
Start gently, with just keys or acoustic guitar, and let the band enter as the song builds. Keep the bridge strong but singable so the congregation joins in rather than watches. If your church is learning it for the first time, try the teach-it-first approach from our worship leader tip post.
Looking for more songs that point to the name and the work of Jesus? Listen to the new CROSS & CROWN worship album, Look Up, on our music page.