Singer/songwriter and survivor Benny DiChiara stepped onto the stage at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in 2026 with the same raw energy and unshakeable faith that has defined his journey. Speaking with hosts at the event, DiChiara opened up about his transformation from a secular rock musician to a frontman for Christ, sharing a testimony that blends dramatic healing, divine encounters, and a fierce commitment to using music as a weapon for the Gospel.
DiChiara, a New Orleans native, got saved at 35 after years in the secular rock scene—complete with long hair, stage lights, and the New Orleans circuit. He carried heavy guilt for delaying his surrender to Christ, but God had other plans. “I got saved late in my life,” he recounted in the interview. “I walked around with a lot of guilt for a month or two… like, what took me so long?” God spoke clearly: the music gift he’d used for the world now belonged to Him. “You want me to do rock music for You?” DiChiara asked. The answer was yes—because that sound reaches people Christian music sometimes misses.
That’s when Empowered was born. The band’s name reflects its mission: God empowers believers with gifts like music to reach others, who then empower more people for Christ. The logo—red for the blood of Jesus, black for lashes, white for purity—captures the clean, bold message. DiChiara founded the indie Christian rock band, serving as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, alongside bandmates including Mic Capdeville (percussion, background vocals, co-leader), James Sanders (lead guitarist, backing vocalist), and Ross Daigle (guitarist, background vocals). Empowered delivers a gritty Southern rock sound infused with Holy Spirit fire—unfiltered lyrics drawn from real struggles, redemption, and the loud truth that Jesus saves.
The road wasn’t easy. Ten years ago, DiChiara suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Falling asleep on his sofa during the chaotic lead-up to the 2016 election, he stood up, blacked out, and crashed head-first onto the floor. The impact caused a double skull fracture, crushed frontal lobe, internal brain bleed, and the loss of smell and taste—effects that persist to this day. He spent months in a recliner, sleeping 20 hours a day, on seizure meds, and using a walker. Yet in the quiet of recovery, God got his full attention. “Do I have your attention now?” DiChiara recalls hearing. “Because I’m not a side project.”
In a profound moment, while alone at home, an audible voice spoke: “Vinnie, I have huge plans for you coming out of this.” Drawing from his favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11, God gave him lyrics for a song titled “Jeremiah 29:11″—not quoting verses, but conveying the promise personally: what God did for DiChiara in stepping into his life and saving it, He can do for anyone who presses in. That song, produced by Mikey Howard (7eventh Time Down), became a tear-jerker that rips through listeners.
Three Days, Empowered’s post-injury EP, marked a miraculous comeback. Released as the first project after the brain injury, it achieved seven No. 1 spots on charts, with the title track hitting No. 1 on IndieGospel.net’s Top 20 in June 2021. “Rock Bottom” debuted at No. 7 simultaneously, and “Listen to the Children” claimed No. 1 in December 2020. These accomplishments, born from pain and divine restoration, underscore God’s purpose moving forward.
Now, Empowered has leveled up with their latest release, the EP SALT—a bold declaration of being salt and light in a dark world. Inspired by Jesus’ call in Matthew 5, the project (produced again with Mikey Howard) includes high-energy tracks like “Punch the Devil,” written amid family spiritual attacks, urging believers to fight back aggressively against the enemy. DiChiara emphasizes: Christianity isn’t boring. “You do not have to be boring to be a Christian. Nobody wants to follow a boring Christian minister.”
At NRB 2026, DiChiara shared this fire with the crowd, stressing immediate obedience: when God says move, move—without hesitation. Delaying risks breaking the first commandment by putting self above God. He urged creators, podcasters, media leaders, and everyday believers to say “yes” boldly, knowing attacks will come but Jesus equips the response.
Empowered takes its ministry beyond stages, supporting Children’s Cup (childrenscup.org), a nonprofit aiding vulnerable children globally.
DiChiara’s story has reached millions through high-profile appearances on The 700 Club, Babbie’s House on NRB Network, Cornerstone Television’s Hope Today, CRU, Inspiration.org, and more. Whether in churches, bars, festivals, or youth events, he plays wherever doors open—echoing Jesus who went to the hurting, not just the temple.
From a near-fatal fall to divine lyrics in a living room, from secular stages to chart-topping worship rock, Benny DiChiara’s life shouts one truth: God redeems, heals, and empowers—loudly. As he told the NRB audience, throw those “Hail Marys” early. The world needs Jesus, and Empowered is delivering the message with grit, energy, and unrelenting faith.
