Joel Smallbone

Joel David Smallbone (born 5 June 1984) is an Australian singer and actor. He is a member of the Christian pop duo For King & Country along with his brother Luke. Smallbone played James Stevens in the 2016 film Priceless and Antipater in the 2023 film Journey to Bethlehem. He directed the 2024 Christian drama film Unsung Hero and played the role of his father David Smallbone.

Early life Smallbone was born in Wahroonga,Sydney, but moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1991. He is the brother of Luke Smallbone and younger brother of Christian recording artist and speaker Rebecca St. James. Smallbone is also the brother-in-law of Jacob Fink, former bassist for the band Foster the People.

Smallbone's father was a music promoter, and Joel recalls, "going to these rock concerts, sitting on my father's shoulders, plugging my ears...Honestly, in a lot of ways I feel like music chose me and as I grew older, I made a clear decision to fully lean into it."

Career

Smallbone provided backing vocals for his sister Rebecca in addition to light operation and stage management. He collaborated with his brother Luke and in 2008 they released their first EP, A Tale of Two Towns, initially performing under the name Austoville. In 2016, Smallbone was cast in the leading role of James Stevens in the film Priceless. In December 2025, he was a guest narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World.

Smallbone won two Grammy awards in 2014 and was nominated for another Grammy in 2016.

Personal life

Smallbone married Christian music artist and actress Moriah Peters (known professionally as MORIAH) in 2013.

Christian singer Rebecca St. James is the older sister to Smallbone and his brother Luke. Their father David is a concert promoter.

Discography

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2013 The Book of Esther King Xerxes 2014 Like a Country Song Jake Reeson 2016 Priceless James Stevens 2023 Journey to Bethlehem Antipater 2024 Unsung Hero David Smallbone Also director 2026 Young Washington William FairfaxDrummer BoyJeremiah ClemAlso director