Brooke Fraser

Brooke Fraser is a New Zealand singer-songwriter whose career spans mainstream pop and contemporary Christian music. Born in Wellington, she first broke through in 2003 with her debut album What to Do with Daylight, which topped the New Zealand charts. Over the next decade, she released three more solo albums, including Flags in 2010, which featured the number-one single "Something in the Water." Her music has earned her a devoted following across the globe, and she remains an active recording artist today.

Fraser is equally known for her work as Brooke Ligertwood, the name she has used for her worship music. She spent nearly two decades with Hillsong Worship, contributing to modern classics like "What a Beautiful Name" and "Who You Say I Am." That songwriting earned her a Grammy Award in 2018 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance. As of 2026, she continues to release solo live albums and new material, balancing her roles as a mother, songwriter, and performer. [edit]

Brooke Fraser grew up in Wellington, New Zealand, in a musical household. Her father was a pastor, and music was a constant presence in the home. She began piano lessons at age seven, and by twelve she was writing her own songs. At fifteen, she picked up the acoustic guitar, an instrument that would become central to her sound. She has said that songwriting was a natural outlet for her, a way to process the world around her.

Fraser attended a local high school in Wellington, but her focus was always on music. She performed at small venues and open mics around the city, honing her craft. At eighteen, she signed with Sony BMG, a major label deal that would launch her career. Her debut album, What to Do with Daylight, was recorded and released in 2003, just a year after signing. The album's lead single, "Better," became a hit in New Zealand, setting the stage for her future success. [edit]

Fraser's breakthrough came with her 2003 debut, but it was her third album, Flags, released in 2010, that truly cemented her place in the mainstream. The single "Something in the Water" topped the New Zealand charts and became her signature song. In 2014, she released Brutal Romantic, a more pop-oriented record that showcased her versatility. That same year, she took a hiatus from Hillsong Worship to focus on her solo work, but she returned in 2016.

Her return to Hillsong coincided with a period of massive growth for the worship collective. She co-wrote "What a Beautiful Name," which became a global phenomenon and won a Grammy in 2018. Under her married name, Brooke Ligertwood, she released live solo albums Seven (2022) and Eight (2023), both recorded with a full band. In 2023, she concluded her tenure with Hillsong to focus on her own projects. Recent releases include the album EAT and the single "Because of the Lord's Great Love" in 2026, alongside a live album and concert film with the Auckland Philharmonia. [edit]

Brooke Fraser is known for her introspective lyrics and her ability to blend folk, pop, and worship music. Her public persona is that of a thoughtful, grounded artist who values authenticity over spectacle. She is not one for flashy marketing or social media antics; instead, she lets her music speak for itself. Fans appreciate her vulnerability and her willingness to explore deep spiritual themes in her work. Her signature style includes her long hair and her Martin guitar, which she often plays during live performances. She has a loyal following in New Zealand and Australia, and her music has resonated with audiences worldwide, particularly within the Christian music community. [edit]

Brooke Fraser, the New Zealand singer-songwriter who has moved between mainstream pop and worship music, has never been one to chase the spotlight. Yet her music has reached millions. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated her career, but she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, neither the Global Top 1,000 nor any Top-100 scope list. This is not a slight; it reflects a fame built on devotion rather than ubiquity. Her audience is vast but quiet, spread across churches and streaming playlists, not clustered in fan forums or trending hashtags.

Her fanbase has no formal name. There are no documented rituals, no coordinated campaigns, no inside jokes that bind her followers into a named tribe. What exists is a more intimate connection: a Christian radio station once asked listeners if she 'made a difference in your life,' and the response was a flood of personal testimony. Fans curate Spotify playlists of her Hillsong and solo work, but these are acts of individual devotion, not organized fandom.

Her fame, such as it is, is measured in the quiet authority of a songwriter whose work is sung by millions each Sunday. She has co-written 'What a Beautiful Name,' a song that has become a modern hymn, and her influence flows through the global worship movement. She is not a celebrity in the conventional sense; she is a presence, felt in the music more than in the headlines.[edit]

Brooke Fraser designed her own signature Martin guitar, the 000-28 Brooke, released as a custom artist edition. She has spoken about the importance of having a guitar that fits her hands and her playing style. She is known for her advocacy for clean water; in 2015, she traveled to Africa with World Vision, and her song 'Albertine' was inspired by a child she met in Rwanda. Fraser holds a degree in theology, which she pursued alongside her music career. She has performed at the White House, and her music has been featured in films and television shows. Her favorite food is sushi, and she has a fear of flying.

Among the stories fans retell is her journey from a 15-year mainstream career under her maiden name to her return to Hillsong Worship from 2016 to 2023, a period that produced some of her most impactful worship music. Another anecdote often shared is her 2022 album 'SEVEN,' which she described as marrying theology and art. While no single viral moment defines her, her evolution from pop star to worship leader is a narrative that resonates deeply with her audience.[edit]

Brooke Fraser married Scott Ligertwood, a fellow musician and producer, in 2011. The couple collaborates musically, with Scott often producing her records. They have two daughters, born in the late 2010s. Fraser has spoken about how motherhood has changed her perspective on life and creativity, making her more present and focused. The family lives in Sydney, Australia, where they are involved in their local church community. Fraser has also shared that her parents were influential in her faith journey, and she remains close to her siblings. [edit]

Brooke Fraser is closely associated with Hillsong Worship, the Australian megachurch's music collective, where she was a key songwriter and worship leader. She is also known for her collaborations with producer and husband Scott Ligertwood. Her music has been featured in films and TV shows, and she has performed at major Christian events worldwide. She has also worked with charities like World Vision, advocating for clean water access. [edit]

Brooke Fraser has been married to Scott Ligertwood since 2011. The couple met in the music industry and began dating in the mid-2000s. They married in a private ceremony in New Zealand. Scott is a music producer and has worked on many of Fraser's albums. Together they have two daughters. Before her marriage, Fraser was linked to a few fellow musicians, but she has kept her personal life largely private. As of 2026, she remains married to Scott. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Brooke Fraser's net worth at $10 million. Her primary income sources are her solo music sales, streaming royalties, and touring. As a prolific songwriter, she also earns significant royalties from her compositions, particularly those recorded by Hillsong Worship, which have been sung in churches globally. Her work on 'What a Beautiful Name' alone has generated substantial licensing income. Additionally, she has released several live albums and concert films, which contribute to her earnings. She also earns from brand partnerships and appearances. While she keeps her financial details private, her long and successful career in both mainstream and Christian music has clearly been lucrative.[edit]

Brooke Fraser has won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance for 'What a Beautiful Name' in 2018. She has also received multiple New Zealand Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Single of the Year. Her songwriting has been recognized with various honors from the Christian music industry. [edit]