|PIC1|Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum selling artist Michael W Smith recently completed the highly successful European leg of his "New Hallelujah World Tour".

While Smith's "World Tour" started May 18 in Ontario, Canada, the European run of 19 dates kicked off three days later in Finland. Along the way, Smith performed in Sweden, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Spain, Italy, Hungary and Holland before concluding in Paris, France on June 14. Smith's stops in Spain, Latvia and Hungary marked his first ever performances in those countries.

Smith performed to a sold out crowd in Jönköping, Sweden, bringing a life-changing night of worship to those who attended. Tomas Lindéh, a promoter for the event and manager for Another Level Productions says, “Michael and the band really connected with the crowd, and a fantastic night of worship took place. At times Michael got silent and let the 200 person local choir sing together with the audience the same lyrics but in Swedish. It was really powerful.”

European fans expressed their support for Smith by attending his concerts in droves. "The European dates had enormous crowds - especially in Finland, the UK, Latvia, Hungary, Sweden, and for Michael's two performances for Franklin Graham's crusades in Estonia," says Michael’s longtime manager, Chaz Corzine. "And the ministry in France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain was just amazing."

Smith performed classic fan favourites as well as music from his award winning A New Hallelujah album, and A New Hallelujah – The Live Worship DVD.

Smith also performed in front of 30,000 fans when he headlined this year's EO Youth Day in Holland. The annual gathering, which has been described as "the biggest event in Dutch Gospel history", was broadcast to more than one million television viewers.

Musical director for the event, Tim Dik, says, “Michael is unique because he appeals to all generations, young and old. He is a real worshipper who is more passionate and committed than ever before to impact Europe and the Netherlands. It was a great blessing to have him back this year!”

The night before EO Youth Day, Smith performed in the same venue for 12,500 people who attended exclusively to see him.

Michael W Smith has toured extensively for over 25 years, but says he will remember this tour as one of his favorites. "The Europe leg of the 'New Hallelujah World Tour' was absolutely one of the most memorable tours of my life," says Smith. "The crowds were amazing, the ministry was off the chart. The European crowds love the music and are so passionate about worship. I’ll never forget the experiences from this incredible tour."

Smith's European adventures began shortly after he saw his A New Hallelujah album win the Gospel Music Association's Dove Awards for "Praise & Worship Album of the Year" and "Inspirational Song of the Year" (title track).

After Smith's high profile shows during this summer's festival season, the New Hallelujah World Tour will continue in August and include performances at all eight of Sean Hannity's "2009 Freedom Concerts", which will also feature Billy Ray Cyrus, Charlie Daniels, Lee Greenwood and Oliver North.