Hillsong UNITED's Taya Smith Shaves Her Head

By Timothy Yap May 05, 2017 07:04 AM EDT

Taya Smith is the voice behind Hillsong UNITED's #1 CCM worship song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)." Smith has been known for her mop of blond hair. However, in March this year, the worship leader spotted a shorter look. Now, she gets another hairdo. She recently caused a social media stir after she shaved her hair off. Both fans and Christian leaders reacted.

"Sorry mum, I couldn't help it - yolo. Thank you @badisonv you've now given me the longest AND the shortest trim ever," Smith wrote on Instagram.

Immediately, her timeline was flooded with comments both in opposition and in favor of the hairdo. "Women shouldn't shave their heads," many wrote, quoting from 1 Corinthians 11 verses 5 and 6. The scripture states, "Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head-it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head."

Born and raised on the far north coast of New South Wales, Australia, Taya Smith is a key leader in the Hillsong creative team. She is a passionate worship leader who has captured the hearts of believers across the globe with her vocals in 'Oceans' and 'Touch The Sky' on UNITED's most recent albums, Empires and Zion.

Taya's passion for the house of God was first nurtured in Lismore as a part of the worship team and a youth leader. When secular singing work led to Taya moving to Sydney in 2010, she became a part of Hillsong Church's City Campus as a volunteer in the youth and young adults ministries and the church creative team. Soon after, her love for both worship and youth came together perfectly as she became involved in the church's youth worship expression Young & Free's debut album and subsequent tours.

In February 2013, Taya became a part Hillsong's creative staff with responsibilities that have range from development and oversight of the city vocal team, creative elements for young adult events, vocals in key Hillsong events as well as touring with UNITED.