“American Idol” contestants, judges and special guests took viewers to church on Easter Sunday night for an extended “Songs of Faith” episode. Airing on ABC, the three-hour broadcast brought a spirit of worship to primetime as this season’s Top 20 contestants took the stage to perform faith-based and gospel songs in front of a live audience for the first time in “Idol” history. Among the night’s most powerful moments was judge Carrie Underwood’s moving rendition of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art,” performed on the same stage where her own journey began two decades ago. Jelly Roll also took the stage alongside Christian artist Brandon Lake to perform their hit, “Hard Fought Hallelujah”. Judge Luke Bryan delivered a solo of his 2024 song “Jesus Bout My Kids,” while Lionel Richie led the top 24 in a group rendition of “Eternity.” Grammy Award-winning artist CeCe Winans also performed alongside former contestant Roman Collins for “Come Jesus Come.” Canaan James Hill, a 17-year-old aspiring preacher, also sang a rousing rendition of “Better Days” by gospel singer Le’Andria Johnson.
Ahead of the Easter episode, Bryan told Billboard magazine that Underwood has had “a little something to do with” the increased visibility of gospel and Christian music on the show. “She’s never shied away from her spirituality and Christian beliefs, and she’s done it through music, and it’s been a part of her artistry,” Bryan said. “American Idol” co-creator Simon Lythgoe said that his time with the show, “There was an unspoken rule to steer clear of anything overtly religious or faith based. The goal was to keep the show secular to avoid alienating any viewers.” Lythgoe told the outlet he noticed a “shift” when Underwood was a contestant and quickly became a chart-topping artist. After contestants performed “Shout to the Lord” during a 2008 “Idol Gives Back” charity special, the show’s co-creator was “flooded with calls from Christian friends who were thrilled to hear a worship song performed on primetime television.” “I’m genuinely excited to see Jesus’ resurrection day honoured on one of the biggest entertainment platforms in the world,” he said before the “American Idol” Easter special aired.
Source: Christian Post
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