FROM THE CHRISTIAN POST
It would never happen on Australian Idol.
The name of Jesus was boldly proclaimed from the stage of American Idol last week as the long-running talent quest hosted its second annual ‘Songs of Faith’ night.
Most of the final 14 contestants performed Christian songs.
Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan opened the show with Jesus Is Love joined by the contestants in a choir-like formation.
Another judge Carrie Underwood closed the show with How Great Thou Art joined by former contestants.
“I THINK I FELT THE HOLY SPIRIT A FEW TIMES”
Child preacher Luke Tillman delivered a prayer as contestants and the audience alike lifted their hands in worship.
“I think I felt the Holy Spirit a few times,” long-time host Ryan Seacrest told The Christian Post.
“When Carrie had her performance, it vibrated this massive studio. It was incredible.”
Underwood, who has been largely credited for the increased visibility of faith themes on the hit reality show, told the Post that contestants weren’t required to sing explicitly Christian songs.
MOST CONTESTANTS SANG CHRISTIAN SONGS JUST LIKE THEY DID IN CHURCH
Most of them chose to do so, giving standout performances of Nothing But the Blood of Jesus, Gratitude, I Can Only Imagine and At the Cross.
“I respect [host broadcaster] ABC and American Idol so much for being bold in this theme, because it’s not easy,” Carrie Underwood acknowledged.
“I love that we were able to have some moments of just worship in front of the world.”
Luke Bryan who grew up in a Southern Baptist church in Georgia, described the night as a return to something foundational, both for the contestants and for the country .
He pointed out that many of the night’s performers began singing in church.
“When you hear people praising Jesus in this light, it’s something that I feel like maybe the country’s gotten away from. It’s a great platform,” Bryan observed.
TESTIMONY OF A PASTOR’S DAUGHTER
Keyla Richardson, a pastor’s daughter, music teacher and mother from Pensacola, Florida, opened the night with Jireh, Maverick City Music’s worship anthem, which she said was born out of intimate, tearful moments with God.
“There were times in my life where I would sit with God in my room and tears would just fall,” she confessed.
“God has been everything I need Him to be.”
The 29-year-old artist told The Christian Post that her faith has been the sustaining force throughout the competition.
“My faith is the only thing that has kept me this far, and that’s the only thing that’s going to keep me,” she said.
“All my help comes from the Lord.”
HOW ONE CONTESTANT OVERCAME DEPRESSION
For Kyndal Inskeep, the night carried the weight of personal testimony.
After performing a rousing rendition of the classic hymn Nothing But the Blood of Jesus, she reflected on a past battle with depression and how her faith saved her.
“I almost lost my fight,” the 29-year-old Indiana native revealed, adding that the presence of the Holy Spirit was “overwhelming” during the night’s performances.
Lucas Leon, who performed Brandon Lake’s Gratitude, prompting the audience to raise their hands in worship, said his song choice was an act of thanksgiving to God.
“I’ve got a roof over my head, food to eat, breath in my lungs every morning,” he reflected.
“How could I not be thankful? I love that we’re able to get out here and sing about Jesus.”
“PEOPLE CAN CONNECT TO THE UNIVERSALITY OF FAITH THEMES”
Jesse Findling, who performed Bless the Broken Road, pointed to the universality of faith themes.
“That lyric — ‘God bless the broken road that led me straight to you’ –– I feel like no matter what your definition of faith is, people can connect to that,” he believed.
Singer Raye, whose rendition of Patty Griffin’s Up to the Mountain earned high praise from the judges, spoke of contestants praying together backstage:
“We’ve had them pray over me. We’ve prayed together. This night just brought us all closer.”
“I RELY ON FAITH EVERY SINGLE DAY”
Philmon Lee connected his performance of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man to Biblical lessons instilled by his family.
“It’s about staying humble, staying grounded and leaning on your faith in troubled times,” he explained.
“I rely on faith every single day. I lie awake at night praying.”
Daniel Stallworth, who performed Blessing Offor’s Brighter Days, said his goal was to encourage viewers.
“I’ve had some tough moments in my life, and I was searching for a brighter day,” he admitted.
“If you’re going through it right now, keep holding on. You’ll get to the other side.”
Hannah Harper on American Idol – Instagram
“BEING OPEN ABOUT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS AN INCREDIBLE HONOUR”
Harper, who has been involved in ministry since childhood and consistently used her time on Idol to point viewers to Jesus, was visibly moved throughout the night.
She told The Christian Post she “cried the whole time,” with makeup artists stepping in repeatedly as she struggled to compose herself.
“Getting to be this open about my relationship with the Lord on a platform like this is an incredible honour to me,” she rejoiced.
Harper, who performed Chris Tomlin’s At the Cross (Love Ran Red) said she saw the moment as an “opportunity to give an invitation.”
“TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL IN FRONT OF MILLIONS IS SUCH A COOL OPPORTUNITY”
“From the beginning, you’ve been one of my absolute favourites,” Carrie Underwood told Harper after her performance.
“I loved your version of that. I could feel your heart in it, and I was right there with you.”
Chris Tungseth, who performed By Your Grace, described the opportunity to sing openly about faith on national television as deeply personal.
“I never knew if I’d get a chance to sing a song like this on the show,” he said.
“To spread the Gospel in front of millions, that’s such a cool opportunity.”
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