Canaan James Hill, a 17-year-old aspiring preacher from Dallas, Texas, delivered a stirring gospel performance during his audition for American Idol, earning him a ticket to Hollywood.
Hill was the last to audition for the show’s 23rd season, appearing in the season’s fifth episode, “Auditions, Part 5.” Before singing, he informed judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and season four winner Carrie Underwood that he had graduated high school early. Asked why, he replied, “So that I can go forward with my gift and do what God has called and chosen me to do.”
“I’m actually getting into preaching, that’ll be coming up for me soon,” he told the judges.
Hill then gave a moving performance of Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory,” which left the judges stunned and amazed, with Richie jumping up out of his seat in excitement.
You can watch his audition below:
After singing, the judges quickly told Hill that he would be going to Hollywood. Underwood remarked that his performance left her “speechless.” Bryan jokingly asked him, “When you sing in church, what do people do? Do they just run to the baptism pit and jump in it and get saved immediately?”
But the judges had an even bigger surprise for Hill: He would be receiving this season’s final platinum ticket – an upgraded “golden ticket” to Hollywood.
Just three platinum tickets are given out each season, allowing the three lucky recipients to bypass the next round of competition, ensuring they’ll make it further in the show.
Richie told Hill, “You get to sit back and watch all the people you’re going to slay. … You are now a platinum winner.”
“Wow,” Hill replied, “Glory to God. Thank you.”
Watching American Idol is kind of like opening a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. People from all backgrounds, faiths and different life circumstances can audition. Over the years, the show has featured aspirants from all walks of life.
However, at times, American Idol has also seemingly transformed into a faith-based show with contestants singing classic hymns and songs of praise.
Earlier this year, contestant Mikaela Bautista performed an emotional rendition of “The Prayer” with her father during her audition.
Last year, Gospel singer Roman Collins made the show’s Top 12 before being eliminated. Collins, who serves as the director of Biola University’s Gospel Choir, was invited back for the season’s finale. He performed a moving rendition of Bethel Music’s “Goodness of God” alongside renowned singer CeCe Winans.
This year, the show has featured other contestants with inspiring stories, including stay-at-home mom Breanna Nix who spoke about how her young son inspired her weight-loss journey; and adopted worship singer Isaiah Moore, who works at Redeemer Community Church in downtown Oneonta, Alabama.
In an interview after his audition, Hill said, “Oh I’m so ready to spread the Gospel, and that, I am gonna do.” If you’re a regular watcher of American Idol, you can expect more stirring performances from Hill and his fellow contestants in future episodes.
To learn more about the Christian faith, read C.S. Lewis’ classic Mere Christianity. You can also listen to Focus on the Family’s award winning Radio Theater: C.S. Lewis at War.
If you want to better understand the Bible and be part of God’s redemptive mission, check out RVL Discipleship: The Study.
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Related articles and resources:
Ministering to the Heart of Pastors
Pastor to Pastor with Dave Stone
Adopted Worship Leader Isaiah Moore Headed to Hollywood on ‘American Idol’
Stay-at-Home Mom Headed to Hollywood After Rendition of ‘Jesus, Take The Wheel’
Photo from YouTube.
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