In observance of Easter Day, American Idol aired a special, three-hour “Songs of Faith” episode on ABC.
The episode featured faith-filled performances from the 23rd season’s Top 20 contestants, special guests including Jelly Roll, CeCe Winans, Roman Collins, Brandon Lake, and the show’s judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood.
It’s the very first time the show has aired a completely faith-focused episode since it premiered in 2002. According to reports, judge Carrie Underwood “fought” for the special episode even though some staffers thought it inappropriate. Carrie was a “big advocate for it” and “pushed to make this night happen,” a source told The U.S. Sun.
“It was really important for her for the show to go through with it. Lionel and Luke were on board, but Carrie was the most vocal about wanting to make sure it happened.”
One of the episode’s first performances brought a moment of charming entertainment and worship to the stage, with the Brown Four, a kid’s quartet from Memphis, Tennessee, singing “Oh, How I Love Jesus” which you can watch below:
Judge Luke Bryan performed his song “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” which was released last year.
Byran said he “instantly” knew he wanted to perform the song when he first learned about the Easter special.
“We have tried to raise our boys in a household that understands Jesus, and I love that the song really speaks about the journey of being a parent,” Bryan said. “Every line has a specific meaning and purpose that parents everywhere can relate to.”
In a performance midway through the episode, renowned gospel singer CeCe Winans and Roman Collins, director of Biola University’s Gospel Choir, gave a stirring rendition of “Come Jesus Come.”
Collins competed on American Idol season 22, making the Top 12 before being eliminated. He was brought back last year to sing “Goodness of God” with Winans during the season finale.
Throughout the episode, show host Ryan Seacrest revealed the “safe” contestants who had earned a spot in the Top 20, courtesy of the nearly 30 million votes cast from viewers last week. Platinum ticket winner Kolbi Jordan took the very last spot. She then sang a stunning rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
To conclude the Easter special, Carrie Underwood performed the classic Christian hymn “How Great Thou Art.”
Throughout season 23, numerous contestants have spoken openly about their faith and performed numerous Christian songs. Bryan told Billboard last month that he’s noticed this trend among the show’s contestants, attributing it in part to Underwood’s influence.
“She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs and she’s done it through music and it’s been a part of her artistry,” Bryan said. “The kids this year have showed up with more of that maybe than in years past, and that’s been something really, really special to watch.”
“I’m sure [Carrie] probably thinks, ‘Am I making a difference?’ but it showed this year,” he added. “A couple of episodes ago she asked, ‘Historically, have people done so much gospel?’ And I said, ‘You may be having a little something to do with that.’”
It’s encouraging to see a popular show – which garners millions of viewers per episode – openly embrace a faith-based angle on Easter Sunday. If past is prologue, you can expect more faith-filled performances in the coming weeks.
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.
To speak with a family help specialist or request resources, please call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Related articles and resources:
Aspiring Preacher Stuns Judges, Wins Platinum Ticket on ‘American Idol’
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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