At a time when faith-based content is often treated as niche, American Idol is flipping the script — putting worship music front and center in a primetime, three-hour special.
This Easter season, the long-running singing competition is going all in with a special titled Songs of Faith, airing Apr. 20. The lineup isn’t just stacked with talent — it’s stacked with believers. Gospel powerhouse CeCe Winans, worship leader Brandon Lake, and Idol alum Roman Collins will be joined by Jelly Roll, who’s becoming something of a bridge between mainstream music and messages of hope.
Let’s be honest: It’s easy to get cynical about pop culture. But moments like this? They remind us that God can use any stage — even one lit by the glitz of Hollywood — to reach hearts.
As reported by The Christian Post, all 20 contestants will perform faith-filled, gospel and worship songs live in primetime, while the judges — yes, even Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood — will also take the mic to share songs rooted in faith.
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Underwood, never shy about her Christian beliefs, got emotional on a recent episode when two contestants sang Lake’s “Gratitude.” She told them, “I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you. It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that. I want to tell you that I’m proud of you guys.”
/**/That’s the heartbeat of this season — young artists who aren’t afraid to say, Yes, I love Jesus. Contestants like Baylee Littrell and aspiring pastor Canaan Hill are openly worshipping on national TV, and it’s resonating with people across the country.
Even Jelly Roll was moved enough to call up Lake during a live moment to say of the performance, “That was the most gorgeous version of ‘Gratitude’ I’ve ever heard.”
Colton Dixon, a former Idol finalist and longtime Christian artist, put it best: “‘American Idol’ was all the churchgoers’ guilty pleasure to watch as a family. … God’s real, and I think He becomes real to everyone at some point… It’s their choice, whether or not they choose to follow after God’s heart.”
Whether you’re a longtime believer or just tuning in, this season of American Idol is proving that faith still has a voice — and it’s hitting some powerful notes.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
