American Idol Used Prime-Time To Praise Jesus

American Idol shook the entertainment world with its first-ever three-hour “Songs of Faith” Easter special on April 20, 2025, and it was a straight-up revival!

This wasn’t just a singing competition—it was a bold, unapologetic celebration of Jesus Christ that put faith front and center on prime-time TV. From contestants to judges to superstar guests, the Christian influence was undeniable, and it’s got me fired up.

Let’s dive into why this episode was a game-changer and a sign of what is taking place in pop culture.

First off, the entire episode was built around a “Songs of Faith” theme, timed perfectly for Easter Sunday, the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection. The Top 20 contestants didn’t just sing feel-good tunes; they belted out worship and gospel songs that gave glory to God.

Take 17-year-old Canaan James Hill, who brought the house down with Le’Andria Johnson’s “Better Days.” This kid, already a platinum ticket winner for his soul-stirring audition of Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory,” had the judges—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—on their feet.

Thunderstorm Artis, another standout, turned Cory Asbury’s “Reckless Love” into what Luke called a “big Christian rock concert,” showing the raw power of faith-driven music.

These performances weren’t about chasing fame; they were about lifting up Jesus.
The judges didn’t just sit back and critique—they joined the worship.

Lionel Richie kicked things off with his 2009 inspirational hit “Eternity,” backed by the Top 24 as a heavenly choir. Luke Bryan got personal with “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” and Carrie Underwood? She closed the night with a jaw-dropping rendition of “How Great Thou Art” from her Grammy-winning gospel album My Savior.

Carrie’s influence was immense as she reportedly pushed hard for this faith-based episode despite some crew members calling it “inappropriate” for a secular show.

Luke credited her openness about her Christian faith for inspiring this season’s gospel surge, saying, “She’s never shied away from her spirituality… and the kids this year have showed up with more of that”.

Then came the guest artists, which was like a lineup straight out of a Christian music festival.

Gospel legend CeCe Winans, whose 2024 Idol performance was a viral hit, returned with a soul-stirring set that had social media buzzing.

Brandon Lake and Idol’s artist-in-residence Jelly Roll teamed up for their anthem “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a song about hope through battles that left viewers in tears. Lake called it an honor to perform, admitting he was nervous in front of his “heroes”.

Season 22 alum Roman Collins and gospel quartet The Brown Four, who sang “This Little Light of Mine,” rounded out the night with pure joy and tight harmonies.

Simon Lythgoe, an original Idol producer, told CCM Magazine he was “genuinely excited to see Jesus’ Resurrection Day honored on one of the biggest entertainment platforms in the world”. That’s no small thing for a show that once avoided overt faith to stay “inclusive”.

Perspective

What makes this special so profound is how it reflects a broader spiritual revival in pop culture.

Contestants like Victor Solomon, a Top 24 hopeful, told Deseret News that his faith keeps him grounded: “Sticking to His word… making sure I thank Him, glorify Him, honor Him for waking me up this morning”.

Thunderstorm Artis noted the surprising number of Christians in Idol’s ranks, from production to contestants, calling it a “spirit-filled organization”. This isn’t new—Idol alums like Carrie Underwood, Mandisa, and Danny Gokey have long carried their faith into Christian music—but this season’s openness is next-level.

A backstage worship session among contestants went viral, with Artis saying, “It felt like the spirit of the Lord was in the room”. In an industry that often pressures artists to hide their faith, as Carrie herself noted, this episode was a fearless declaration of John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

But it wasn’t just about the music. The episode carried a deeper message of hope and salvation. CBN News stated that Idol “put the focus clearly on Jesus Christ”.

This wasn’t vague spirituality—it was specific, Christ-centered worship that millions watched on ABC and Disney!

Whether it’s Carrie’s tearful encouragement to contestants sharing their faith or CeCe Winans’ return sparking a social media storm, God is moving in places we least expect.

Let this serve as an encouragement to pray for all those who watched—contestants, viewers, even skeptics—to encounter the real Jesus, not a watered-down version. And let’s keep our eyes peeled for more signs of revival. Maranatha!

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