American Idol Encouraged Worship of One True God on Easter Sunday

When you have a calling to sing and write Christian music, you’re not happy doing anything else. The music publishing industry is becoming more complicated and competitive. And major music labels are becoming more exclusive and unwilling to take chances on new talent that hasn’t developed a major following. So young Christians are looking for fresh ways to have a shot at sharing their music giftings and creating a music career. American Idol is becoming a popular spot for them to take a chance at stepping onto the national and international stage, especially during this current season.

Since season 8, episode 11 of American Idol took place on Easter Sunday, the judges decided to encourage contestants to select songs for that show that reflected their faith, calling, or personal challenges they had overcome. This particular episode included the top 20 contestants and was entitled “Songs of Faith,” according to Relevant.

Challenges of Blending an Entertainment Calling with a Secular Industry 

“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,” judge Carrie Underwood, a former “Idol” contestant, told Desert News. I want to tell you that I’m proud of you guys.”  

This is the first time in the history of American Idol that a faith-based theme was selected for one of the shows, according to American Songwriter. 

Contestant Thunderstorm Artis was pleasantly surprised to find out that many Christians are involved with the show this season. 

“If I had a nickel for every time someone told me, ‘Hey, if you take Jesus out of your music, you’d be way more famous, like, I’d be rich,’” he told Desert News. “There’s so many Christians, from the production team to the people at the top to the people at the bottom. And it’s been amazing.”

‘Songs of Faith,’ A Bold Move

“I think it’s incredible that American Idol is doing a three-hour Easter Special,” Simon Lythgoe, the original producer and co-creator of American Idol, told CCM Magazine in a phone interview prior to the show’s airing.  

Lythgoe noted that he felt ABC and Disney were making a bold move to air a show filled with Christian music, adding that. “When I first began working on the American Idol during the FOX years, there was an unspoken rule to steer clear of anything overtly religious or faith-based. The goal was to keep the show secular – broad and inclusive – to avoid alienating any viewers.”

He credited Carrie Underwood for causing the show to shift the year she sang “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Then, during Idol’s charity special in 2008, he felt that a significant turning point occurred when the Top 8 finalists requested to perform “Shout to the Lord.”

“I remember getting flooded with calls from Christian friends who were thrilled to hear a worship song performed on primetime television,” Lythgoe told CCM Magazine. 

WATCH: Christian Worship Takes over American Idol on Easter Weekend

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/American Idol 

Elizabeth Delaney has been a freelance content writer for over 20 years and has enjoyed having her prose published in both the non-fiction and fiction markets. She has written various types of content, including Christian articles, healthy lifestyle, blog posts, business topics, news articles, product descriptions, and some fiction. She is also a singer-songwriter-musician. When she is not busy with writing or music, she enjoys spending time with friends or family and doing fun social activities such as hiking, swing dancing, concerts, and other activities. 

Originally published April 23, 2025.