Last night, I was wrong about my American Idol predictions, and I've never been so happy: Kris Allen (pictured) made the Top 12! He, along with Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert, join Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey and Michael Sarver in the Top 12.
I love Kris Allen but wasn't sure that he'd get enough votes to put him through. Lo and behold, he made it! (I have a hunch we'll see Norman Gentle back for the Wild Card round.)
That means that of the top six contestants, three are church worship leaders:
Before Idol, Danny Gokey was the praise and worship leader at both Faith Builders International Ministry locations, in Beloit, WI for the morning service and then he headed to Milwaukee for the afternoon service, as well as doing mid-week services. Faith Builders is his home church.
Kris Allen has been working with the worship ministry at his home church, New Life Church in Arkansas, on both the Conway and Little Rock campuses since 2007. He is also involved with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the University of Central Arkansas.
Michael Sarver does more than just work on an oil rig. He leads a worship and praise team at Harvest Church in Jasper, TX and was once a lead singer at Victory Christian Center in Houston.
Next week, Felicia Barton, who is a worship leader at Freedom Fellowship in Virginia Beach, VA, competes. And Scott MacIntyre regularly performs at his home church, Scottsdale Bible Church; he's also appeared on the Crystal Cathedral Hour of Power and performs with the Gospel quarter, The MacIntyre Family Singers.
And that's not even counting the ones who didn't make it to the top 12 - Jamar Rogers, Matt Giraud, Mishovanna Henson.
I don't think having Christians compete on the show is unusual. Jordin Sparks got her start singing in church and won several Gospel Music Association competitions before becoming a pop star with Idol. Chris Daughtry played in a Christian rock band. Last year's Brooke White is a Christian. The list goes on. What I find interesting is the number of worship leaders in this year's show. It's one thing to be a singer with ties to Christian music or the Christian faith - Kristen McNamara is a professed Christian but as far as I know isn't involved in a specific church worship ministry. It's another to be actively involved in Christian ministry and be on the show.
It reminds me of Fox's other now-defunct reality show, "Next Great American Band." Of the final three acts, two were blatant Christian bands - Denver and the Mile High Orchestra and The Clark Brothers. The bands both talked often about their faith, were seen praying (and not just token prayers before a performance,) and mused about reconciling their song choices with their faith. And the winner, The Clark Brothers - sang outright evangelistic Jesus gospel songs on the show. And they were good. I mean really, really good.
So what does that mean? Is the mainstream becoming more open to artists with Christian faith? Is American Idol, who had their contestants last year do a group performance of "Shout To The Lord," seeing $$$ from Christian consumers?
Personally, I think it's brilliant to see devout and open Christians on the show. I think we need more talented and faithful Christians influencing mainstream music, rather than insulating themselves in the Christian music bubble. But it's not easy. So if you're a fan of one of this year's contestants, in addition to dialing, pray for them.
What do you think? Does having so many worship leaders in the competition signal any changes in public perceptions about Christianity or Christian music?
MORE AMERICAN IDOL POSTS
Send American Idol's Jamar Rogers Birthday Wishes
Norman Gentle This Season's Sanjaya? No Way! Check out last night's performance
American Idol's Jamar Rogers and Frankie Jordan - BIG BIG NEWS!
American Idol Contestants With Ties to Christian Music - Round 2 & Updates
American Idol's Felicia Barton a Worship Leader at Freedom Fellowship in VA
American Idol Contestant Kristen McNamara & L.A.U.G.H.
More on American Idol contestant Danny Gokey and wife Sophia
More American Idol Posts
And if you want more American Idol show recap, visit my Idol blog at NewChristianVoices.com.
Denver & the Mile High Orchestra's front man talks about being a root beer snob
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Hi Honey!
I am also a fan of TY on Dancing With The Stars.
I will have to stop watching when they vote him off!!
love you
i was born and raised mormon (don't follow the religion any longer). mormons are christians, plain and simple. we follow the king james' version of the bible just like other christians. we just so happen to have an extended piece.
Something seems to be seriously wrong. Does anyone else sense it? Are we milking down the teachings of our Lord? He was crucified for us and yet we have one foot in the world and lift the other in praise? Who makes the rules now? How many biblical standards do we just turn our eyes from in order to justify validating American Idol. I don't care if guys or gals who profess to be believers are on the show. I don't judge them. I don't care if one of them even can write a song that clearly states a great virtue. Please, is there anyone who senses something is wrong with the watered down version of christianity in this country????????? What do we stand for? Why do we justify our behavior and the fun we want to have with "it's a great way to witness". Is it that our teaching is pathetic to young people? Is it that nobody wants to take a stand? IS EVERYONE BLIND AND DEAF? No, you can give me no reason that stands the test of God's word. Our behavior is sinful. Even the young men that are worship leaders. Do you not see that they either have not come under good teaching or have had none at all? Beautiful worship songs are not God's word. No matter what you say. Don't be deceived by this world. Don't conform. This is so sad. Face it - you want your party. You want the shows and the glitz and glammor. We want it all. God will give us a way to testify for Him if we ask. We don't need to compromise His true word. Don't say God is using these singers. They happen to be young christians with some pretty good songs and nice words...test everything.
Hi! Can I repost this to my blog?
I just want my other friends to see. I will quote and give credit to where credit is due :)
Thanks.
Mikki
Mikki, I can't give you permission to reprint this. You can use short excerpts and link back, though.
Thanks!
Joanne Brokaw
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