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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posted February 27, 2009 at 10:53 am
First, Joanne, great post. I had no idea.
But you know, it makes sense. You can be in a band and have a hard time getting booked into the local dive once a month to play for a few dozen people. But if you are a worship leader, you are probably on stage once a week, if not more. You’re probably there because a substantial group of people have thought you were good enough to be there, and that’s given you a lot of stage time to sharpen your skills. So, while Idol is obviously a huge stage, performance is more second nature to you, and you are better prepared to succeed. Makes total sense.
On another note, I will miss Nick/Norman. But wildcard? I hope not. That “And I’m Telling You . . . ” performance was a great way to go out.
posted February 27, 2009 at 1:59 pm
The fact that quite a number of Christians make it into and advance in American Idol may not be so much that the mainstream is more open to Christians, but that these singers have had much more opportunity for public performance in their churches as they grew up. It’s not likely mainstream America pays much attention to one’s faith. If the singer is good and they like them, they will vote for them. On the other hand, Christian viewers are likely quite interested in knowing who the Christian singers are and may be more inclined to vote for them.
posted February 27, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Nice article. Haven’t we always known great talent lurks in the halls of the church.
posted February 28, 2009 at 11:01 am
I really have a problem with it. Where I come from, strict adherence to the Bible should preclude being involved with a secular, worldly entertainment show.
posted February 28, 2009 at 1:38 pm
There are a lot more Christian ties throughout the history of the show than you cite – but just to clarify, Brooke White is a Mormon.
posted February 28, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Just to clarify, Brooke White is a Mormon, which makes her a Christian. David Archuleta is also a Christian, as is Taylor Vaifanua.
posted February 28, 2009 at 5:40 pm
This may be off-topic here, but Mormonism is not Biblical Christianity. There are many things they believe that contradict the scriptures, beginning, I believe, with the question of Jesus being begotten by the Holy Spirit. Check out this link at christiananswers.net: http://www.christiananswers.net/q-acb/acb-r002a.html . Concerning worhsip leaders being on Idol, I think that is exciting. Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh, both from season 6, led worhip in their churches, and Phil has done so at least on one occasion, when his brother, Keith, was sick. There are videos on youtube of him leading. And he has also taken part in praise and worship at some churches he has visited recently. The Bible talks about being salt and light wherever you go. Jesus went among the sinners and taught them. He would otherwise not be able to bring them to a faith. We can’t win anyone to the Lord within the four walls of our churches only. Many won’t come, so we must go to them. I do not have a problem with Christians on a secular show. That is a good place to let the love of God shine through them.
posted February 28, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Seriously, all of you with the Christian/Mormon argument need to read my post:
You Might Be A Christian Music Fan If …
http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2008/12/you-might-be-a-christian-music.html
ANd if you don’t get the joke, read the explanation:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2008/12/you-might-be-a-christian-m.html
Joanne
host of the GS blog
posted February 28, 2009 at 8:40 pm
I have a problem with Christians who think the world is not where they belong. Let’s seclude ourselves from the rest of the world and jump in from time to time only to give others a hard time for not believing what we do. Jesus was questioned when he ate with the people too. You can live in it without being of it. Even in this generation religion is treated the same way race was 50 years ago. Christians over here, atheists over there. If this is the way you live, you are not living the way God intended his child to live. If you have an aura of negativity when you walk through the world you are worse than those you have a problem with.
posted February 28, 2009 at 10:50 pm
As long as one always keeps an eye open for any deceitfulness that may be at work, situations such as this are quite safe. But there is distance between beliefs and truths, and some people who claim to be ” Christians ” are more interested in maintaining that GAP such that deceit may carry on. A ” TRUE ” Christian is always trying to be on Christ’s path of truth, and thus is always moving closer and closer to the truth itself, and thus is slowly putting all forms of deceit out of business. Amen.
posted March 1, 2009 at 9:24 am
Thomson, yes, you are right. I only had so much space and time so pulled a few names off the top of my head to include.
Thanks!
Joanne
host of the GS blog
posted March 3, 2009 at 10:48 am
It’s a sign of the change that is about to come.
posted March 4, 2009 at 9:47 am
It is the motive of the heart that matters. Why are you there worship leaders? what is your purpose? To begin with, you can win unbelievers by sharing the gospel. Check your motive friends!
posted March 4, 2009 at 10:29 am
and how about Chris Sligh and Phil Stacy and Mandisa?
posted March 4, 2009 at 11:37 am
Ruth, yes, but we’re just talking about this season. There have been a ton of Christian artists on the show over the years. This year, though, is actually quite heavy with worship leaders and Christian singers. The top 36 had Danny Gokey, Michael Sarver, Mishovanna Henson, Scott MacIntyre, Felicia Barton, Kristen McNamara, Kris Allen, Matt Giraud, and possibly Lil Rounds (I haven’t heard back from her church). There might be more but my memory is short at the moment.
Thanks!
Joanne
host of the GS blog
posted March 7, 2009 at 4:54 pm
We cannot judge anyone, but Matthew 16:24 is very clear about “deny yourself” and “follow me(Jesus)” – these worship leaders are seeking a different god, which we know as fame – how would they then be able to follow Jesus, if they do not deny themselves…
posted March 11, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Ricky: Your comment was: “We cannot judge anyone, but… these worship leaders are seeking a different god, which we know as fame.” Perhaps you just didn’t read that back before hitting Post. I don’t presume to know what their actual motivations are. However, I do believe Christians can be singers and “stars” just as they can be members of many other professions. Denying ourselves is not about making certain professions off limits (though for some people God’s will may be to choose a different profession), but rather, is about a daily life of sacrificing our will for God’s will. There are many good Christian entertainers and we certainly need more. Going into all the world and preaching the Gospel must include the world of entertainment. However, one thing we can probably all agree on is that maintaining and building a personal relationship with Christ, while living and working in the music/entertainment industry, appears to be extremely challenging. So, all of these contestants need our prayers.
posted March 16, 2009 at 8:38 am
Ok… I think it’s crazy to say that we (Christians) should deny ourselves and all that the world has to offer in order to be acceptible in God’s eyes. And I love what SENIOR said… we can’t separate to that extreme. We can be “IN” this world and not “OF” it. Christian singers… and yes that even means worship leaders like me, should not be ashamed for singing songs that are not Christian in nature.
On the other hand, I know how difficult it is to maintain your spirituality in the secular arena. We must work that much harder to keep ourselves in Check… but at the end of the day, how can you say that my motive is wrong just because I may sing love songs in a Karaoke Club?
Anyway, just food for thought. I’m extrememly happy to see so many Christians on American Idol. It’s about friggin’ time. haha.
Carlos
posted April 29, 2009 at 2:43 pm
This comment may never be seen, but whatever. I don’t know where you are getting your information. Brooke White seems like a nice, likeable young lady, but everything I’ve seen indicates she is a Mormon, or Latter-Day Saint, as is David Archuleta. So yes, they have some type of faith, but not Biblical Christianity.
posted April 29, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Texred, yes, Brooke and David are Mormons. If you read this blog regularly, you will know that I’ve been very clear about that. Some viewers consider them Christians, some don’t.
Joanne
host of the GS blog
posted April 30, 2009 at 8:09 am
I love reading comments. “some viewers consider them Christians, some don’t” These American Idols (so to speak) are using their God given talents to reach an audience and to achieve their dreams. Just as we all would love to do in our lifetime. I did not even know the faith based history of any of the contestants but the only one that I would say has been “full of themselves” is Adam and only in his performances. After that stops, he transforms back to humble. This season has been my all time favorite!!
posted April 30, 2009 at 8:42 am
Aunt Kathy, I love that you watch American Idol!
Joanne
posted April 30, 2009 at 11:09 am
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
posted May 13, 2009 at 3:41 pm
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.
posted May 20, 2009 at 1:24 pm
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.
posted May 21, 2009 at 8:01 pm
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
posted May 22, 2009 at 8:06 am
Mikki, I can’t give you permission to reprint this. You can use short excerpts and link back, though.
Thanks!
Joanne Brokaw
posted November 2, 2010 at 9:21 pm
hahah the worship leaders are taking over!!! I wonder if any worship songs will make it into the mix??
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