Hey, all, I wonder if you’d mind helping me out with an article I’m doing for a major mainstream website? I just need to include a couple of viewer comments about the show and faith, and you all have so much insight about the show every week. You can leave your comments here. Just a note – I will need to use your name so if you’d rather email me your responses, you can do so at joanne AT joannebrokaw, w/o the spaces and w/the @ sign. 
I need your responses by Sunday, May 10:
1) If you’re a Christian and voting for a contestant, or have been voting and your favorite has been eliminated, how much does/did your faith play into your decision about who to support or not support?
2) If you’re not a Christian, does the discussion about faith influence your voting at all?
3) If you’re not a Christian or have never listened to Christian music, has listening to the Christian contestants on this season’s show made you more or less likely to give Christian music a listen? Why or why not?
4) If you’re not a Christian or do not attend church, has the portrayal of the Christian contestants on Idol made you likely to attend church? Listen to a Christian who wants to talk about their faith? Turned you off even more to Christianity? If the Idol you support happens to be a Christian and went on to release a CD in the Christian market, would you buy it?
5) If you’re a Christian or church/ministry, have you used American Idol for outreach to your community? Have you held “Idol nights” where everyone gets together to watch? Talked about being a Christian in the mainstream or sharing your faith?
6) Anything else you want to share?
Thanks!!!
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posted May 9, 2009 at 11:19 am
I’ve been blogging live at BuffaloNews.com during almost every Idol show this season, and have noticed that fellow bloggers are not anti-Christian. To them, a contestant’s faith doesn’t really matter– they’re so focused on the singing, the clothes, and the comments the contestants make. They have their favorites like Adam and Allison and they really don’t like Danny Gokey, though I don’t think it has anything to do with his faith–just his personality. I wonder if America will choose gay Adam as their Idol or if the more “Midwestern appealing” Kris will make it simply because mom and teens and tweens find him “cuter and more safe.” I find it funny that Joanne’s blog has become the American Idol blog, really, which tells me not much of note is going on in Christian/Gospel music– Idol has taken over the entire world!
–Mark Weber, ChristianMusicDaily.com
posted May 9, 2009 at 4:37 pm
My preference was Scott, the blind guy who played the piano and sang. While I can see that Adam is immensely talented, I preferred Scott. He didn’t let his challenge hold him back. I liked his music and his voice. The judges have warmed to Adam and they liked Allison pretty well. However with her voted off, now it is Danny, Kris and Adam. Danny and Kris, aren’t the performers that Adam is. I keep thinking of Freddie Mercury and Boy George when I see Adam. He is immensely talented and he is absolutely fearless. He is not afraid to flaunt anything. While I recognize his wide range and amazing vocals, I tend to prefer less histrionics from people I watch. I much prefer people who simply sing. I would love to see Danny or Kris win. I think in the past Idol has preferred winners who were not extremes either way. Now that there is so much political correctness with being gay, it won’t stand in Adam’s way. In fact, to keep from looking biased, it may put help propel him over the top.
Contestants with strong faith have been on the show before, but sometimes I wonder if that played a part in their losing just like I thing questions about Clay Aken’s sexual preference may have prevented him from winning. At least that was one theory when Reuben Stoddard won that year.
If Idol is wanting someone to win that will have screaming teeny boppers hounding their star, I don’t know about Adam; Danny is married. Kris is cute and adorable. Next to Adam, Danny is probably the better singer. However, Kris is no sham.
I listen to Christian music all the time. It is primarily what I listen to. I listen to KLOVE and a local station that plays about the same music 93.3 in Cincinnati. I don’t know one pop star from the other any more.
I have always been for the best singer, but this year, I haven’t voted. I voted for Melinda all the time when she was in it last year. I liked her voice and I liked her witness.
posted May 10, 2009 at 1:20 am
I have been a worship leader for a long time. I love Christian music and believe that is what I have been called to. However, I am well-acquainted with “secular” music as well, and American Idol is not necessarily a vehicle for evangelism or worship. It is a vocal talent contest, and as a professional musician, I feel secure in stating that Adam Lambert is by far the superior vocalist in this competition. Take time to listen to his studio versions of the songs he has performed on Idol, as well as some of his other songs on YouTube, like his song from Brigadoon, or “Is Anybody Listening?” from The Ten Commandments. He is a master at his craft. So impressive, so versatile and so skilled. Just brilliant. I wouldn’t want to take anything away from my bros who are still in the competition with Adam, but please, people, let’s be realistic. Adam is a superstar because of his skill, personality, charm and stage presence. He’s got it all. Period.
posted May 13, 2009 at 11:51 pm
My vote was for Danny. I know Adam is the ultimate performer with a huge voice, but as a Christian mother of 5, I couldn’t help be drawn to the heart of Danny. I saw the Holy Spirit in his eyes and a great peace in his smile, both of which seem to be a reflection of the faith-filled man that he obviously is. I read an article today in the Life section of USA Today about the 3 finalists. Danny was quoted as saying he’s all about touching peoples hearts……and for me, he did just that. God must have other plans for Danny than being the next “American Idol”…..but I have no doubt he’ll continue to use his great exposure to make a difference in our troubled world….and that, to me….is the better version of an American idol.
posted May 14, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I love to hear Danny Gokey sing.I felt his style was invigorating and when he slowed it down his song was heartfelt. i believe American Idol is a wonderful way to find talent but I also believe God has “ANOTHER PLAN” for Danny Gokey. There was a quiet confidence and peace when Danny would sing.I have to say I saw Danny when he showed his sense of humor as well and he made me laugh. That is another side of him I would like to see more of. He is a funny guy! He has talent that I’m hoping America gets to see more of. Yes Adam can sing and yes so can Kris but Da4nny sings with a different kind of love and passion and that’s why he has my vote.