In case you have not tuned into Fox before to see the show, the format of American Idol is a little different than other reality shows. Beginning each season, thousands of people audition for a chance to perform on the show. The show’s three judges—Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell—narrow the field of contestants down to twenty-four guys and girls. The bulk of the season is then spent on live performances after which viewers vote for their favorite performance.
This year is just like any other year; however, on American Idol, that’s a good thing. A new season means a new batch of raw talent that is certain to entertain viewers. Some would argue that Idol is at its best during auditions where the good are mixed in with the bad and the ugly. Some, such as William Hung, have made a career out of their pathetic audition. Yet, American Idol is at its best when the really good singers take the stage during the final fifteen weeks of the competition.
For all its mainstream popularity and appeal, there is one piece of Idol trivia that is passed over year after year. Many of the contestants on American Idol are professing Christians. Many of the contestants have expressed thanks to Christ for the opportunity of participating in the show. Of the top 24 participants in Season 5, 63% said they would thank God or Jesus first if they won the show. The same percentage responded that they usually pray before singing.
While it is difficult to determine how many Christians actually compete on the show, some, such as Kelly Clarkson, profess that they have been saved. Overall, American Idol is less about “worshiping” one specific person, but rather appreciating God-given talent. In fact, Idol has done much towards taking the focus off whether someone actually weighs the right amount or looks the right way and put the attention on whether the singer has talent. Not every American will appreciate Simon Cowell, but the can applaude Idol for returning the music industry to its roots.
All right, so on their website this year, there were two or three contestants who outright professed a personal faith in Jesus Christ – Heather and Stevie are the two that come immediately to mind – but I have a question.
Were you watching the episode on Thursday, March 9th, when Gedeon was eliminated? It was so quick, and the crowd was making a lot of noise at the time – but I could have sworn that I picked up on the words “Jesus Christ” and “saved” in the sentence Gedeon said. However, I didn’t catch all of it.
Did anyone here catch what he said? He had such an exuberant personality. I’m just curious. :)
It’s not just two or three people, it’s actually a majority that say they’ll thank God at the end of the show. I’m sure Gideon is one of the several who would thank God if they won American Idol. It’s quite amazing!
Ah, but I’m not just talking about “thanking God” – there are a lot of people out there who would consider themselves “Christian” because “I’m a good person” or “I’ve always gone to church” or “God is Love” – but who do not have a personal faith and trust in the salvation of Christ as the only way to Heaven.
Thus, when I read the explicitly Christian statements in the “who would you thank first” section, by Heather and Stevie – “my personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” and “my Savior, Jesus Christ”, respectively – I was positively ecstatic. Hence, why I wanted to know exactly what it was that Gedeon said. Though I must say, his “I will first thank GOD ALMIGHTY!” is pretty powerful in regards to making me wonder. ;)
It’s too bad that we couldn’t get an interviewer in there, to ask them about their faith and their walk with the Lord and what He has done in their lives, eh?
I would like it if American Idol took 10 minutes of their bloated program to praise som real heros (Millitary Personal, Cops, Firefighters, ect).
Actually, Josh Gracin from Season 2 was a marine. He currently is working on his second album to be released this summer. He’s been relatively successful in the country music industry.
I think that it’s awesome that there are Christians on American Idol. When Mandisa thanked Jesus on the t.v. i was like spazzing. HECK YES! JESUS YOUR AMAZING! lol. I mean, whats the big deal with telling people you love Jesus and showing it? People care way too much about what people think then what God thinks. GOD YOU ARE AWESOME AND I HEART YOU SOO MUCH!! I mean people are out there freaking out that Mandisa said that on t.v. but i dont see anyone talking about Katherine when she was down in the bottom 3 one night she said on t.v. that whatever happens is God’s plan for her so shes happy with it. I dont see people saying stuff about her for saying that. I mean its true. :) I love Jesus. Hes so great. If you dont know him, you should consider it. Your life would change so much with him with you. You’ll be happier and its nice knowing that someone loves you and is just a prayer away.