Many Top American Idol Contestants Raised in Churches

"I want them to see and hear that being a Christian, and singing about it, isn't weird!"

Adelie M. Banks, Sally York, Kevin Jackson/TN, AH (Mar 14th, 2007)

Reporters Adelie M. Banks and Sally York, writing a report on how often American Idol (AI) contestants have grown up in the church, note that churches (especially African American) have often been the training ground for artists who make it to America's most prominent stages.

One example listed is current contestant Melinda Doolittle, who attends the same Nashville church as Gospel artist CeCe Winans. "Though she's doing the majority of everything in the secular realm, in the secular field, right now, she's bringing the cross over instead of crossing over," said Ternae Jordan Jr., a worship leader at Mount Canaan Baptist Church, in Chattanooga.

Doolittle was quoted as saying her personal goals are to "represent Christ well and do everything 150 percent."

In addition, two other AI contestants have not been shy about their faith, and have beginnings founded in the church. According to a Christian Post article, Jordan Sparks and Chris Sligh are also representatives of the Lord in the overwhelmingly popular singing competition. Both have also attended GMA Music in the Rockies, a competition for aspiring Christian singer/songwriters. (Photo: Chris Sligh–Chrissligh.com)

"I want them (non-believers) to know that God loves them, Jesus died for them, and that God has a plan for their life," Sparks explains. "I want them to see and hear that being a Christian, and singing about it, isn't weird!"

Chris Sligh, with his trademark floppy fro, has already sung two songs in the competition which come from artists with Christian roots—Mute Math and (last week) DC Talk.

Source: Washington Post, Christian Post

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