Revival on ‘American Idol’? Winner’s Church Background Turns Heads
Have we just witnessed a revival for the Holy Spirit on “American Idol?”
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This past season of the popular TV show, Christian singers and songs about Jesus took off. After what appeared to be the beginning of a Christian revival, this year’s winner of the show, Jamal Roberts, also disclosed that he has his roots planted in the church pews.
“My grandparents found out I could sing, and I started singing in church and [covering] the Temptations and Michael Jackson,” he told Billboard. “I had a granddaddy on my dad’s side who was a bishop and a grandad on my mom’s side was a deacon, so I was in church every time the door opened. I was the usher, and I was in the choir and I used to play the drums.”
Christian singer Breanna Nix ended up in third place on the show, singing, “In Jesus’ Name” by Katy Nichole, according to the Christian Post. Previously, teenage contestant Canaan James Hill also took the stage with bold faith, for Christ, along with Baylee Littrell, son of Brian Littrell from Backstreet Boys. American Idol even did a full Easter special, featuring faith-based songs.
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In a cultural moment when faith often is sidelined or silenced, American Idol may have just become an unexpected stage for revival. From bold declarations of belief to worship anthems sung on national television, the Holy Spirit seemed to find a spotlight this season. Perhaps this isn’t just a season of competition—but a season when faith is rising again in the heart of America. If the spiritual hunger we’ve seen on American Idol is any indication, revival isn’t just coming. It may already be here.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
