'American Idol' Still a Stage for Devout Christian Musicians
After 10 years, “American Idol” still keeps it Christian among its finalists.
The young devout Christians, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery , who are set to bring the first all-country music finale to American Idol beginning Tuesday, are proud to share their faith with the rest of the world.
While some critics have questioned the authenticity of McCreery’s faith because his choice song, “Your Man,” talks about sex and yet he kissed his cross after meeting Lady Gaga, he has proudly displayed his faith to an audience of millions each week since the beginning of the competition by wearing the I Am Second bracelet.
The 17-year-old North Carolina native, admitted to Hollywood Life that amid all the commotion, at the end of the day his faith plays a primary role through the process. He said, “My faith is a big part of my life. I love Jesus Christ with all my heart. He’s got me through this for sure. I need to stay by him through this competition. He’s the only way I’m getting through it.”
During the Q&A slot for “American Idol,” he was asked what his favorite day of the week was and he testified it was Sunday because he gets to go to church and gets to enjoy a home cooked meal by his mom.
He and his fellow competitor, Lauren Alaina, have remained close during the contest. During a conference on Monday, he said that their friendship has erased competition from their vocabulary and replaced it with simply “singing our hearts out.”
The 16-year-old from Rossville, Ga., agreed with her friend by adding, "I think whatever is meant to happen will happen. I think if Scotty wins, I'll be happy for him because he's one of my best friends."
Alaina has shared that her special pre-show ritual before hitting the stage is prayer. “I just pray before I go out every time,” she told Us Magazine.
“American Idol’s” history has proved that it has not only belonged to the South but it also has continued the tradition of keeping talented Christian singers.
Six of out of the nine champions are from the Southern region and are Christian. Idol’s most famous Christian, Carrie Underwood, has proved to be the show’s top U.S. earner after selling over 12 million albums since her 2005 win.
Underwood is set to choose Alaina’s song for Tuesday’s final competition while McCreery has requested that Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait select his track.
The show will also feature a performance by Bono and The Edge during the season 10 finale on the second night. It has been confirmed that the U2 members will appear alongside cast members of the Broadway musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.”
“American Idol” will also share the day with Oprah Winfrey as she wraps up her 25-year run of her daytime talk show.