American Idol brought back its Songs of Faith night for a second year Monday, and this time it was even more Jesus-focused.
What could’ve been just an “inspirational” episode turned into something much more powerful: a night full of overt worship on the biggest stage in television. From Keyla Richardson’s awe-inspiring performance of “Jireh” to Kyndal Inskeep’s reimagined version of “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” millions of viewers witnessed an hour of unapologetically Christian music.
The unspoken MVP of the night went to Brandon Lake, who had not one but two songs performed by contestants: Lucas Leon took on “Gratitude,” while Braden Rumfelt performed “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
And the contestants weren’t the only ones putting their faith front and center.
Viral child preacher Luke Tillman opened the show with a prayer onstage, making it clear from the jump that this episode was taking faith seriously. Carrie Underwood then closed the episode on a high note — pun intended — with “How Great Thou Art,” joined by former contestants Filo Ebid, Canaan James Hill and Kolbi Jordan.
It was a striking moment for mainstream television: a long-running competition show embracing Christianity without softening it into generic spirituality or feel-good inspiration. For one night, American Idol took viewers to church.
