Which of the American Idol contestants are Christians? Of course it’s hard for us to know with much certainty… Some of them might be believers, but choose not to make it apart of their publicly known profile. Others may claim to know God (like 80% of Americans), but never have known a personal relationship with Him.
It’s probably wrong for me to even do this analyzation, but I think it’s interesting. I also put some weight in their faith when it comes time to vote, because I always like to see artists using their talents for God.
NOTE: If you are going to read this entry, please promise me that you will read the disclaimer and notes at the end of the entry, lest I be deemed a judgemental hypocrite.
This is based on the public profiles on the “Idol” site, the video interviews, and in a few cases some additional evidence. I’ve narrowed it down to the information that could indicate their faith…
Ayla Brown:
Lucky charms: “lucky star necklace”.
She is a student athlete. No mention of faith in interview, and no indication of Christianity.
Ace Young:
Lucky charms: “my mom has always brought me luck”.
Favorite performers are Prince and Michael Jackson.
The previous contestant he most identifies himself with is Constantine, who was known for his sultry and somewhat seductive style. Claims high family values, but no indication of Christianity and seems highly unlikely.
Brenna Gethers:
Before singing: “I pray before I sing, every time.”
Has no lucky charms.
If she wins, she will thank: “I would thank God first”
Known for being very “showy” and has an over-the-top attitude on the show. Very flirtatious appearance. Favorite performer is Michael Jackson. Mentions God, but does not seem to be committed.
Heather Cox:
Before singing: “Say a quick prayer.”
If she wins, she will thank: “My personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Her father is a Pastor, and former member of a gospel group. While she doesn’t seem too interested in Christian music or ministry, she evidently knows the Lord.
Bucky Covington:
No mention of faith in profile or interview. No indication of Christianity.
Chris Daughtry:
Goal in life: “To have a successful marriage and be a good father.”
If he wins he will thank: “God, then my wife, and so on and so on.”
Favorite singer is Rob Thomas and the band Live. Very sincere, and strong commitment to family, but Christianity does not seem to have a major place in his life.
Katharine McPhee:
Goals include: “give to others who are needy and be a kick ass performer.”
Said “oh my God” a few times on video interview. No indication of Christianity, and seems unlikely.
Kellie Pickler:
Ritual before performing: “PRAY!”
If she wins she will thank: “God, Grandma, Grandpa, family, friends and American Idol!”
Says her “heart is with singing”. Hard to tell where her faith lies.
David Radford:
Says “I would like to be able to read minds.” (Note - I’m not sure if he’s serious)
If he wins he will thank: “God.”
In video mentioned that he sings in church. Seems he has some church background, but hard to tell where he’s at with his faith.
Elliott Yamin:
Before singing: “Pray and take deep breaths.”
No lucky charms
If he wins he will thank: “God, then my Mom.”
No mention of faith in interview. Seems uncommitted at best.
Kinnik Sky:
Before singing: “Prayer before anything.”
Definition of an American Idol: “One who has a servant spirit and desires to be a strong example to others.”
Lucky charms: “Jesus!”
If she wins he will thank: “God! (Of course)”
Idolizes Toni Braxton. Seems to be another Christian with questionable intentions when it comes to her music.
Lisa Tucker:
Before singing: “I don’t eat, I say a prayer, and I kiss a special necklace.”
Lucky charms: “The hairband I used for my first audition in Denver, and a necklace my boyfriend gave me.”
Seems overly self-confident in some ways. Christianity seems unlikely.
Gedeon McKinney:
Before singing: “I say a silent prayer to God!”
Heroes in life: “God! And whoever helps others!”
If he wins he will thank: “I will first thank GOD ALMIGHTY!!!”
Favorite performer is Prince. Known on the show to be overly cocky. In video he mentions church several times. Seems to be a Christian with some evident flaws (like all of us).
Jose “Sway” Penala:
Hero in life: “Jesus Christ.”
If he wins he will thank: “God.”
In the video interview. says he’s a “church going dude”, and that he’s in church almost every Thursday and Sunday. Like Heather, it is evident he is a Christian, but seems questionable how he will apply that to his music.
Mandisa:
Her American Idol: “An author and speaker named Beth Moore. She inspires me to live more like Jesus and I want to do the same.”
Before singing: “I pray and vocalize.”
She would like to: “I would love to be an annointed and effective Bible teacher.”
Hero in life: “Jesus is my hero. He saved my life.”
If she wins he will thank: “Jesus! He’s so good to me.”
On the show, she preached to Simon about forgiveness and spoke the name of Jesus Christ. She’s a worship leader, and her favorite artist is Kirk Franklin. She is evidently a Christian and it flows from her.
Melissa McGhee:
Before singing: “I pray.”
lucky charms: “My stuffed animal”
If she wins he will thank: “God, then my family.”
Hard to tell where she is at with her faith, seems uncommitted.
Kevin Kovais:
No mention of faith in profile or interview. Favorite artist is Kanye West. No indication of Christianity.
Paris Bennett:
Before singing: “Pray and ask God to be my words and to let Him use me!”
Lucky charms: “My princess crown and my Sponge Bob.”
If she wins he will thank: “God.”
Wants to touch people’s lives with her music, but the role of her faith seems questionable.
Taylor Hicks:
Before singing: “Pray, count heads.”
Lucky charm: “Dime.”
If he wins he will thank: “God.”
No mention of faith in interview. Seems uncommitted at best.
Will Makar:
Wearing a cross in the picture and interview.
Before singing: “Prayer.”
No lucky charms.
If he wins he will thank: “God and my parents.”
Wants to be Idol for personal recognition and money. Seems like Christianity may play a role in his life, but questionable in terms of his commitment and intentions.
As you can see, most of the Idol contestants are not afraid to let a little of their faith show. Based on our stereotypical Evangelical Christian standards of judging, the use of “Jesus” quite often indicates a sincerity or deeper understanding of Christianity. A few of the contestants even used a bit of “Christianese”.
Any of the contestants might be Christians, but based on my totally biased standards I would say the evidence indicates that the strongest potentially Christian contestants are: Heather, Kinnik, Gedeon, Jose, Mandisa, Paris and Will. If Mandisa wins, I’m pretty sure her first album would be laced with Christianaity, if not full blown CCM.
Again, this is all totally inconclusive, and I’m not trying to be the judge of anyone’s heart…
IMPORTANT NOTE AND HUGE DISCLAIMER: Just because some of the contestants aren’t wearing their faith on their sleeve, and just because in my editorial above I deemed their faith to be “questionable”, that does NOT mean they are necessarily an unbeleiver or uncommitted Christian.
As you may know, part of the mission of this blog is to point out that Christian bloggers don’t always have to be “preachy” and focus on the hot-button issues. In my own life, when it comes to business and making money, I don’t feel the need to tout Christianity in all of my dealings. Hopefully it is the internal compass that guides me in business, but I don’t feel called to evangelize every person I’m in contact with (although maybe I should…).
For example, if you were to read my “marketing tips” blog by itself, you would find no indication that I was even a Christian. If someone were doing an analysis of “which internet marketers are Christian”, my profile would likely read like one of the ones I’ve written above: looks like a Christian but his intentions for marketing seem questionable…
Likewise, it’s possible that some of the contestants believe it is their God-given calling to become the American Idol without having to be a “Christian artist”. I haven’t seen many secular pop stars who manage to bring glory to God, but I can think of a few who have made an impact for the kingdom.
As is always the case, God has plans that we can’t even imagine. For all we know, He could be raising up a role model who will be used in ways that are totally unknown and unimagined by that contestant.
OK, so after reading that disclaimer, you might be wondering WHY did I even bother to make this analysis in the first place?
After all, it’s NOT our job to judge someone’s heart. That’s God’s job.
Here’s why: I think it’s important to be aware of who we “idolize” and why. This is also a public election. When it comes to electing politicians, it’s important for us to judge the character of those whom we are electing, because those people will shape our law, and govern over us. Likewise, we have the opportunity to elect a national role model and spokesperson who will undoubtedly influence millions of young lives.
While it’s unlikely that this blog will influence the results of the contest, I hope that it will influence YOU to consider who you’re idolizing. Who are you voting for with your purchases, and with your television choices, and with the opinions you express to those around you?
This entry has taken much more time than I originally intended, and now I’m taking this issue much more seriously than I probably should. I feel like I need to close this session with a world of prayer or something. How about this… Let us pray that God’s will be done in America, and even in this contest, so that glory will be given to Him and not to man.
