Oh, now “this” is something you don’t see every Sunday — even on Easter. American Idol, the longtime pop powerhouse that gave us everything from “She Bangs” auditions to Kelly Clarkson’s coronation, took a reverent left turn this year with its boldest move yet: a three-hour Easter Sunday special titled ““Songs of Faith.””
That’s right — on April 20, the judges traded critiques for chords, and stage lights for spiritual light, in an emotional celebration of gospel and worship music that reached deep into the American soul.
And let’s talk about that word again: “bold”. Because it really is. ABC and Disney — two juggernauts not exactly known for plunging into overtly religious territory — just gave a prime-time nod to the power of Christian music and the resurrection message. For longtime Idol fans and believers alike, this wasn’t just a TV episode. This was a moment.
We’re talking Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie stepping out of their judge’s chairs and straight into worship — not with trendy covers, but with songs that stirred pews and filled church basements long before they ever hit national airwaves. And honestly? It felt like a full-circle homecoming, especially for Carrie.
Simon Lythgoe, one of the show’s original architects, confirmed as much when CCM Magazine caught up with him.
He reflected on the show’s early resistance to anything overtly religious — a strategy meant to appeal to everyone while offending no one.
But then came Carrie. And not just “Carrie the voice”, but Carrie the believer. Her iconic “Jesus, Take the Wheel” moment wasn’t just about faith — it was about fearlessness. And it opened the floodgates for moments like the unforgettable “Shout to the Lord” performance during the 2008 “Idol Gives Back” special — a moment that, as Lythgoe remembers, made waves in homes across America.
Now, in Season 23, she’s back on the panel — but this time she’s helping steer the show from behind the scenes. Add in the emotional edge of Jelly Roll, the showmanship of Lionel, and the country charm of Luke, and you’ve got a lineup that’s not just seasoned — it’s spiritually stirred.
For Idol, this was more than an Easter episode. It was a testament — a resurrection of the sacred in a space where it’s often sidelined.
And whether you were watching with a choir robe on or just tuned in out of curiosity, the message rang clear: there’s still room for faith in the mainstream.
