Gospel Artists on American Idol

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American Idol Contestants with a Gospel Music Connection

American Idol debuted on the FOX network on June 11, 2002, and has become one of the most is a wildly popular television programs on American television today. Several American Idol contestants have gone on to sign contracts with gospel music recording companies and to perform Christian music on national tours.

Phil Stacey, Mandisa and Chris Sligh performed at the 2008 Dove Awards with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. In 2009, Ruben Studdard from season 2, Mandisa from season 5, and Chris Sligh and Melinda Doolittle from season 6 were all nominated for Dove Awards by the Gospel Music Association members, and the Gospel Music Channel aired a special called "From Idol to Inspiration" about "American Idol's" gospel music connection immediately preceding the Dove Awards

This lens features some of those AI alumni who have recorded and performed gospel music as well as those current contestants who have ties to gospel music: Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, George Huff, Mandisa, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Stevie Scott, Nadia Turner, Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver, Matt Giraud, Lil Rounds, Felicia Barton, Lil Rounds, etc., and Katelyn Tarver who was a finalist on the only season of American Idol Juniors in the early 2000s.



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American Idol® Special on Gospel Music Channel Thurs. April 23
The impact of the "American Idol®" television series on the explosion in popularity of Christian/Gospel music, and vice versa, will be explored in a new documentary special, "From Idol to Inspiration," world premiering on Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. ET on the Gospel Music Channel

American Idol's Gospel Music Connection on "From Idol to Inspiration"
The influence of the "American Idol" television series on the popularity of gospel music and the influence of gospel music on "American Idol"

Gospel Artists and the American Idol Factor - As a fan of gospel music, I have been pleasantly surprised to discover that several American Idol contestants have gone on to sign recording contracts with gospel music companies and to perform Christian music on national tours. Phil Stacey, Mandisa and Chris Sligh performed at the 2008 Dove Awards with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, and this year Ruben Studdard from season 2, Mandisa from season 5, and Chris Sligh and Melinda Doolittle from season 6 have all been nominated for Dove Awards!

Gospel Artists Who Appeared on American Idol - American Idol is a wildly popular television program which debuted on the FOX network on June 11, 2002, and has since become one of the most successful shows on American television. American Idol's purpose is to discover the best singer in the country. The program has produced many of today's top recording artists - many of them gospel artists.

Gospel Artists from American Idol - Several American Idol contestants have gone on to sign recording contracts with gospel music record companies and to perform Christian music on national tours. Season 8 of American Idol has been particularly interesting because of the number of Christians performers competing on the show.

40th Annual Dove Nominees - Who You Should Already Know! - The Nominees for the 40th annual Gospel Music Dove Awards were announced on February 20, 2009 in Nashville. For those who are not into gospel music, I thought I would tell you a little about a few of the top contenders and where you may have heard of them before, featuring: Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bart Millard, TobyMac, Chris Sligh, Mandisa, Rubbin Studdard, Melinda Doolittle, Switchfoot, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Gaither Vocal Band, Kirk Franklin, and Take 6.

40th Annual GMA Dove Award Nominations - Ruben Studdard from season 2, Mandisa from season 5, and Chris Sligh and Melinda Doolittle from season 6 have all been nominated for Dove Awards in 2009.

This lens is part of the Gospel Music 101 network.

Gospel Music 101 

 

Mandisa, Chris Sligh and Phil Stacey performed at the 2008 Dove Awards with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith for the Michael W. Smith Tribute.

About American Idol 

American Idol is a reality television competition which finds new solo musical talent. It was created by Simon Fuller and debuted June 11, 2002, as American Idol: The Search for a Superstar on the Fox network. It has since become one of the most popular shows in the history of American television. It is currently the #1 TV show in the Nielsen ratings and is one of only three that have been #1 for five consecutive seasons, along with All in the Family and The Cosby Show.

Part of the Idol franchise, it is a spin-off from the British show Pop Idol, of which two series were broadcast between 2001 and 2003 in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The program aims to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nation-wide auditions which culminates in viewer voting to determine the winner. Through telephone and SMS Text voting, America has chosen past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, and Kris Allen (listed in chronological order). Every American Idol winner except for Jordin Sparks (from Arizona) has been from the American South.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/17/AR2006041701758.html The eligible age-range for contestants is currently 16?28 years old. The upper age limit was 24 in the first three seasons.

The series employs a panel of judges who critique the contestants' performances: Grammy award-winning record producer and music manager Randy Jackson and award-winning music executive and music manager Simon Cowell have been judges for the entire series. Grammy award-winning pop singer and Emmy award-winning choreographer Paula Abdul was a judge for the show's first eight seasons.http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006911.html?categoryId=2848&cs=1 The format originally featured three judges, with Latin Grammy Award-nominated singer?songwriter and record producer Kara DioGuardi added as a fourth judge for the eighth season. On September 9, 2009, Ellen DeGeneres was confirmed to be Abdul's replacement for the ninth season. The show has been renewed for three more seasons.http://www.thrfeed.com/2009/12/exclusive-fox-ordering-more-idol-with-or-without-simon-cowell.html. On January 11, 2010 Simon Cowell announced that he was leaving the show to pursue introducing his show The X Factor to the USA for 2011.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8453267.stm

Ryan Seacrest has hosted the show for its entire run. During the first season, he was joined by comedian Brian Dunkleman. The American Idol band is currently led by Rickey Minor. Dorian Holley of Los Angeles Music Academy is Music Director and vocal coach http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/07/08/meet-dorian-holley/; he has been with the show since 2006.

The show usually airs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the United States and Canada, Wednesday and Thursday nights in Australia and Asia, Wednesday and Thursday nights on ITV2 in the United Kingdom, Friday nights in Ireland, Friday and Saturday nights in Israel, and Saturday and Sunday nights in Latin America.

Entertainment Weekly put it on its end-of-the-decade, "best-of" list, saying, "It's given us Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, and J. Hud. Idol rules the reality roost because the winners of Fox's ratings juggernaut actually do go on to greatness. And Taylor Hicks? He's the exception that proves the rule."Geier, Thom; Jensen, Jeff; Jordan, Tina; Lyons, Margaret; Markovitz, Adam; Nashawaty, Chris; Pastorek, Whitney; Rice, Lynette; Rottenberg, Josh; Schwartz, Missy; Slezak, Michael; Snierson, Dan; Stack, Tim; Stroup, Kate; Tucker, Ken; Vary, Adam B.; Vozick-Levinson, Simon; Ward, Kate (December 11, 2009), "THE 100 Greatest MOVIES, TV SHOWS, ALBUMS, BOOKS, CHARACTERS, SCENES, EPISODES, SONGS, DRESSES, MUSIC VIDEOS, AND TRENDS THAT ENTERTAINED US OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS". Entertainment Weekly. (1079/1080):74-84

Kelly Clarkson 

Kelly ClarksonBorn April 24, 1982, Kelly Clarkson is a pop singer, songwriter, and actress who made her debut under RCA Records after she won the first season of the television series American Idol in 2002.

Articles and News about Kelly Clarkson

The American Music Awards gospel connections: Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood pictures

Ruben Studdard 

American Idol - Season 2

Ruben Studdard was born September 12, 1978. Ruben is a pop, R&B, and gospel singer who rose to fame as winner of the second season of American Idol.

For Articles and News about Ruben Studdard visit the
Ruben Studdard lens.

More About Ruben Studdard! 

George Huff 

American Idol - Season 3

George Huff, a season 3 finalist of American Idol, was born November 4, 1980 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Huff's powerful voice carried him to first place among male contestants and overall fifth-place finalist on the third season of the reality/talent-search television series American Idol. His projects include: American Idol Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics which released on April 27, 2004; Miracles, which released October 11, 2005; My Christmas EP which came out on November 9, 2004; and Huff's new self-titled gospel CD is due in April 2009.

Articles and News about George Huff

Gospel Artists and the American Idol Factor
Gospel Artists from American Idol
2004 GMA Year-End Release

George Huff CDs on Amazon 

George Huff CDs on Amazon

Jennifer Hudson 

American Idol - Season 3

Jennifer Hudson was raised in a Baptist home and performed at church often growing up. Hudson recently released a self-titled album. She is best known for her Best Supporting Actress Academy Award role as Effie White in Dreamgirls in 2007, as well as for her family tragedy when her mother, brother and nephew were allegedly murdered by her ex-brother-in-law in October of 2008.

Jennifer Hudson has reportedly been picked by Michael Jackson's family to perform at his memorial on July 7.

Articles and News about Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included)

Jennifer Hudson to perform at Michael Jackson's memorial service July 7

Musical guests, participants announced for Michael Jackson memorial service

 

Read more about Jennifer Hudson at the Michael Jackson lens:

Carrie Underwood 

American Idol - Season 4

Carrie UnderwoodBorn March 10, 1983, multi-platinum selling recording artist Carrie Underwood rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Underwood has a background in church performances. Underwood is best known to Christian music listeners as the singer of "Jesus, Take the Wheel," from her 2006 debut album "Some Hearts." The single received wide airplay on country and Christian radio, and the album won Record of the Year at the 2006 Country Music Awards and won a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association for Carrie Underwood.

Carrie Underwood is a multiple Grammy Award winner, was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, is a three-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Female Vocalist winner, and was the entertainer of the year.

Articles and News about Carrie Underwood

The American Music Awards gospel connections: Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood pictures

Nadia Turner 

American Idol - Season 4

When Nadia Turner auditioned for American Idol, she had recently studied advertising and psychology at Florida International University and was performing at church functions as a member of the Tool Box group, a rock/soul Christian band that tours churches and charity groups. An actress as well as a singer, Nadia Turner has released her latest DVD "Lord Help Us." This DVD is an inspirational movie that follows the lives of two best friends, Kayla and Jewels, who help a recently widowed pastor battle church rumors that he's eloping with a woman nearly 35 years his junior. The DVD is currently available online and in stores everywhere.

Articles about Nadia Turner

Gospel Artists and the American Idol Factor
Gospel Artists from American Idol

Mandisa 

American Idol - Season 5

Mandisa was born October 2, 1976. Mandisa is a Grammy and Dove Award-nominated singer who was the ninth-place finalist in the fifth season (2006) of American Idol.

For Articles and News about Mandisa, visit the Mandisa lens.

More About Mandisa! 

Chris Daughtry 

American Idol - Season 5

Chris Daughtry finished in the Top 5 of "American Idol" and went on to form the group Daughtry. His self-titled album was one of the top grossing albums of 2006. Daughtry is fourth in overall record sales of former American Idol contestants following Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken and Carrie Underwood. Chris Daughtry's single "Home" was also successful on Christian music charts. Daughtry sang with Third Day on the song "Slow Down" on Third Day's 2008 release "Revelation." The group Daughtry is releasing a new project this spring.

Stevie Scott 

American Idol - Season 5

Stephanie "Stevie" Scott is a 19-year-old from Fair Oaks, CA. Stevie is currently a freshman at California State University, Sacramento, studying music. She is from a musical family, began performing at 10, and by the age of 15, began a recording career. A versatile musician who plays the guitar and piano, Stevie enjoys performing everything from R&B to opera.

Articles about Stevie Scott

Gospel Artists and the American Idol Factor
Gospel Artists from American Idol

Stevie Scott CDs on Amazon 

Stevie Scott

Amazon Price: $5.34 (as of 02/09/2010) Buy Now

Chris Sligh 

American Idol - Season 6

Chris Sligh is a singer/songwriter who was a finalist on the sixth season of American Idol, eliminated on March 28, 2007 and finishing in tenth place.

For more articles and news about Chris Sligh, visit the Chris Sligh lens,

More About Chris Sligh! 

Phil Stacey 

American Idol - Season 6

Phil Stacey (born January 21, 1978 in Richmond, Kentucky) is an American country music singer who first gained national attention on season 6 of the television talent show American Idol.

For Articles and News about Phil Stacey, visit the Phil Stacey lens.

More About Phil Stacey 

Phil Stacey CDs on Amazon 

Phil Stacey

Amazon Price: (as of 02/10/2010) Buy Now

Jordin Sparks 

American Idol - Season 6

Jordin Sparks was born December 22, 1989. She is an American pop/R&B singer, songwriter, fashion designer, and plus-size model. Jordin Sparks was the winner of the sixth season of American Idol, and followed her victory with the release of her debut album for which she earned an American Music Award and Grammy nominations in 2008. Her self titled debut album was certified Platinum in the U.S. on December 12, 2008. Jordin's projects include: Jordin Sparks which released in 2007; Tattoo, a Maxi CD which released on March 25, 2008; and her new project which is releasing in 2009.

Articles and News about Jordin Sparks

Gospel Artists and the American Idol Factor
Gospel Artists from American Idol
Artist Updates: February 2009
American Idol's Gospel Connection

Melinda Doolittle 

American Idol - Season 6

Melinda Doolittle was born October 6, 1977. Melinda Doolittle is a singer who finished as the third place finalist on the sixth season of American Idol.

For more articles and news about Melinda Doolittle, visit the Melinda Doolittle lens.

More About Melinda Doolittle! 

Congratulations, Kris Allen!
Season 8 Winner

Kris Allen 

American Idol - Season 8

Kris Allen won Season 8 of American Idol in May of 2009. Allen taught himself how to play the guitar and viola when he was 13. He is also proficient on the piano and the ukulele.

In 2007, Kris Allen self-produced Brand New Shoes, an album with college friends and bandmates Michael Holmes (drums) and Chase Erwin (bass). Songs from the Brand New Shoes album began circulating while Kris was on "American Idol."

Kris Allen is part of the worship ministry at his home church, New Life Church in in Maumelle, Arkansas, on both the Conway and Little Rock campuses since 2007. He is also involved with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). In addition, Allen has done missionary work around the world, in countries including: Burma, Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, Spain and Thailand.

Kris Allen married his girlfriend Katy O'Connell on September 26, 2008.

Gospel Music 101: Which American Idol alumni have gospel music ties? Kris Allen, Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson...

Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver, Matt Giraud, Lil Rounds, Felicia Barton, Lil Rounds 

American Idol - Season 8 Contestants

Kris Allen was the winner of American Idol, Season 8. Read more about Kris above.

Danny Gokey was born April 24, 1980. Danny Gokey is a singer and church music director from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a finalist on the eighth season of American Idol.
American Idol's Danny Gokey honored at L.A. Dream Center

Scott MacIntyre has appeared on the Crystal Cathedral Hour of Power and performs with the Gospel quarter, The MacIntyre Family Singers. He performs frequently at his home church, Scottsdale Bible Church.

Michael Sarver leads a praise and worship team at Harvest Church in Jasper, TX and was formerly a lead singer at Victory Christian Center in Houston.

Matt Giraud has released two independent Christian music CDs, Perspective and Mind, Body and Soul. He has been involved at worship at his church where he played drums.

Lil Rounds is a member of Christ Community Church in Memphis, and sometimes sings with the Memphis Club Fire & Ice.

Felicia Barton is a worship leader at Freedom Fellowship in Virginia Beach, VA.

Although they haven't signed a record deal yet that we know of, they are included here as this season's gospel favorites!

Lacey Brown, Chris Golightly, Ben Honeycutt, Jermaine Sellers 

Season 9 Finalists with Christian Music Ties

Lacey Brown
Chris Golightly
Ben Honeycutt
Jermaine Sellers

 

Any American Idol Fans? 

Do you watch every episode of American Idol or have you never seen the show? If you're not in the U.S., is there a cool version of Idol in your country we should know about? Let is know about your Idol habit!

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I don't watch anymore. I lost interest after season 6. Great lens. I voted for ya.

 

 

Katelyn Tarver 

American Idol Juniors

Katelyn Tarver was born November 2, 1989. Katelyn is a singer/songwriter and model, who is a native of Glennville, Georgia. Katelyn Tarver was a finalist on the only season of American Idol Juniors in the early 2000s. She released her debut album Wonderful Crazy in 2005 on an independent record label, TC Music. Her debut album was re-released, under the name Brand New Day.

Katelyn is now signed to CAA and is managed by Johnny Wright (Justin Timberlake, Backstreet Boys, Janet Jackson, Jonas Bros, Menudo and Ciara).

Articles and News about Katelyn Tarver

Gospel Artists and the American Idol Factor
Gospel Artists from American Idol
Katelyn Tarver Inks Deal
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The Best Gospel Projects from American Idol Contestants 

Add your favorite AI gospel projects!

Phil Stacey

Phil Stacey

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Running Back to You

Running Back to You

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Coming Back to You

Coming Back to You

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Miracles

Miracles

After leaving his life as a student at the Univers more...0 points

Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks

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I Need an Angel

I Need an Angel

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I have worked in the gospel music industry since the mid 1980s. I have done just about everything but perform:... (more)

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