In a special Easter Sunday episode, ABC’s “American Idol” embraced a faith-centered theme, reportedly championed by the show’s new judge, Carrie Underwood.
Underwood, 42, who first gained fame as the winner of “American Idol” two decades ago, has returned to the iconic show’s judging panel this season, joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
The recent episode blended musical performances by the judges and other faith-based artists, alongside the announcement of the show’s Top 20 contestants and their performances.
Underwood concluded the evening with a rendition of the Christian hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Other performers included The Brown Four, Cece Winans, and Brandon Lake, who also delivered spiritually themed songs.
This marked the show’s inaugural religious-themed special. Sources disclosed to The US Sun that Underwood was instrumental in advocating for this event, playing a crucial role in bringing the concept to fruition.
However, the report also mentions some crew members felt the theme was inappropriate, although they chose not to voice their concerns.
ABC’s American Idol celebrated Easter Sunday with a three-hour faith-based special that it seems new judge Carrie Underwood ‘pushed’ for.
Underwood herself closed out the night with a performance of the Christian hymn How Great Thou Art, while other artists such as The Brown Four, Cece Winans and Brandon Lake graced the stage with religious-themed songs
‘It’s the first time they’ve done a faith-based episode and the crew was polarized by it,’ the source revealed.
‘Some didn’t think it’s completely appropriate but felt uncomfortable speaking up about it while others saw no problem with it as it didn’t focus on a specific religion,’ the source continued.
‘But some people who work on the show liked it primarily because of the religious aspect. Again, a polarizing topic. People felt different ways about it,’ the source said.
Still, the source insisted Underwood was the driving force behind the special, adding, ‘It was really important for her for the show to go through with it.’
‘Lionel and Luke were on board, but Carrie was the most vocal about wanting it to make sure it happened,’ the source added.
‘She felt it was important to have gospel night after moving to LA where she feels she can’t be as open about her religion and beliefs,’ the source added.
‘She’s not the only reason why it happened, but she’s a big reason why it happened,’ the source continued.
Earlier this season, Underwood was driven to tears when Breanna Nix – who is now a Top 20 contestant – auditioned with a version of Brandon Lake’s Gratitude.
‘It’s the first time they’ve done a faith-based episode and the crew was polarized by it,’ the source revealed.
‘Some didn’t think it’s completely appropriate but felt uncomfortable speaking up about it while others saw no problem with it as it didn’t focus on a specific religion,’ the source continued
Still, the source insisted Underwood was the driving force behind the special, adding, ‘It was really important for her for the show to go through with it.’
‘I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you,’ she told Nix.
‘It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that,’ she added.
Carrie celebrated her Christian faith with the release of her 2021 album My Savior.
American Idol returns with a new episode on Monday, April 21, where the Top 20 will be cut once again, with six more going home leaving the Top 14 remaining.
