It would never happen on Australia Idol whose producers once famously told contestants not to sing about God or talk about their Christian faith. But American Idol has never shied away from songs of faith like Shout To The Lord during the long running talent show. It has just ended its 22nd season with a rousing rendition of Goodness of God in a season sprinkled with songs of faith.
Gospel music legend CeCe Winans performed one of the most popular Christian songs in recent years alongside former American Idol contestant Roman Collins in a three-hour season finale watched live by nearly six million Americans, and then millions more as video of the performance gained traction across social media platforms.
“The best performance of this song I have ever heard. One of the best gospel performances I have ever heard, period,” said conservative commentator Steve Deace. “Really blessed me, will share it with others now in the hopes it will bless them,” he added.
“CeCe Winans was definitely there on assignment. This was more than a performance. It was an avenue for the Holy Spirit to convict souls,” one person commented on American Idol’s social media page.
“I saw the performance live and was profusely praising and thanking the Lord that this song was being sung on live television nationwide!!! It was beautiful, but then it was sung by CeCe Winans,” another commented.
After the performance, Collins, who serves as the director of Biola University’s Gospel Choir, shared: “What an honour to stand beside this GIANT IN THE KINGDOM. God is so amazing He continues to blow my mind. I pray you all were blessed by this just as much as I was.” In response, Winans said: “It was an honour to sing #GoodnessofGod with you @romancollinsofficial!”
CBN News writes: “Goodness of God is not the only Christian song sung on the Idol stage this season. Earlier this season, newly minted Idol winner Abi Carter performed Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) in April, which helped launch her into the Top 24 of the competition.”
“Former contestants Colton Dixon, Danny Gokey, and Melinda Doolittle performed Shackles (Praise You) in honour of the life and legacy of [Christian artist] Mandisa Hundley who died suddenly in April. Mandisa became a household name after she made it to the top nine on the fifth season of American Idol.
“The song sums up her life. I think she came in praising, I think she left praising. We’re gonna miss her, but our loss is heaven’s gain,” Colton Dixon commented after the performance.
