‘American Idol’ Spotlight On Christian Singers Reels In Religious Viewers
“Even if contestants don’t come out and say it, we can all spot someone [who is Christian]. The more that there are contestants that we can connect with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ who we can say, ‘That person is like me’ à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ the more it will probably help drive viewership this year,” Brokaw said, pointing to a moment on Tuesday’s performance show when the judges praised Allen for helping other contestants work on their songs, which Brokaw said brought a knowing nod from Christians who know of his church background.
“We see what kind of person he is, and if you talk to people in his church they’ll say they’re not surprised.” Brokaw said. “But people who don’t know that he’s a worship leader or actively involved in a Christian church might say, ‘Why is he doing that? This is a competition!’ Those are the values people want. We love it as much as anyone when Simon gets snarky, but watching a contestant perform with integrity and treating fellow contestants with grace and dignity speaks to us.”
‘American Idol’: Why are you afraid of being gay? (When you already are.)
But this year we’ve got Adam Lambert on deck. Could he be the great hope for gays on Idol? He hasn’t specifically addressed his sexuality (and it’s a good guess that Idol producers are telling him not to), but judging by those photos that surfaced last week, it’s certainly a great possibility that this boy could be into boys. (I mean, he’s kissing other boys in some of the photos and dressed in some quite fabulous drag in others.)
The big question is: Why does it all matter so much? Idol is, by nature, a gay-friendly concept: Wannabe pop stars get up and stage rather theatrical performances. Sometimes they even — gasp! — are required to sing show tunes. And dance, too! It’s no shocker that the music industry, because of its creative nature, attracts folks of all stripes — including homosexuals.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Feature: They Knew Him When: Broadway Stars Cheer On American Idol Hopeful Adam Lambert
Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s no longer a secret: we love Adam Lambert, the emo-haired, rock-styled, self-assured Californian with the stratospheric range now making headlines and winning millions of votes as one of the front-runners on hit FOX mega-series American Idol. So why do we dote (besides the obvious talent crush)? The 27-year-old San Diego native is a veteran of the stage, a former community theater kid whoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gone on to play roles in the European tour of Hair, the cast of Los Angeles musical The Ten Commandments (opposite film star Val Kilmer), and the touring and Los Angeles casts of Wicked (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I was the understudy for Fiyero soà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦ basically, I was in the back,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ he recently joked to Idol producers). So how did the former super trouper step off the stage and into the AI limelight?
Ousted ‘American Idol’ Hopefuls Talk Future Plans
Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nuà ±ez tell ET what it feels like to be the first contestants from the Top 13 on this season’s “American Idol” to be sent home — and they reveal what their plans are after “Idol.”
“Well, actually, I’m still wondering why is it that I’m so happy,” Nuà ±ez tells ET. “à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦What I thought was, you know, I did my best. I worked really hard, and I did something that not everyone does.”
The 20-year-old contestant from Puerto Rico tells ET he plans to finish college, saying he has just one semester left to be finished with his degree.
David Cook Does Finnish Magazine MeNaiset
David Cook has interview in an article of Finnish magazine called MeNaiset. The magazine indicated that he won the American Idol, sold more than a million albums and made friends with his own idol.
Here are the highlights of his interview:
Cook serves his audience with charm, good voice
NIAGARA FALLS à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ David Cook leads what can only be called a charmed life, at least in terms of his career in music. He never intended to audition for à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idol,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ reportedly attending tryouts for the televised popularity contest only to offer support for his brother, who didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t make the cut.
Cook gave it a shotà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ heck, he was there, so why not? He not only made it, but went on to win the showà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s seventh season. In a matter of months, Cook went from struggling singer/ songwriter/bartender to rock star.
We Heart Her – Why it’s cool to love Kelly Clarkson.
March 13, 2009 – We used to keep it a secret… our love for Kelly Clarkson. Afraid of endangering our street cred, or being made fun of by our music snob friends, our true feelings for the world’s most likable pop star stayed pent up inside. But we can’t hide it any longer. Kelly Clarkson, if lovin’ you is wrong we don’t wanna be right.
There are more like us out there — we’re sure of it. Living a double life. Secretly Googling “Kelly Clarkson” in the wee hours, while stealthily copying her latest release on to their iPods. Praying they won’t be found out.
Are you one of these closet Clarkson fans? IGN can help. We’re here to assure you that it’s cool to like Kelly Clarkson. Here are some reasons why…
My Conflicted Love for Kelly Clarkson’s New Album
You guys, I’m conflicted about liking Kelly Clarkson’s new album. Check that: For loving her new album. Every track on All I Ever Wanted is at least pop silver, and most are pop gold. In fact, after inspecting them with my jeweler’s loop, I’m here to tell you that “Don’t Let Me Stop You,” “Long Shot,” and “Already Gone” are pop platinum.
Jason Aldean, LeAnn Rimes Offer Free Shows During ACM Awards
Jason Aldean and LeAnn Rimes will perform free concerts at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas prior to the Academy of Country Music Awards. Aldean will headline the April 3 lineup with Jake Owen, Julianne Hough and Matt Stillwell. On April 4, Rimes will perform along with Kellie Pickler, the Zac Brown Band and Gloriana. As previously announced, Hough, Owen and the Zac Brown Band are competing in the ACM top new artist category after winning top new female vocalist, top new male vocalist and top new vocal group, respectively. Rimes has been named this year’s recipient of The Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The ACM Awards will be held April 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Justin Stein Supports Malaria No More By Participating As A Panelist & Performer At Change The World
Mar 13, 2009 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ Minnetonka, MN – On April 18th, 2009 at 7:30PM, pop singer Justin Stein will be a celebrity judge and performer for the Change the World event sponsored by Brookeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Bandwagon (a support association for 2008 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ finalist Brooke White). The event is set to raise awareness and financial support for the Malaria No More non-profit organization. Stein will be judging talent from all over Minnesota among his fellow celebrity panel of judges including: Paris Bennett (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“American Idolà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ), Twitch (So You Think You Can Dance), Allison Holker (à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“High School Musical,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“So You Think You Can Danceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Minnesota America/TV host) and Megan Herickhoff (Miss Teen Minnesota International). Stein will be putting on a special performance among à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“So You Think You Can Danceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ finalist Twitch and the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders.
Birdsong, DeGarmo, Lowe and Thomas to Star in Back to Bacharach and David
Casting has been announced for Back to Bacharach and David, the musical revue featuring the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David that will make its Los Angeles debut April 15 at the Music Box @ Fonda on Hollywood Blvd.
Actress-comic Kathy Najimy will direct the production, which will run through May 17 at the L.A. venue. Opening night is scheduled for April 19.
The cast will comprise Theatre World Award winner Mary Birdsong, “American Idol” finalist and former Hairspray star Diana DeGarmo, West End musical actor and “American Idol” contestant Tom Lowe, and musical and film actress Tressa Thomas.
Slimmed-down singer Mandisa sings of “Freedom”
NASHVILLE (Billboard) – Longtime fans of former “American Idol” contestant Mandisa will notice a number of positive changes on the singer’s new album, “Freedom.” In addition to a more self-assured sound, the singer is sporting a more fit physique.
“I’ve come into my own,” she says. “This album is more personal. I’ve identified my style and I’m not working with as many producers, which I think brought more focus to this album.”
Steve-O Talks Back Injury, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Dancing With The Starsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ Appearance
LOS ANGELES à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ While MTV Newsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ visit to the set of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Dancing With the Starsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Thursday didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t feature a lot of dancing, we did get to speak with à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Jackassà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ star Steve-O about his recent back injury, which will probably complicate his appearance on the show next week.
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re working on figuring out the routine à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ and not doing a whole lot of it because my backà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hurting me a lot,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ Steve-O told MTV News. He said heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s not sure exactly how the injury happened. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“My back is spasming and a nerveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s been pinched and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a big nightmare. Weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ve got this really physical routine thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s loaded up with stunts and tricks, and weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re kinda waiting to practice them, maybe until weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re on live TV,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ he said.
New Blog: Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough Aim to Impress on ‘DWTS’
Coming up Monday on ET, “Dancing with the Stars” partners Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough interview each other about first impressions, nicknames, injuries, music and more on the ET stage! Until then, they’re blogging just for ETonline about what they’re doing on “DWTS” Monday night! What surprises are in store? Check out the video!
Denver hosts “So You Think You Can Dance” tryouts
DENVER (AP) – They braved the cold to face the producers. Now, a lucky few are getting a chance to impress the judges of “So You Think You Can Dance.”
The hit Fox television program is holding callbacks today at Denver’s Colorado Convention Center for some of the show hopefuls who auditioned yesterday. Another round of first-time auditions and callbacks will take place tomorrow.
Judge Nigel Lythgoe says he’s been a little disappointed, calling some of the would-be contestants good social dancers, but not cut out for a very, very tough professional competition.
noctem seizure – hhhmmmmmmmmm……..I think you are way off base and I don’t think her intent was distorted at all. Seems Ms. Brokaw thinks that MTV did a fine job according to her blog at Beliefnet.
“Check out Kaufman’s article; he did a great job……….”
here’s the link
http://blog.beliefnet.com//gospelsoundcheck/2009/03/mtv-features-gospel-soundcheck.html
Here’s what I think, without going back and reading anything at all. LOL
I think we all have had whatever experiences we have, both in life and in religion, and we’ve suffered or those we care about have suffered at the hands of whatever we have, and sometimes that includes matters of religion or those offering/selling it. And, sometimes those offering/selling it have suffered too. Then we read an article like the one above, including the quotes (with or without adequate context) and we take away what we do. Among the possibilities, we’re neutral (remote, I know lol), we’re offended, we’re defensive. Whatever.
But, noctem, notwithstanding that we appear to disagree on the larger point here, I do appreciate that you recognized that the God-dar might be viewed as offensive — both for the alleged fact of it, as well as the substantive claim. It IS offensive to suggest that kind acts toward others are among the exclusive values of Christians, all of them. No group can be fairly stereotyped, good or bad, so long as they’re made up of people. And, that’s the point, at least to me.
I doubt she’s perused this thread to see how her comments were received in certain quarters. But, if you want to clear this up it’s a simple matter to go post a question on her blog and ask her if she believes that Christians are the only people who are generous with their time and would help others even if it wasn’t to their advantage.
To me, it’s fairly apparent that if you interpret her statement as worded to mean that, there is at least a possibility that you have some some preconceptions about individuals who come from her background that align with that interpretation….
Why is “God-dar” any more offensive than “gaydar”? I’m not offended by gaydar, and the persons of homosexual orientation that I have known in my life have been quite clear that it does exist. (I suppose you could be offended by the word God-dar used in this case to apply to a sense possessed by a given subset of Christians, but that was just my personal wordplay on “gaydar”)
Also, if you read my post directly above this, I explain that I don’t believe she means to say that magnanimity is the singular domain of Christians. Looking at the article, I’m fairly confident that I can pinpoint exactly where the possible misreading is taking place. But, rather than getting into that detail, what is more striking to me is the fact that a definite element of pre-inclination to read her comments this way is present here.
It’s analagous to the way we respond to the statements of elected officials we don’t like. If I don’t care for President Obama or former President Bush, then I’m going to listen to the things they say very skeptically and scrutinize their words critically. And if there’s a negative spin that can be applied to their statements, then I’m likely to accept that as my intepretation of what they said.
But, noctem, I am a Christian and I’d never heard of this woman before (unlike Obama or Bush), so I had no pre-inclination to read her words one way or the other. Still, I was offended.
And, fwiw, I think the term “gaydar” is fairly offensive too. It plays into a whole host of stereotypes.
noctem seizure – I give. lol I could do that, but really, I don’t care that much. Her comment is what it is and she didn’t seem to have any problem with it. Maybe she would say that she didn’t mean it in that context if asked, who knows. I actually read a few of her blogs and she seems very intelligent so I would think if she didn’t mean the quote to come across as written, she would have said something in her blog about it. Her blogs were fine. Her focus is Christian music, which did not come across very well in the MTV article, and she has her agenda, but whatever. The only comment I found odd in one of her blogs was that she knew Danny was a Christian just by looking at him. I didn’t quite get that. Does he glow? Is he better looking that non-christian people? I thought that was funny. I don’t like the idea of defining people as non-Christian and Christian – people are just people and one is not better than the other because of their religous beliefs or lack of. I think it’s devisive and non-inclusive, but, different strokes for different folks.
I posted above why I’m not happy with AI this year and that really doesn’t have anything to do with Ms. Brokaw and her offensive remark. Actually, what I get from her blogs is that she has noticed the same thing I have. But she is thrilled and I am not.
and so it goes……..but, hey, it’s been interesting discussing this with you!
Yes, I’m just as offended by gaydar as goddar. But, consider the possibility that the logic you suggest, noctem, applies to you as well — with respect to interpreting the views of those who took offense. Why is it that the words and context as presented can’t just be offensive to some without stereotyping (as prejudiced) those who are offended?
Wow. Talk about making assumptions! You’re questioning the motives of people that you don’t know.
Pot Kettle Black?
I could go back and copy-and-paste select quotes from this thread which expressly indicate that the persons making them already have some pretty strong, negative feelings toward people associated with this woman’s particular faith background. It’s a pretty logical step then to conclude that these feelings could at least partly shade their perception of what she said. And some of the posts I’m referring to actually say as much, if only saying so indirectly.
Anyway, I wanted to express an alternative point of view that I didn’t see expressed here. I have done so, and others can agree with it, consider it, dismiss it, or have whatever other reaction that they wish. But, I’m not going to continue to go around and around about it.
I think what’s setting people off right now, is not your “alternate point of view” but your questioning their motives. And, actually, questioning your fellow posters’ motives and/or putting words in their mouths, is against the guidelines. Please make note of that.
While there were a couple of people who made it clear that they didn’t care for religion all that much, there were also many self-identified Christians who didn’t care for her statements either. So, there’s your theory, right out the window.
^^I appreciate that, noctem, and I appreciate you offering the alternative view. Offering that view as your own, though, suggested something more, at least to me. That is, it’s as if you were saying that, because you weren’t offended when you read the article, then anyone who was offended must have come to the table with preconceived ideas. Problem is, the only way that logic holds is if You are the model of objectivity.
None among us is. At least we can agree on that, eh?
The comment about knowing someone is a Christian by how they look or act just doesn’t always hold tru. I have a friend who is a minister (Bron Again Christian) and one that is Jeish. They both act and look the same…kind, loving people.
This may not be a popular opinion, but Danny gives off different vibes than Kris or Michael. Ummm…let’s see, I don’t find Michael to be a sweet person. I admit he can sing.
Hi, all! I wanted to just drop in quick to say that I really appreciate all of the discussion you’re having about that MTV article and the whole issue of Christianity on the show and in general.
I totally understand why some of you are offended and apologize if those comments in the article came across as judgmental. They certainly weren’t intended to offend, and in a longer discussion I think you’d see that some of the assumptions about me based on those few sentences aren’t necessarily true.
Anyway, yes, I cover Christian music for Beliefnet, so my job, in addition to covering typical CCM stuff, is to find hot mainstream stories and see how they relate to Christian music. Early on this season on Idol, I noticed a TON of worship leaders on the show, so I started following those contestants. When we got to the top 13, other people noticed that there seemed to be a lot of Christian contestants. (The Associated Press is doing a story this week, in addition to the MTV story.)
I was in NO way advocating that Christians should vote for the Christian contestants. That’s stupid. But I did explain to the reporter that I’m sure that happens. If there’s one thing I understand, it’s the Christian consumer, and if you read my blog, you’ll find that I am a frequent critic of the commercialization of the church. (I mean, someone actually came out with a faith-based energy drink. I want to barf when I see that kind of stuff.)
Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I have been trying to read as many of the comments as I can, and I appreciate both the negative (and few positive, LOL) thoughts. I’m not surprised; I have non-Christians who hate me, and Christians who pray for me because they think I’m not a Christian. I actually get feedback from Christian readers who say I shouldn’t even be watching American Idol, LOL. So I’m sure that that article upset people on both sides of the “faith fence.”
If I can answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to head over to my blog and leave a comment on this post:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2009/03/mtv-features-gospel-soundcheck.html
Thanks for taking time to read Gil’s article at MTV and for having a thoughtful and honest discussion about faith!
All the best,
Joanne
Just wanted to add, I thought that this was a really interesting conversation. It was fun to “get into it” and read everyone’s opinions.
Thank you Joanne for stopping by and letting us know your thoughts.
Who woulda thought we could have this discussion on an AI blog!
MJ for the win!
Judy, you made this point: “…Danny was a Christian just by looking at him. I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t quite get that. Does he glow?” and it made me laugh. I knew Danny was a Christian because they said he was a church music teacher; I have no idea why I wrote that I knew from looking at him, LOL. I guess he does glow – I mean, he’s pretty joyful. But you’re right, what I said was weird.
And I agree with your other comment about not wanting church on your tv show. I’m happy these contestants are there because they’re talented, not because they’re Christians. Sure, I’m glad to see them do well, but trust me, if I was just voting for the ones who used the name of Jesus or listed Bible verses on their MySpace, I’d have to vote for Tatiana – and that was most definitely NOT happening!
Another reporter asked me if I thought Idol should do a night of Christian music and I told him absolutely not. It wouldn’t be fair to the contestants or the viewers. Idol isn’t a religious show. If a contestant wants to sing a Christian song – David Cook doing a Switchfoot tune, for example – he should be able to. But while it was interesting to see the Idols last season sing “Shout To The Lord,” I don’t think it was really fair to those who aren’t Christians.
Joanne
Joanne – a faith based energy drink??? that’s funny.
take care.
Thank you!! I totally felt the same way.
I tried to delete this post. I was distracted and it came out all wrong. I don’t find Danny to be a sweet person. (Sorry to Michael fans.) That is just my opinion.
It is good to see your reply, Joanne. This has definitely been a hot topic and your response is appreciated. I don’t agree with all you said in the article, but at least you come across as more human.
Oh my, that didn’t quite come out as I expected! LOL.
Me too. That was one of the most awkward and miserable things I’ve ever sat through. It was one of those “peek through my fingers at the horror on screen” moments. I’m a Christian, but who on earth wants to watch a bunch of people who don’t believe in it sing it? Awkward, awkward, awkward. And the fact that they had to sing it more than once? If I’d been a contestant, I think that would have been my last day on the show, to tell you the truth. I think I would have quit right then and there.
Grammie Kari – thanks! Gil and I actually talked for quite a while and obviously only a small portion could be used in the article. One thing he didn’t have room for was WHY I thought there might be so many Christians on the show this season. I did a post yesterday if you’re interested:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/gospelsoundcheck/2009/03/4-reasons-why-there-are-so-man.html
I think if a overtly Christian element brings in viewers, you may find more of that on shows like this, or at least more contestants with overtly Christian stories. It’s all about $$.
All the best,
Joanne
My belief is that it is a talent competition, and people are free to vote whoever they want based on any reason (as it is them dialing the phones, lol). However AI is already evolving, as we have seen, the market is full of talented singers but not all of them “buyable”. Some people vote for talent, vocal prowess, and some people vote for the person they’d watch in a concert, buy the cd they make, etc. Overall, freedom to choose.
Also, i guess, whatever contestants choose to play on their videos is entirely up to them. If family is a big motivation for their singing, if the theater is, or if God is, let them be. It is entirely up to them. It is their video, and the content of that the viewers cannot control. You can control who you wanna vote for though, so i don’t see why there’s so much hype over this issue.
Lastly, I believe people don’t need to wear “name tags” for the public to see who they are. How you act towards others portray who you really are, your relationships, principles, and choices define who you are as an individual.
Layla
Mar 14th, 2009 at 11:44 am
à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦and why do Christians like Danny want to push their beliefs on others??? They are always talking about spreading the wordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦what word?
I don’t really see him pushing his beliefs on other people, as he refers to it as a personal thing. No one can really know what’s in his mind. Some people say they believe one thing but their actions don’t mirror their words.
I believe pushing your beliefs on someone entail saying “you should believe this thing i believe in”. Saying this is what i believe is just that, what i believe. No ‘you shoulds’ added to it. And the word i think you’re referring to is the Bible.
And, just a word of encouragement or whatever it will be taken as.
Some people have had bad experiences with christians or people claiming to be christians.
The truth is, no matter how much we like it or not, there will always be christians who strive to be good, but at times fail, and there are christians who really don’t act like Christians. It’s not sounding preachy or anything, but the whole point of the matter is Christians are still human beings, they still make mistakes. Whoever Christian claims to be PERFECT is LYING!!
also, if by chance we believed in love but have met several boyfriends or girlfriends who claimed to love us, but did not love us, left us and broke our hearts? Would we stop believing in love? Is our belief in love based on people showing Love or on Love itself? Think about it. There will always be people who misunderstand and misrepresent the concept of love, but it does not stop love from being love.
Hey Tess, Baxter, and the rest of you guys,
First of all, thanks for voicing your opinions and calling this stuff into question. I think that’s extremely important for our culture to do rather than just accept what’s spoon-fed to us.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the journalist and thought he wrote a good story, like many articles, the quotes used were only part of a larger conversation we were having over the phone and don’t represent my view as well as I had hoped.
Let me clarify
1) I completely agree with Baxter – you don’t have to be a Christian to do good and help others. We do that because there’s something deep within us as humans that makes us feel alive when we give life to others. You see it everyday. I personally think that it’s Christ who instills this in every human’s soul, regardless of their religion or background. That’s why I follow Christ and his story… of giving everything he had (even his own life) to humanity so that we could live with freedom and fullness.
2) A lot of people got hung up on the last part of my quote. What I said is that if hypothetically it came down to two singers with equal talent and a voter just couldn’t decide, human nature would probably set in and that voter would choose the person they relate to most (whether they be a Christian, a homosexual, from the same state as the contestant, etc). If we were honest, that’s kind of the sensationalism behind Idol isn’t it? We vote for someone not just because of their ability, but the whole package (how they come off as a person, what they do behind the scenes, their style, their story). HOWEVER, I HOPE Christians aren’t out there judging contestants on whether someone is a Christian or not. That’s ridiculous. Christians should vote on how talented someone is regardless of their beliefs. At its core, that’s what this contest is about.
3) My main point when being interviewed was that I thought it was awesome that Christians seem to be moving away from “copying culture” and actually starting to help create it. For far too long we’ve heard Christian bands that sound like less talented versions of mainstream bands. We’ve made the word “Christian” a genre rather than a person. A few years ago, Christians would have foolishly boycotted a “secular” show like American Idol and probably would have just come up with a safe, alternate version shown only on “Christian television.” I think it’s a small step in the right direction when Christ followers step out of the church and enter a mainstream contest like American Idol, endeavoring to impress people with their talent rather than their beliefs.
Feel free to reply here or go to my blog.