American Idol season 23 contestants made headlines when an impromptu worship session broke out backstage. With Christians all over the world celebrating Easter on Sunday, April 20, the ABC show will present a three-hour “Songs of Faith” special. In addition to all 20 remaining hopefuls performing worship and gospel songs, many other influential acts will also take the stage. Here’s what you need to know.
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Who Is Performing on the ‘American Idol’ Easter Special?
Carrie Underwood and her fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, will perform faith-centric songs during Sunday’s (April 20) “Songs of Faith” special on American Idol.
Additionally, the show’s first-ever artist in residence, Jelly Roll, will team up with Christian hitmaker Brandon Lake to sing their hit “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Gospel icon CeCe Winans will return to the Idol stage after her much-lauded performance during last season’s grand finale. The 17-time Grammy winner teamed up with Top 12 finalist Roman Collins to sing her 2021 song “Goodness of God.” For that matter, Collins is also returning to the American Idol stage. No word on whether he’ll join Winans onstage again, though.
What Time Does The “Songs of Faith” Episode Air?
The “Songs of Faith” special on American Idol airs during the show’s normal slot at 8 p.m. Eastern. However, it will last an extra hour, ending at 11 p.m. Eastern.
Importantly, the contestants are not getting a break from the competition. Once the show has ended, viewers are still able to vote for the artists they want to see in the next round.
[RELATED: ‘American Idol’ Alum Doug Kiker’s Cause of Death Revealed]
Carrie Underwood Speaks Out on Faith, Entertainment
Ever since winning the fourth season of American Idol 20 years ago, Carrie Underwood has consistently remained open about her Christian faith. The “Before He Cheats” singer even put out My Savior, an entire album of gospel covers, in 2021.
Underwood opened up about the intersection of her faith and career earlier this season after competitors Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neill teamed up for a cover of Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude.”
“I wanna tell you, I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you,” said the eight-time Grammy Award winner, 42.
She continued, “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. I want to tell you that I’m proud of you guys.”
Featured image via Instagram
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