Gospel Music Channel Documentary Explores the Impact of "American Idol" on Gospel/Christian Music

On Thursday, April 23, at 7 PM ET, Gospel Music Channel's news program, Gospel Insider, presents "From Idol to Inspiration," a special documentary on the global impact of the "American Idol" phenomenon, specifically on Gospel and Christian music. The documentary, produced and directed by veteran documentarian, David Lewis (CNN, ABC News, Fox News, CNBC, 60 Minutes, Frontline and 20/20), explores the unparalleled exposure the hit reality show has given to aspiring artists who are Christians, as well as the impact these artists and their faith has had on the show itself.

From the first season of “American Idol” in 2002, Christian singers from both Gospel or CCM (Christian music) backgrounds have flourished on the show. Performers have proudly professed their faith in God, and middle American has certainly taken notice. Winners like Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks and finalists like Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, George Huff, Fantasia, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle and Mandisa are all examples of this trend.

The current 2009 season, at press time down to six finalists, featured six (of the Top 12) contestants who were either closely affiliated with their local churches or serve as worship leaders as a profession, including Kris Allen, Michael Sarver, Matt Giraud, Scott MacIntyre, Lil Rounds and Danny Gokey.

Appearing in "From Idol To Inspiration" are “American Idol” finalists Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle and Mandisa, as well as music journalists who examine the subject from a cultural perspective: Brian Mansfield of USA Today and Gil Kaufman of MTV News. The story of Gokey's wife's death, just weeks before the show audtions, and the foundation, Sophia's Heart, set up to honor her, will also be part of the GMC Gospel Insider documentary.

Don't miss this powerful documentary that examines what has led to so much success and exposure for artists of faith on "American Idol."

“From Idol to Inspiration” will air Thursday, April 23, 7 PM ET, one-hour before the LIVE telecast of The 40th Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards at 8 PM ET.

Chris Sligh

"For me, the choice to do music for the Church was something I felt God calling me to directly," AI finalist Chris Sligh says of his experience. "But sometimes we get mixed up. We look at people on 'American Idol' and think, 'Oh well, you know he's not singing Christian songs, so how is he a Christian?' I don't think God works that way. I think that's putting God in a box and making him much, much smaller than he is."

Phil Stacey

"My faith is, is who I am. Everything I do is based on [that]. The whole American Idol experience… strengthened my faith. I see where God brought me, and I could have never gotten there by myself. One hundred and three thousand people auditioned [that season], and I think God saw the opportunity to use people on the biggest TV show in the history of the world. And I believe that God did use me… I believe God works like that."


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