Young Aspiring Preacher Continues To Wow ‘American Idol’ Judges, This Time With Marvin Sapp Song

Canaan James Hill continued to bring “American Idol” judges to their feet with his second competitive performance this season.

Hill first wowed “American Idol” judges while singing Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory” during his audition. The judges awarded him a platinum ticket, which automatically sent him into the second round.

Then on Sunday night (April 6), when the aspiring 17-year-old preacher got his next opportunity to sing during the “Showstopper” round, Hill chose Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It”—and he didn’t disappoint.

RELATED: Jelly Roll Calls Brandon Lake While ‘American Idol’ Contestants Sing ‘Gratitude’

In fact, before Hill reached the halfway point of his performance, the entire studio audience, including judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and all of the contestants, was on its feet. Some people could even be seen raising their hands in worship.

Bryan leaned over to Underwood as Hill was singing and told her that Hill is “one of the best singers that I have ever seen.”

Describing himself as a “churchy kid,” Hill shared that he started singing in church when he was 6 or 7. “My mother’s camera roll is full of pictures and videos of me on the pulpit, singing and preaching,” he told “American Idol” viewers.

Hill said that being a platinum ticket holder has added “a lot of pressure.” It feels that “there is an expectation that I have to make it far into this competition. That’s what I plan on doing,” he added. “Holding up that title and hopefully winning the whole thing and taking this on home.”

RELATED: ‘Hey Jesus’—Son of Backstreet Boys Singer Brian Littrell Performs Original Song on ‘American Idol’

As soon as Hill finished his performance, Bryan ran up onstage and gave him a hug. Richie then said, “That was the greatest performance I have ever seen…Amazing,” and Underwood responded by telling Hill, “Thank you.”

After Hill left the stage and joined his parents outside the performance area, Underwood turned around to the audience and shouted, “He’s 17! What!”