Braden Rumfelt is also a pastor’s son. His father, Chris Rumfelt, is the senior pastor of First Free Will Baptist Church in Hayesville, North Carolina.
Rumfelt performed Brandon Lake’s hit “Hard Fought Hallelujah” for the “Songs of Faith” episode, during which Seacrest noted that Rumfelt’s church friends had submitted him for the competition.
Monday night, Rumfelt performed Swift’s song “Cardigan” and received high praise from the judges for conveying the emotion and story of the song. Later, Rumfelt performed Maroon 5’s “This Love,” leading Underwood to tell him, “You seemed more comfortable than I feel like I’ve ever seen you be on stage.”
Gospel singer and pastor’s daughter Keyla Richardson gave powerhouse performances of Swift’s “Lover” and Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind,” with her latter performance moving Bryan to tears.
“My faith is the only thing that has kept me this far, and that’s the only thing that’s going to keep me,” Richardson previously told the Christian Post. “All my help comes from the Lord.”
For the “Songs of Faith” episode, Richardson performed “Jireh” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music feat. Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine. The judges were effusive with their compliments Monday, with Underwood telling Richardson, “You impress me every single week.”
