Canaan James Hill, a young aspiring preacher, once again wowed “American Idol” judges and viewers this week. Despite dealing with allergies, the 17-year-old from Dallas offered what judge Luke Bryan called a “tremendous performance, very uplifting” on the April 14 episode.
In this season’s Top 24 round, filmed at a Hawaiian resort, Hill sang “Glory to Glory to Glory” by Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ. “Your ‘under the weather’ is still better than the rest of the world,” Bryan told the teen afterward. “Your ability to be on the beach and have church on the beach was pretty amazing.”
‘I Just Love It When You Interpret the Word’
Canaan James Hill, a content creator, graduated from high school early so he could pursue God’s call to preach. Hearing his grandfather sing gospel songs inspired him to pursue music, he previously explained.
RELATED: Young Aspiring Preacher Continues To Wow ‘American Idol’ Judges, This Time With Marvin Sapp Song
“American Idol” judge Carrie Underwood applauded Hill’s “amazing” personality and stage presence, as well as his vocals. “I know you’re dealing with some allergies,” she told the teen on Monday’s show. “To be honest, I kind of think it was a bit of a blessing. We know that you have tricks on tricks on tricks in your bag, [but] that might have forced you to simplify a little bit, and it was really nice. We just kinda got to listen to the words of the song.”
Judge Lionel Ritchie has been visibly moved by Hill’s performances, twice saying the singer is “possessed.” After Hill sang “Glory to Glory to Glory,” Ritchie told him, “Your voice is your signature. I just love it when you just interpret the word.”
“On top of that, I cannot wait to hear you when you start interpreting other songs outside of the church,” Ritchie continued, “because I know you’ve got the ability to navigate your own sound within those songs. But you nailed that song tonight.”
Canaan James Hill’s Voice Is a ‘Beacon of Hope and Joy’
Online comments indicate that Hill is also a fan favorite. “Don’t stop sharing your gift with the world!” someone encouraged him. “Your voice is a beacon of hope and joy, and it’s needed now more than ever.” Another wrote that the teen is “definitely an anointed young man” and has the “identity” of a gospel singer “through and through.”
Some fans pushed back against Ritchie’s comment about Hill branching into other types of music. “I saw your face when Lionel mentioned singing other genres,” someone commented to Hill. “If [gospel music is] what God wants you to do stay with it. I know you can broaden your song selection but you take me to the king every time. Keep being you.”
