Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, and CeCe Winans Deliver Incredible Performances During ‘American Idol’ Easter Special

Sunday evening (April 20), “American Idol” gifted Easter viewers with three hours of worship and gospel songs. The hit singing competition’s “Songs of Faith” episode featured performances by this season’s remaining 20 contestants, the three judges, artist-in-residence Jelly Roll, and special guests Brandon Lake and CeCe Winans.

Christian music has been playing a prominent role on “American Idol” lately. For that, many people credit the influence of new judge and season-four winner Carrie Underwood. On this year’s Easter episode, Underwood sang the hymn “How Great Thou Art” from her Grammy Award-winning gospel album “My Savior.”

Fellow judge Luke Bryan, who performed his song “Jesus ’Bout My Kids,” told Billboard magazine that Underwood has had “a little something to do with” the growing number of faith-based songs on the show. “She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs,” Bryan said of Underwood.

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This season’s contestants “have showed up with more of that maybe than in years past, and that’s been something really, really special to watch,” Bryan added. “I’m sure [Underwood] probably thinks, ‘Am I making a difference?’ but it showed this year.”

As ChurchLeaders has reported, Canaan James Hill, Baylee Littrell, and Breanna Nix are among the contestants who have performed Christian songs on “American Idol” this season.

Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, CeCe Winans Praise God on ‘American Idol’

On Sunday’s Easter special, Jelly Roll—real name Jason DeFord—performed “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake. In a social media post about the duet, “American Idol” wrote that the pair “bring the revival.”

CeCe Winans and Roman Collins sang “Come Jesus Come.” Judge Lionel Ritchie, who sang “Eternity,” said gospel music “shaped who I am” while growing up in Alabama. The “American Idol” Easter special, he said, was “a beautiful reminder of how music connects us.”

Underwood has described “fond memories of singing in church on Easter Sunday throughout my childhood.” With her own family, the country musician continues “that time for reflection and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” she said.

When Underwood recently asked fellow judge Bryan about the increase in gospel performances on “American Idol,” he told her she might be having “a little something to do with that.”

The faith influence goes beyond contestants’ musical selections, according to Underwood. “They usually say something before they sing, about why they want to be the next [winner],” she said. “And so many of them said, ‘Because God put me here,’ and they’re leaning into that.” The new judge called that trend “awesome.”