Canaan James Hill Delivers Another ‘Unbelievable’ Gospel Performance on ‘American Idol,’ Landing in the Top 12

As a 17-year-old from Dallas, Canaan James Hill has already left his mark on the “American Idol” franchise. This self-described “churchy kid” has brought his gospel roots to each week of the competition, including when he made it to the Top 12.

“How can I ‘church up’ a rock song?” asked Hill on a recent episode.

Christian Canaan James Jill Advances to Top 12 on ‘American Idol’

The aspiring preacher has chosen songs that display his deep faith, including “I Need Your Glory,” “Never Would Have Made It,” and “Glory to Glory to Glory.” After an incredible audition, Hill received a Platinum Ticket, advancing him to Hollywood and allowing him to skip the first week of competition.

Many weeks of the competition are themed for a certain genre of music in order to challenge and stretch contestants’ skills and vocal ranges.

As “American Idol” artists competed for the remaining Top 12 spots, they were instructed to choose a song within the theme of “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Hill chose Aretha Franklin’s “Mary, Don’t You Weep,” written in 1972 by Inez Andrews. The song’s lyrics include:

Oh, Mary, don’t you weep, don’t you mourn
Didn’t Pharaoh’s army get drowned?
Oh, Mary, don’t you weep

Well, Satan got mad and he knows I’m glad
Missed that soul that he thought he had
Now, didn’t Pharaoh’s army get drowned?
Oh, Mary, don’t you weep

Oh, Mary, don’t you weep, don’t you mourn

Hill met with guest mentor James Taylor for coaching on his delivery of Franklin’s hit. Taylor encouraged him to make eye contact and connect with the audience—especially his family members.

“It’s a popular song for me and my family,” said Hill.

While judge Carrie Underwood has consistently praised Hill’s performances, she had some reservations about his song choice.

“Vocals were spot-on, but I think you cheated the system,” admitted Underwood. “I wanted to see you rock out! At some point, do something really unexpected.”

Underwood challenged Hill to branch out from what is normal and comfortable for the talented singer.

“Aretha didn’t sing like that,” Lionel Richie also chimed in. “That was unbelievable.”

Hill shared some news via Facebook live, saying, “To have all of you amazing people tuning in and voting and being so kind to me. People don’t have to be kind. People don’t have to support you. For y’all to actually be there for me, supporting me, it means so much.”

He then asked supporters to share the video and invite others to vote again the following day.

Hill has shared more about his faith and his family throughout the competition. He told “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest about his grandfather, who sang gospel music. Hill also aspires to be a preacher someday.