Gospel Powerhouses Shine: Two Christian Singers Make Their Way into American Idol’s Top 10 with Unstoppable Performances

Christian contestants Canaan James Hill and Breanna Nix made their way into the Top 10 on American Idol Monday night, continuing to highlight their faith as a core part of their journey on the popular singing competition.

The April 28 episode featured mentorship from Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino, who performed her new gospel single “Have Your Way” and offered guidance during rehearsals. As a fellow Christian, Fantasia encouraged Hill and Nix to stay true to their faith despite facing public criticism.

Hill, a 17-year-old aspiring preacher from Alabama, delivered a heartfelt rendition of CeCe Winans’ “Goodness of God,” earning praise from all three judges. Lionel Richie applauded his performance, saying, “I just applaud you for yet another fantastic performance.” Carrie Underwood simply said, “Thank you,” while Luke Bryan added, “He baptizes me every time he sings.”

Hill, who received a platinum ticket during auditions, has consistently performed gospel songs throughout the season, including Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory,” Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” and Fred Hammond’s “Glory to Glory to Glory.” Hill has shared that he feels called to sing for God and has faced personal challenges, including bullying due to his skin color.

Meanwhile, Nix, also a professing Christian, performed Danny Gokey’s “Tell Your Heart To Beat Again.” Fantasia and Nix bonded over their church backgrounds and the challenges of dealing with online criticism.

“You know, the show has been a wonderful blessing to me, but the hate sometimes on the internet,” Nix confided to Fantasia during their coaching session. “Being a Christian, there are so many opinions. Like, ‘That’s not what a Christian should wear,’ or, ‘A Christian shouldn’t sing a song like that.’”

“I had a comment that said, ‘She’s not a Christian anymore,’” she added, visibly emotional. “And it devastated me.”

“I grew up in church,” Fantasia responded, “and God still uses me through every song that I sing. I could sing the ABCs right now and give it to God.”

Fantasia continued, “Doesn’t matter what you sing. You know that you love Him. So, stay away from social media.”

Fantasia surprised Nix with a video call from Gokey, who encouraged her to sing for those who needed to hear the message. “You’re about to set some people free,” Gokey told her.

Following her performance, Lionel Richie called the night “divinely guided,” while Luke Bryan added, “That is why you’re in this competition.” Carrie Underwood shared some advice for handling online hate: “I want to tell you all an important trick,” she said to Nix. “It’s called the ‘post and ghost.’ You put your stuff out on social media, and you don’t look at the comments. That’s how I live my life.”

Nix later reflected on her performance, saying, “I felt like I was letting everything go. Letting go and letting God, because He deserves all the praise.”

Nix was the final contestant to be named to the Top 10. “Thank you, Jesus!” she exclaimed as the announcement was made.

Fantasia closed the episode with a passionate performance of “Have Your Way,” part of which was sung on her knees.

“The world is going through a lot right now and we need more God, so I allowed Him to use me on the biggest stage ever. Thank you, Jesus,” Fantasia said.

Fantasia also confirmed that she is working on a new gospel album. “It’s time,” she said. “I’m always gospel. But it’s time for me to use the gift He gave me and give it back to Him.”

Faith has been a key theme throughout the season. An Easter special earlier this month featured performances by Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, and others, all centered around worship and Christian themes. Even Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan performed Christian-themed songs during the episode.

Simon Lythgoe, American Idol co-creator, praised ABC and Disney for “taking such a bold stand on this holy day [of Easter] and celebrating worship music.” Lythgoe noted that, during his time with the show, there was an unspoken rule to keep the show secular. However, after Underwood’s success and the positive response to worship songs performed on the show, he saw a shift.

“I’m genuinely excited to see Jesus’ resurrection day honored on one of the biggest entertainment platforms in the world,” Lythgoe said.