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American Idol season 23 judge Carrie Underwood is having a unique influence on the show as her fellow judge Luke Bryan revealed that she’s inspired the newest contestants to sing a particular type of music. Carrie won American Idol season 4 in 2005, and has since gone on to become a country music superstar. However, in 2021, she released a gospel album, My Savior, which reflects her strong belief in her faith. Carrie’s American Idol season 23 judging debut had mixed reviews. Some fans still feel that the show should be retooled, but Carrie’s improving after taking over for Katy Perry.

Luke shared that he thinks Carrie has influenced the American Idol season 23 contestants to sing more gospel songs because of her strong faith.

In an interview with Billboard, Luke shared that he thinks Carrie has influenced the American Idol season 23 contestants to sing more gospel songs because of her strong faith. He explained, “She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs and she’s done it through music and it’s been a part of her artistry and the kids this year have showed up with more of that maybe than in years past, and that’s been something really, really special to watch.”

Luke continued, “I’m sure she probably thinks, ‘Am I making a difference?’ but it showed this year. A couple of episodes ago she asked, ‘Historically have people done so much gospel?‘ And I said, ‘You may be having a little something to do with that.'”

Carrie added, “It wasn’t just gospel. They usually say something before they sing about why they want to be the next American Idol and so many of them said, ‘Because God put me here’ and they’re leaning into that and I asked, ‘Has it always been like this? This is awesome.'”

She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs and she’s done it through music and it’s been a part of her artistry and the kids this year have showed up with more of that maybe than in years past, and that’s been something really, really special to watch. I’m sure she probably thinks, ‘Am I making a difference?’ but it showed this year. A couple of episodes ago she asked, ‘Historically have people done so much gospel?’ And I said, ‘You may be having a little something to do with that.’

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Although the American Idol season 22 contestants sang a lot of gospel and faith-based music in the early rounds of the competition, it’s been more popular than ever in season 23. Luke is probably right that Carrie had something to do with that because the contestants knew that they’d have a safe space to express their faith with a spiritual person like her. Contestants such as platinum ticket winner Canaan James Hill have been singing gospel music throughout the season, to much acclaim. Breanna Nix even sang Carrie’s first single, the faith-based “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

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This means that American Idol is changing and fans can expect to hear even more gospel music on the show. Past contestants have had success with faith-based genres, but they didn’t perform as much of that kind of music on the show. The late American Idol contestant Mandisa went on to become a Grammy-winning gospel singer, and Danny Gokey and Colton Dixon have become successful Christian artists, but during their time on the show, they sang other genres too. It’s interesting to see an artist such as Canaan sing solely gospel music up to this point.

Our Take On American Idol Contestants Singing More Gospel Songs

American Idol Was Originally Created To Find The Next Pop Supersta

While I can appreciate people being open with their faith on American Idol, including Breanna and Rylie O’Neil singing their beautiful Hollywood Week duet of Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude,” I wonder if the show is veering too far away from its original purpose. The show debuted in the U.K. where it was called Pop Idol because its goal was to find the next pop superstar. When it moved across the pond, American Idol season 1 created one of the best pop stars of all time, Kelly Clarkson.

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Although people might be inspired by seeing young music artists who are unashamed to express their faith on American Idol, I worry that the show is moving away from its original goal. Canaan might go on to become a successful gospel artist, but he certainly won’t be heard on Top 40 radio. After over 20 years, American Idol is changing. Carrie might be responsible for more gospel music taking center stage, but whether that’s a good thing for the show remains to be seen.