Songs of Faith in the Spotlight: A Catholic Reflection on American Idol

I didn’t realize it at the time, but I grew up in two very different classrooms of music: one in a church pew, the other on a living room floor.

Sunday mornings were steeped in incense and Latin—the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, where the priest faced east and sacred silence was tangible. Weekday afternoons, however, were reserved for American Idol reruns at my neighbor’s house. Her grandma would make popcorn, and I’d sit cross-legged on the carpet, wide-eyed as young singers stepped into the spotlight. Amid pop ballads and dramatic eliminations, I remember being especially moved by contestants who spoke openly about their faith—Colton Dixon and Lauren Daigle come to mind.

One space formed my communion with Christ. The other revealed how truth could break through the noise of pop culture.

Fast forward to today: I serve as a praise and worship leader, helping create spaces for authentic encounters with the Lord. I don’t watch Idol as religiously as I once did, but I’ll still catch an episode on YouTube here and there—usually curled up with my dog instead of on the neighbor’s floor. This season, I was struck by the unexpected. Worship—the kind I’m used to seeing in adoration chapels and youth retreats—had found its way onto primetime television.

Worship in the Spotlight

Worship music isn’t just an emotional swell or a catchy hook. While it may stir the heart, true worship leads us deeper into reality—into the presence of Christ. As Scripture reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). Praise and worship demands openness and surrender, so that it is not just a stirring of the senses, but anchoring in His presence. Why? Because it is a form of prayer! It is no small thing that Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, sang to God in her heart even as she faced martyrdom.

Saint Augustine is noted for saying, “Qui cantat, bis orat”–He who sings prays twice.

I’ve seen the Holy Spirit move through music—in chapels, gymnasiums, and drafty retreat cabins. I’ve watched restless teens fall silent during adoration as lyrics became living prayers. Music is a mysterious bridge between the intellect and the soul. And this season of American Idol, especially the Easter “Songs of Faith” episode, felt like one of those bridges.

Canaan James Hill’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” was a powerful testimony. With a booming, gospel-infused voice, he sang with deep conviction. Kaibrienne Richin’s version of “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” felt tender and vulnerable—a real prayer offered through song. It’s not just these two contestants, however—this season is brimming with unapologetic faith-filled singers.

For a true full-circle moment, Carrie Underwood returned as a guest judge. A former Idol winner and vocal Christian, she reportedly helped champion the Easter-themed episode. The result? A three-hour showcase of faith-filled music, with contestants, guest artists (Brandon Lake and CeCe Winans!), and even judges offering up worship and gospel songs on national television.

Whenever I listen to Gregorian chant or the Benedictine Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles (a current Spotify favorite), I think, This must be what Heaven sounds like. A holy dialogue between God and His people. When I witnessed that same kind of reverent worship unfold on a mainstream TV show I’ve loved for years, the same thought echoed in my heart–this, too, is a foreshadowing of the eternal praise we are made for.

No, it wasn’t liturgical. But it was praise—public, heartfelt, unashamed. Season 23 of American Idol has stood apart from many past seasons in my eyes. Contestants and celebrity judges alike are singing not just to impress—but to glorify God!

God is so good! He meets us exactly where we are and speaks in a language our hearts can understand.

He met me in my own reconversion moment—as a teenager, just entering college, in an Adoration chapel filled with holy music. He met me in the Latin Mass, through its ancient chant and sacred beauty. He meets us in the beautiful voice of a brave teenager singing “Amazing Grace.” He meets us through music in places that usually make no room for Him.

Let Everything That Has Breath!

Music is one of the most mysterious and beautiful ways God calls us home. As Pope Benedict XVI once said:

The joy of singing is an expression of the joy that comes from God.

You don’t need to be a trained musician to know this. You just have to listen—and respond.

Let this season remind us: when we praise Him—boldly, humbly, even imperfectly—He moves.

Even on reality TV.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

— Psalm 98:4

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With over eight years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing, Marge Hynes is a dynamic writer whose portfolio spans SEO-driven copywriting, journalism, and marketing—a versatile skill set that allows her to craft compelling content for Paloma & Fig’s projects.

Marge’s Catholic faith serves as the cornerstone of her work. She approaches storytelling with thoughtfulness and a deep appreciation for the Lord’s own creative power. Her love of the written word shines through in every project, helping clients articulate their message with clarity, heart, and purpose.
When she’s not writing, Marge can be found leading praise and worship, diving into theological books, or exploring the great outdoors with her loyal dog, Augustine (Auggie for short).