Canaan James Hill Almost Didn’t Audition for ‘American Idol’

“American Idol” season 23 contestant Canaan James Hill initially didn’t want to audition for the show. “I’m not a competition type person, so when I first heard about it, I was like, I don’t know,” Hill revealed on “The Cheryl & Vicki Show.”

The gospel-singing powerhouse added, “I don’t want to be competing with anyone. I’m more of a come together type of person.”

While thousands of aspiring singers show up each year for the “Idol” open call auditions, Hill, 17, was sought out personally. It was a TikTok of him singing, posted by his cousin, that got the attention of the show’s producers who urged him to audition. 

It was Hill’s mom who convinced him to give it try. “…my mother went and got the information … and she told me, ‘I think you should go for it,” the singer and aspiring preacher said. 

Canaan James Hill Formed Close Connections on ‘Idol’

Hill made it to the top 10, but was eliminated along with Kolbi Jordan when the top 8 were announced. 

According to Hill, he and Jamal Roberts, who went on to win the competition, had formed a tight bond and thought they might be the last two standing. “Me and him talked about it a lot,” Hill shared. “Me and Jamal, we grew a strong connection on ‘American Idol.’”

Hill added that he and Roberts are still close since the show wrapped, but that they did hope to stay together longer in the competition. “…we were expecting to be with each other and do some different things…,” the singer explained.

But it wasn’t just Roberts who Hill bonded with. “I had a great time … being able to meet so many amazing people … we were all so together in our faith,” Hill said. 

He mentioned that the contestants all formed a tight-knit group, but he was especially close with Roberts, Jordan, and Gabby Samone. “We were always together, we were always real close. And many other contestants as well,” Hill shared. 

What’s Next for Canaan James Hill?

Hill has not been resting on his laurels since his time on “American Idol,” and he has plenty of things in the works.

“… we’re working on some music … we’ve got bookings coming in, so I’m going different places and getting stuff happening,” Hill said. He also shared that he’s just having a good time while “cooking up” more music. It sounds like fans should stay tuned!