For the first time in its history, “American Idol” will air a “Songs of Faith” special in honor of Easter Sunday — April 20, 2025. In addition to unveiling the first voting results of season 23, the three-hour episode will feature faith-filled performances from the contestants and celebrity guests.
The season 23 cast — including judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood — will not only perform their own “Songs of Faith,” but also critique and encourage the remaining contestants as they perform theirs.
Luke Bryan Credits Carrie Underwood With Inspiring Contestants to Sing More Faith-Based Songs
Since season 23 kicked off in early March, the competition has included initial auditions, intense Hollywood Week challenges, and performances at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
Throughout the competition so far, many of the Top 24 contestants have performed Gospel and Contemporary Christian songs — a trend that Bryan credits Underwood for inspiring.
“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,” Bryan told Billboard ahead of the “Songs of Faith” episode. “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.'”
“She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs,” Bryan added. “And she’s done it through music, and it’s been a part of her artistry.”
Underwood, who was also part of the interview, chimed in, “It wasn’t just Gospel. (The contestants) 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.'”
During Hollywood Week, for instance, duet partners Rylie O’Neill (stage name: IAMKNOWN) and Breanna Nix (who advanced to the Top 24) spoke about finding a common bond as Christian moms and sang a cover of Contemporary Christian artist Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude.”
After their performance, Underwood told them, “I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you. It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that.”
What to Expect on ‘American Idol’ Easter Episode
ABC has said that in addition to the contestants performing “Songs of Faith,” all three judges and several celebrity guests will also perform. Underwood has plenty of songs to choose from, given that she won a Grammy for her Gospel album, “My Savior.”
Bryan, meanwhile, told TV Insider, “When the show came to us with the idea of the Easter special, I instantly thought of the song ‘Jesus ‘Bout My Kids’ that I recorded for my last album. We have tried to raise our boys in a household that understands Jesus and I love that the song really speaks about the journey of being a parent. Every line has a specific meaning and purpose that parents everywhere can relate to.”
Although Richie hasn’t revealed what song he’s performing, he told TV Insider that when he was growing up, “there was always music playing somewhere in the background. That music shaped who I am. On this ‘Songs of Faith’ episode, it’s more than a theme. It’s a beautiful reminder of how music connects us.”
Artist-in-residence Jelly Roll, who’s spending the season mentoring the contestants, will appear with Lake to perform their hit duet, “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” they confirmed in an Instagram video on April 18.
Also, season 22 finalist Roman Collins will return to the show to perform with Gospel great CeCe Winans. She sang “Goodness of God” with Collins during the May 2024 finale, a collaboration that quickly went viral, and she later brought Collins on tour with her.
Amidst all the inspiring performances, the contestants will have to face the music as host Ryan Seacrest announces the results of viewer voting following the Hawaii performances that aired a week before. The Top 24 will become the Top 20, and viewers will be asked to vote again on their “Songs of Faith” performances. The Top 20 will then be narrowed down to just 14 contestants on the live April 21 episode.
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‘American Idol’ Easter Show: Judges Open Up About Faith-Based Episode