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TechnoratiNEW YORK – Christian artists were able to breathe easy this week as they all moved into the top 10 following the American Idol poll results show that aired Wednesday.
(Photo: AP / Courtesy Seacoast Church)This Feb. 4, 2007, handout photo provided by Seacoast Church in Greenville, S.C., shows 'American Idol' contestant Chris Sligh, left, performing during a church worship service. Sligh, 28, who has won fans thanks to his curly mop of hair and soulful voice, has some detractors worried that his bid for rock 'n' roll fame will derail his commitment to his Christian values. Officials at the fundamentalist college Sligh attended for several years in the late 1990s say they're upset with his departure from strictly Christian music.
Stephanie Edwards, who was a surprise cut according to many, was the next person booted from the show, leaving Christian-backed contenders Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Sligh, and Phil Stacey to sing another week among the remaining contestants.
For the thousands of Christians supporting their favorites on the show, it is a relief to see the four all selected as quality choices.
Encouraging news for some, Phil Stacey was not part of the bottom vote-getters this week, which he had been in the previous week’s performance. Only Chris Richardson, 22, and Edwards, 19, were announced as the lowest among the national poll.
The theme for this week’s show was the “British Invasion,” which was noted as helping out the male performers, who have been labeled as poorer singers compared to the women on this season.
Each of the four remaining Christian favorites have strong faith-based roots, getting their start singing with the church. Most of them have attended a Christian university to hone their skills, and many have connections to the Gospel Music Association (GMA), the largest network of artists and industry leaders that promote all kinds of gospel music.
American Idol has continued to bring in dominant ratings during its sixth season. Throughout the season, the number of viewers per telecast has ranged from 26 million to 37 million.
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