Overview
- American Idol's faith-themed episode Monday featured Underwood's performance of How Great Thou Art with former contestants, an opening of Jesus Is Love by fellow judges, and a prayer from child pastor Luke Tillman.
- Speaking to The Christian Post on Saturday, she said artists don't have to sell their soul to succeed and praised ABC for taking a bold step with the theme.
- In a Fox News interview this week, she described show business as self-serving and said her Christian faith keeps her grounded at home on her Tennessee farm.
- She said mentoring hopefuls lets her recognize flashes of her own early nerves and offer guidance from her path from contestant to judge.
- Some viewers on Reddit questioned the focus on Christian songs and raised inclusivity concerns, though reports describe the reaction as a pocket of online criticism rather than a wider dispute.