Over the years, many aspiring vocalists have auditioned for American Idol in hopes they can make it big in the music industry. But a surprising number of these musicians have become well-known Christian artists. Some of these artists have and continue to remain successful, while others have disappeared into the woodwork. Here’s a look at some of the well-known and forgotten.
Lauren Daigle
Louisiana-born Lauren Daigle auditioned for American Idol twice: first, in 2010 (she was cut before the final 24 contestants) and, second, in 2012 (she cleared the Hollywood round, but cut during the Las Vegas round, shortly thereafter). But, despite these losses, she caught the attention of record label Centricity Music and was signed in 2013. Subsequently, she sang with contemporary artist Jason Gray on his single, "Nothing Is Wasted."
Lauren dropped her debut album, How Can It Be, in 2015. The album reached number one on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart. It also produced a number of successful singles, such as the title track, "First," and "Trust In You."
Lauren's success continued into her 2018 sophomore album, Look Up Child. The album's lead single scored many accolades: it charted on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs Chart, Adult Top 40, Adult Contemporary, and Mainstream Top 40. She recently performed her hit single "Look Up Child" on the American Idol stage.
In 2021, Lauren released her new single "Hold On To Me." And, without a doubt, a highly anticipated new album is forthcoming.
Colton Dixon
Pop artist Colton Dixon came in seventh place on season 11 after attempting to audition with his sister, Schyler, in season 10. But, Colton’s elimination from American Idol didn’t stop him from breaking into Christian rock. His debut, A Messenger, embraces his signature rock sound. But, subsequent albums 2014’s Anchor and 2017’s Identity has more of a top 40 pop sound, mixed with Christian contemporary elements.
Subsequently, Colton took a three-year break, until 2020, when he dropped his self-titled EP, which features hits “Miracles” and “The Devil Is A Liar.” Colton’s most recent single, “Made to Fly,” is currently climbing the charts.
For those, like myself, who hunger for Colton’s medicine of Christian rock, explore the music of producer Tommee Proffitt. Colton has contributed his vocals to a number of Tommee’s songs; two notables include, “I Am Legend” and “Believer,” an Imagine Dragons cover.
For those wanting to know if Colton’s sister, Schyler, ever made an impact in Christian music. She and Colton sang an acoustic version of the hit, “You Are,” on his album, The Calm Before The Storm.
Mandisa
Although she first appeared on the Christian music scene as a guest vocalist on tobyMac's album Portable Sounds, Mandisa finished in ninth place on season 5 of Idol the year before. Since then, she has released six full-length studio albums, her latest being 2017's Out of the Dark. Mandisa has been nominated for multiple Grammy and Dove Awards. Her album Overcomer won a Grammy Award in 2014 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Recently, Mandisa dropped her first ‘best of’ compilation with Overcomer: The Greatest Hits. She’s also dropped multiple singles, including “Ruins” and “Breakthrough.”
Danny Gokey
Auditioning for season 8 a mere four weeks after his wife passed away, contemporary artist Danny Gokey came in third place and landed a record deal with record label RCA Records as a country artist. He eventually left his label and signed with BMG to record contemporary Christian music. He has released three studio albums with BMG (four in total) and has been nominated for multiple Dove Awards. His Christmas album, Christmas Is Here, won a Dove Award in 2016 for Christmas Album of the Year.
In 2017, Danny released Rise, his fifth full-length studio album, featuring guest appearances from American Idol alumni pop sensation Jordin Sparks and musician Kierra Sheard.
In 2018, Danny released "The Prayer," a collaborative single with Natalie Grant. In 2019, Danny released his latest album, Haven't Seen It Yet, featuring the hit single by the same name, “Love God Love People,” and “New Day.”
Tori Kelly
Even though she never made it to the top 24 on season 9, pop musician Tori Kelly has gone on to become an incredibly successful artist. She has found popularity in the mainstream music industry writing and recording pop songs, many of which allude to her Christian faith. She has served as an advisor to Adam Levine on season 10 of The Voice,and as a mentor on the recent season of American Idol. Her recent notable releases include 2019’s Inspired by True Events and her 2020 EP, Solitude. She has collaborated with many Christian artists, including Lecrae, for King and Country, Amy Grant, and Cory Asbury.
Hollyn
Christian pop sensation Hollyn has wowed fans with her dance and worship-style music. She was a contestant in season 12 of American Idol. In 2017, she released her only full-length studio album, One-Way Conversations. In 2019, she released her EP, Bye, Sad Girl. And, her single, “To the Moon” in 2020.
In March 2021, Hollyn posted on her Instagram that she would be taking a break from touring and recording music. She says, "I just want to say the most sincere thank you to everyone who has encouraged me on this platform over the last however many years. When it comes to my art, I haven’t released anything in a while for personal reasons. It hasn’t felt right yet. I have a lot I’d like to say about where I’m going and where I’ve been, but it’s not quite time yet. I can say in confidence, that it will be worth the wait."
Carrie Underwood
Country singer Carrie Underwood, one of American Idol’s most successful alumni, has released faith-based music over the years (her 2005 hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” as well as her 2014 hit, “Something In The Water” are good examples). Carrie has never held back about her faith. In early 2021, she released her first Christian album, the gospel hymn centered My Savior. Gospel queen Cece Winans and NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rinehart both contributed their vocals to the album.
Jasmine Murray
As a contestant on season 8 of Idol, pop artist Jasmine Murray made it to the top 13 before her elimination. In addition to becoming a finalist on this show, she also made it in the top 10 when she competed for the title of Miss America in 2015. In 2018, she released her first full-length album, Fearless. She continues to inspire others through her songwriting, testimony, and nonprofit platform 13 Going On 30.
Phil Stacey
Contemporary artist Phil Stacey was a contestant for the sixth season of American Idol. When Phil auditioned, he, with his wife, Kendra, was expecting their second child. Before he went to audition, Phil received a call from home that he was a proud father of a baby girl. Phil told the producers he couldn’t stay, but, instead, they moved him to the front, so he could do both.
Once this story aired on TV, Phil gained a loyal fan following, known as Philnatics, because of his family values." Phil remembers. "Whether I received accolades from the judges or criticism, they kept voting me through week after week, supporting me through thick and thin."
Since then, Phil has released three studio albums: his self-titled debut, Into the Light, and Faith. For the past few years, Phil has been the lead vocalist for Rivers of Live Music, a community of musicians focused on the writing and releasing worship songs. Phil and Rivers of Life recently dropped the single, “I Worship You.”
Shea Wilbur
Philadelphia native Shae Wilbur is also a contestant of season 8. She made it to Hollywood, but was eliminated shortly thereafter. Her experience on Idol led to a gig as the “Face of FOX30” in Jacksonville, Florida as their Entertainment News Correspondent. Shae has also appeared in hundreds of commercials and promos for the station. In 2019, Shae dropped her faith-based EP, Immovable, which features a duet with fellow Idol alumni Danny Gokey.
Chris Sligh
Contemporary artist Chris Sligh finished in 10th place in season 6, during which time he was the frontman of the band Half Past Forever. Since then, he has released more full-length solo albums, as well as starred in the movie, October Baby. In 2018, Chris released his full-length studio album, A Modern Liturgy. He released Sing, Vol. 1, an album of covers in 2019. To this day, Chris continues to release singles (he released his song, “Enemies,” in October 2020, and “Hold On” at the beginning of 2021).
Other Idols
Jason Castro came in fourth place on season 7 before he began releasing music. His second and third full-length albums were Christian contemporary records. But, he decided to take some time to spend time with and help raise his family shortly after he released his third album. He chopped off his signature dreadlocks and formed a three-person folk band called Castro with his two siblings. The trio has since recorded an EP entitled Diamond Dreams.
Ending his time on season 11 in the top 13, Jeremy Rosado has since released several singles, EPs, and a full-length album. His recent EP is 2020's You, featuring the title track and "This Time."
Massachusetts-native Angie Miller came in third place in Season 12 of Idol. She has since adopted the stage name Zealyn and written alternative electronic music, her recent being the seven-track EP Limbic System, released in 2016.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 15 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus. Kaitlyn Gosnell is a graduate of Liberty University. She is an aspiring songwriter with a heart for reaching unbelievers with the Gospel of Jesus in her home region of New England.
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