‘It Is For the Glory of God’: AMERICAN IDOL Contestant Stuns Judges
By Movieguide® Contributor
Aspiring country music singer Luke Taylor has nearly 2 million followers on TikTok and caught the eye of AMERICAN IDOL talent scouts.
The Liberty University sophomore, who sings with the School of Music’s Chamber Singers as well as bass in an a cappella group, Shine, took the stage in Nashville late last year and stunned the judges with a rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”
In an article on CBN News, Taylor says, “I want people to be excited for this show. Whether or not it is to see me, it’s not about me. It is for the glory of God. Getting to see that and getting to show that on that show is really awesome, and I hope people get to see that light.”
The invitation, however, was not a guarantee he would advance to the next round. Even before the song begins, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are taken aback by Taylor’s deeper-than-bass voice with comparisons to James Earl Jones and Burl Ives. After Bryan announces he’s going to Hollywood for the next step in the competition, he requests Taylor sing “Frosty the Snowman,” to the delight of all.
Taylor acknowledges the source of his singing ability and says, “I’ve never known much about life or what I’m supposed to do with life, but I feel like God presenting this beautiful gift to me is really just a sign that no matter what happens, through the ups and downs, He gave this opportunity to me so I could glorify Him and so that I could share music with the world. This is a really, really cool opportunity.”
This year’s season of AMERICAN IDOL has seen several Christian performers’ auditions televised to an international audience. Not all auditions make the cut for the weekly TV show airing, and contestants are seizing the moment to share their faith.
Taylor joins other contestants who have openly shared their faith with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. Audiences have so far heard from minister Tyler N. Allen, Dontrell Briggs, and former Miss America Betty Maxwell, on which Movieguide® previously reported:
The 27-year-old former Miss Georgia from Warner Robins, GA has never shied away from proclaiming the role which her Christian faith plays in her life. From before her pageant days to a personal tragedy in 2018 and today, Maxwell says she turns to Jesus for strength and peace.
In an article on Movieguide®, Maxwell shares:
“I don’t know how people get through things without faith. Without my faith, I feel I have nothing. During the toughest of times, God is always there for me. My faith is always there for me, no matter what. That’s what keeps me going each day… There were so many times when I felt like a failure or things didn’t plan out the way I wanted. My faith keeps me pushing forward and eager to discover what’s next for me. And I never let those setbacks stop me. My faith is always right around the corner, along with bigger and better things.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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