Faith Carries Former Miss America to Hollywood on AMERICAN IDOL
By Movieguide® Contributor
Miss America 2016 Betty Maxwell is on her way to Hollywood after a dazzling audition on AMERICAN IDOL. Maxwell generously shared her 2016 crown with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, and the judges were initially distracted by the sparkly trophy when Maxwell entered the room, especially Perry.
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.”
Maxwell opens her audition with “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson. An obvious distraction likely shaking her concentration was the judges’ continued horseplay with Maxwell’s Miss America crown during the entirety of the song.
The judges ask her for another song selection.
Maxwell tells the judges “I sing all genres. I’m open to anything that you can throw.”
But it is the switch in musical style which allows Maxwell to shine.
When Maxwell begins her second attempt with “Jesus Take the Wheel,” it is evident this genre is where her heart belongs.
Bryan says, “You don’t sing like a pageant girl. You sing like a real singer.”
Richie enthusiastically adds, “For the first time, we have to take you down (referring to Maxwell’s slightly aggressive attack of the notes). And the next thing I’m trying to get out of your head is ‘I sing everything.’ I don’t want you to sing everything. I want you to have a style.”
“When I moved to Nashville, that was where my heart was. I love country music,” says Maxwell.
Perry responds, “Your heart’s still there, we’re just going to give it a pulse.”
You can follow Maxwell’s AMERICAN IDOL journey Sunday nights on ABC.
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.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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.
