For many on ‘Idol,’ the church came first

Despite the biblical Second Commandment against creating idols, the faithful flock to become the next one on “American Idol.”

Singers who honed their skills Sunday mornings are dominating the show in 2009. Four of the remaining seven contestants came out of churches. They include a favorite, Danny Gokey, and Kris Allen, both church worship leaders. Matt Giraud has released two Christian music CDs; and Lil Rounds has said she “grew up in church.”

Two contestants bounced recently, Michael Sarver and Scott McIntyre, were also church singers.

Past winners with Christian connections or who have released gospel albums include Ruben Studdard, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia and Jordin Sparks. There is good reason for the success rate.

“The church is one of the last places where young people are taught music today,” said David Lewis, a former news reporter who produced “From Idol to Inspiration,” a documentary for Atlanta-based Gospel Music Channel.

It airs at 7 p.m. today before the channel broadcasts the Dove Awards, the gospel music set’s equivalent to the Grammys.

“Music programs in public schools are wilting or nonexistent at this point,” he said. But in church, kids are taught music and start singing for audiences as soon as they can stand, Lewis said.

Brad Siegel, vice chairman of the channel, said a co-worker pointed out the gospel-“Idol” connection just a month or so ago.

“I said, ‘This is it! This is absolutely perfect for us,’ ” Siegel said.

He knew Lewis when he worked for CNN and asked him to create a news show to lead in for the Dove Awards, where several past “Idol” performers will be singing. Lewis took it on in part because of the surprise factor.

” ‘American Idol’ is the massive juggernaut of a TV program, and you don’t think of something like that,” he said.

Siegel said, “I think God wants to hear music and see people dance. I guess that is his way of making it happen.”