By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Thursday, May 07, 2026

Faith has become one of the defining themes for this season of “American Idol,” with numerous contestants openly discussing Christianity, worship and church backgrounds. 

Finalists Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper and Keyla Richardson repeatedly spoke about the role faith plays in their music and personal lives. Eliminated contestants who touted their faith include Chris Tungseth and Braden Rumfelt, both pastors’ sons.

Judge Carrie Underwood told The Christian Post she “respects” ABC for its willingness to air public displays of faith.

“It’s not easy, in the world of entertainment in general," she said. 

Underwood had reminded aspiring artists that "you don’t have to sell your soul to make it in the entertainment industry.”

“You’re going to have to stand strong in your faith and remember who got you here, because it wasn’t you,” she said. “Remember where your gifts come from, because it’s not from you. Everybody kind of has to make their own way, but it is possible.”

As the show heads into its finale that will air on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, here’s a look at what the Top 3 contestants have said about faith throughout the season.

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By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Thursday, May 07, 2026

McCullough, worship director of Zeal Church in Nashville, has consistently framed his time on “American Idol” as a ministry.

After advancing to the Top 3, McCullough thanked God in an Instagram post, writing: “Thank you for this! I promise to steward it well! Lord, thank you for trusting me with this! … Finale next week! TOP 3!”

The singer auditioned with “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans and later performed “I Can Only Imagine” during the show’s “Songs of Faith Night.”

In an interview with The Christian Post, McCullough said he sees the show as an opportunity to share the Gospel outside church walls.

“We can wait for people to go to church all day, but I am the Church, so I get to bring the Church to them,” McCullough said. “So having a platform like 'American Idol' that accepts faith and reaches for it is incredible.”

The singer also said he intentionally doesn’t “shy away from being a church boy."

“I love God, and I'm not ashamed of it," he said. 

News Source : https://www.christianpost.com/news/american-idol-finalists-tout-faith-worship-ahead-of-finals.html