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American Idol is a wildly popular television program which debuted on the FOX network on June 11, 2002, and has since become one of the most successful shows on American television. American Idol's purpose is to discover the best singer in the country through a series of nationwide auditions. The program has produced many of today's top recording artists - many of them gospel artists.

Several American Idol contestants have gone on to sign recording contracts with gospel music record companies and to perform Christian music on national tours. AI alumni Phil Stacey, Mandisa and Chris Sligh even performed at the 2008 Dove Awards with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Season Eight of American Idol has been particularly noteworthy for the number of Christians performers.

American Idol alumni who have recorded and/or performed gospel music before, during or following their days on American Idol include: Ruben Studdard, RJ Helton, George Huff, Mandisa, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, Stevie Scott, Nadia Turner, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Scott MacIntyre, Michael Sarver, Matt Giraud, Lil Rounds, Felicia Barton, Lil Rounds, etc. as well as Katelyn Tarver who was a finalist on the only season of American Idol Juniors in the early 2000s.

These gospel artists from American Idol are starting to get some national recognition. The Gospel Music Channel is televising a program about Christians on American Idol which will air just before the Dove Awards on April 23. And Christian Activities has created a new lens on Squidoo with articles and links dedicated to Gospel Artists on American Idol.

Although not all of these artists have stuck with their gospel toots, it looks like we will be hearing more from these gospel contestants on American Idol for many years to come.

Read more about the Gospel Artists who have appeared on American Idol at The American Idol Factor

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