Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, And Keyla Richardson Have Used Their Talents For God’s Glory
“‘For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.'”
– Matthew 18:20
This coming Monday, May 11, the Top 3 contestants on Season 24 of American Idol will be singing for America’s vote in the season finale.
The Top 3 is comprised of Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson.
This season, all three finalists are professing Christians who have made their faith a central part of their time on American Idol.
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About The Contestants’ Walk With Christ While On ‘Idol’
This season of Idol the return of the Songs of Faith special.
There, Hannah Harper sang “At The Cross” by Chris Tomlin, Jordan McCullough sang “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe, and Keyla Richardson sang “Jireh” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music.
However, these songs of faith were more than just an assignment: they were a reflection of faith.
Beyond that Easter special devoted to songs that inspire worship, Hannah, Jordan, and Keyla have all routinely incorporated their Christian faith into their song selections throughout the competition.
Writing on Instagram in January, Hannah shared:
“The goal will always be the same: to encourage, to uplift, and to turn eyes upon the Lord — no matter the song, no matter the genre, no matter the setting.”
Continuing, Hannah said that “‘American Idol’ has brought emotions” that she’s “never had to navigate before,” but through that, she found herself returning to Psalm 46:10, which states, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Speaking at Hannah Harper Day in her hometown on May 6, Hannah also clarified that while she is leaning toward country, she sees that step as a way to bring the truth of the Gospel message to more people.
“If I was doing gospel, they’re coming expecting to hear from the Lord,” Hannah said. “If I go sing in a venue where they’re expected to hear drinking songs and I give an invitation, then it could be life changing for those people.”
Watch Hannah perform “Ain’t No Grave” by Bethel Music, here:
Joined with Keyla Richardson in April, she and Hannah both spoke with Us Weekly about their faith. Keyla told Us, “I grew up in the church. I know so many songs, so it was kind of hard to pick, but I wanted to pick something everyone could relate to. I wanted everyone to worship with me. That’s my heart right there. That’s where I find myself in worship a lot of times.”
Fans of Keyla will recall that she and her adorable nine-year-old son, Drew, sang “God Only Knows” by for KING & COUNTRY when Keyla auditioned.
Revisit some of that moment, here:
As for Jordan McCullough, he’s the worship director at his church in Nashville, Tennessee, called Zeal Church.
During his audition, he sang “Goodness of God” by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson. Throughout his time on Idol, Jordan has expressed his desire to be a godly example for his family and others.
Revisit some of his audition, here:
@americanidol Goodness, he can sing! 🙌 Did Jordan McCullough give you the goosies? #americanidol ♬ original sound – AmericanIdol
The American Idol finale will air at 8 p.m. EST on ABC on May 11.
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