Meet American Idol Contestant Jordan McCullough
American Idol hosted a “Songs of Faith” episode on March 30th, and one contestant’s cover of “I Can Only Imagine” earned a passionate response from judge Carrie Underwood.
Idol fans first met Jordan McCullough when he auditioned for the show’s 24th season. The 27-year-old from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, started singing in church as a child. Now, he’s a worship leader, so singing is part of his job…but he never imagined it would lead him to the Idol audition room.
During his audition, McCullough delivered a heavenly performance of the song “Goodness of God.” He earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week and received a standing ovation from all three judges.
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McCullough advanced through Hollywood Week and on to Hawaii. While there, he sang “Grandma’s Hands” during the show’s brand-new ‘Ohana Round. Three “focus groups” voted after the ‘Ohana Round, and each focus group had the power to award a Platinum Ticket.
McCullough received the Platinum Ticket from the focus group comprised of his fellow contestants. That ticket gave him a guaranteed place in the Top 20.
March 30th’s live “Songs of Faith” episode opened with a heartbreaking elimination. Six contestants were sent home, and the Top 14 were revealed.
McCullough was able to breathe a sigh of relief, as he was named as a member of the Top 14!
Jordan McCullough’s Soul-Stirring “Songs Of Faith” Performance Earns Passionate Reaction From Carrie Underwood
After the elimination, each Idol contestant took to the stage to perform a “Song of Faith.” As a worship leader, this theme was right in McCullough’s wheelhouse.
He aimed to impress the Idol judges and viewers with his rendition of “I Can Only Imagine.” The song was released by the Christian rock band MercyMe in 2001. The song crossed over from Christian radio to the mainstream and also inspired two movies. USA Today reports that it is the best-selling Christian song of all time.
McCullough just added further to the legacy of “I Can Only Imagine” with his Idol performance. He opened the song gently, singing at a near-whisper. Only a few seconds in, Carrie Underwood could be seen singing along from her spot at the judges’ table.
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The audience raised their hands in worship as McCullough’s performance grew in power and intensity. After he soared through an undeniably impressive run of notes, judge Lionel Richie could be seen flying back in his chair in awe.
McCullough brought his performance to a goosebump-creating conclusion when he tossed his head back and hit a sky-high note.
Without a doubt, McCullough made an impact with his performance. The judges gave McCullough a well-earned standing ovation.
When they took a seat, Underwood shouted, “Praise God, praise God!” with a huge smile on her face. Additionally, she said, “Thank you. That’s all I have to say, thank you!“
“Every time we see you, you have the ability to like, bring it up another notch every time,” said a wide-eyed Luke Bryan. “And I’m like ‘When’s this guy gonna run out of notches?’ And you don’t.”
Then, Richie called for the “congregation” to say “Amen,” and they enthusiastically complied.
Watch American Idol star Jordan McCullough’s performance of “I Can Only Imagine” in the video below. He’ll find out next week (on April 6th) whether he advanced to the Top 12!
