“American Idol” aired a special “Songs of Faith” episode on Easter Sunday, and the first ever episode reportedly left the crew divided.
Country music superstar Carrie Underwood reportedly spearheaded the historic episode, but while her colleagues on the judge’s panel seemed to be excited about the idea, an insider for the Sun reported that the decision left the hit show’s crew members divided. The three-hour special included faith-filled performances by the judges and contestants.
“It’s the first time they’ve done a faith-based episode and the crew was polarized by it,” a source told The Sun. “Some didn’t think it’s completely appropriate but felt uncomfortable speaking up about it while others saw no problem with it as it didn’t focus on a specific religion.”
“American Idol” has run for 23 seasons and has never before run a faith-based program.
“She’s not the only reason why it happened, but she’s a big reason why it happened,” the source stated to the Sun.
“Some people who work on the show liked it primarily because of the religious aspect,” according to the Sun’s source. “People felt different ways about it.
The source of the Sun went on to emphasize that while some of her peers supported the idea, it was ultimately Underwood who served as the driving force behind it.
“It was really important for her for the show to go through with it. Lionel and Luke were on board, but Carrie was the most vocal about wanting it to make sure it happened,” the Sun’s source said. “She felt it was important to have gospel night after moving to LA where she feels she can’t be as open about her religion and beliefs.”
Prior to the show, Bryan credited Underwood for steering toward the faith-based program.
“The kids this year have showed up with more of that maybe than in years past, and that’s been something really, really special to watch,” he told Billboard.
“I’m sure she probably thinks, ‘Am I making a difference?’ but it showed this year. A couple of episodes ago, she asked, ‘Historically have people done so much gospel?’ And I said, ‘You may be having a little something to do with that.’” (RELATED: Candace Cameron Bure Says Faith-Based Movies Appeal To Americans, Highlights New Film)
“She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs,” Bryan told Billboard.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
