‘American Idol’ Season 23 Crew Didn’t Think Easter Special Was ‘Completely Appropriate,’ Source Says
ABC’s American Idol Season 23 took fans on a journey with its first-ever Easter Sunday special, “Songs of Faith.” The three-hour primetime event on April 20, 2025, blended heartfelt performances with spiritual resonance. New judge Carrie Underwood dropped jaws with her stunning performance of “How Great Thou Art,” and she proved why she won the fourth season of the singing competition series. However, a source alleged that this season’s crew didn’t find the special “completely appropriate.”
The faith-based Easter episode of ‘American Idol’ Season 23 ‘polarized’ the crew, a source revealed
American Idol Season 23 put on a faith-based episode to celebrate Easter, which marks a first for the series. The episode featured all 20 remaining contestants showcasing faith-inspired songs, while Grammy-winning gospel legend CeCe Winans and worship leader Brandon Lake graced the stage with powerful renditions. Judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan also joined in, performing faith-based songs that added a personal touch to the evening.
Fans felt divided by the Easter special. A source told The U.S. Sun that the crew for the show also didn’t know what to make of it.
“It’s the first time they’ve done a faith-based episode, and the crew was polarized by it,” the insider alleged. “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. But some people who work on the show liked it primarily because of the religious aspect. Again, a polarizing topic. People felt different ways about it.”
The insider noted that Underwood “pushed” for the special to air. “It was really important for her for the show to go through with it,” the source alleged. “Lionel and Luke were on board, but Carrie was the most vocal about wanting it to make sure it happened. 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.”
Carrie Underwood said her church family ‘defined’ her values
American Idol Season 23 judge Carrie Underwood relied heavily on her faith when it came to making it big on the singing competition series. According to an interview from Movieguide, she explained how her foundation in the church and religious upbringing helped her keep her strong moral compass as she navigated fame.
“Growing up on a farm with loving parents and our church family defined my values,” Underwood said. “A small town with good people helped form me. I was rooted in something solid before I got to spread my wings.”
She and her husband, Mike Fisher, hope to instill the same values in their kids.
“Mike [Fisher] and I do all we can to raise our two boys with values like the ones I grew up with in Checotah,” she continued. “Down-to-earth, church on Sundays, plenty of grass and trees and space outside for them to roam. At night, when we put the boys to bed, we pray out loud with them. Just talking to God, letting them know he hears their every word.”
Fans loved the ‘spirit and soul’ that the country singer brought to her ‘Songs of Faith’ performance
The American Idol “Songs of Faith” special might’ve caused some division amongst fans. However, many viewers commented positively on Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” calling it one of the best performances the show has ever seen.
“What even just happened?!! Wow. Wow. Wow,” a fan commented on Instagram. “That performance was the best I’ve ever experienced. So much Spirit and soul! I just sobbed. God is doing a big thing. Jesus was just praised for three hours on a regular TV station, and it was unbelievable!”
“The most beautiful performance to have ever been sung on American Idol!” another comment reads.
Will the reality singing competition show continue this special as a new tradition? Fans will have to wait and find out.
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