Luke Bryan Says Carrie Underwood’s Faith Helped Bring Gospel To “American Idol”

Luke Bryan Credits The Gospel Episode Of “American Idol” To Carrie Underwood

On Easter Sunday, April 20th, American Idol aired a special three-hour-long Gospel episode. In an interview with Billboard, Luke Bryan shared that Carrie Underwood was pivotal in making the special episode happen. He said,

“She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs and she’s done it through music and it’s been a part of her artistry and 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 continued on to say,

“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.’”

Carrie Underwood has never been shy about her faith, but has spoken out about it more publicly in the last few years.

She even shared a moving message with the contestants of American Idol, saying,

“I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you. It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that.”

She wrapped up the rare airing with a performance of “How Great Thou Art!”

Luke Bryan Sang His Original During The Gospel Episode

Luke Bryan shared with TV Insider that when he heard about the American Idol special, he instantly thought about his song “I Talk to Jesus ‘Bout My Kids.” He said,

“When the show came to us with the idea of the Easter special, I instantly thought of the song ‘Jesus ‘Bout My Kids’ that I recorded for my last album. We have tried to raise our boys in a household that understands Jesus and I love that the song really speaks about the journey of being a parent. Every line has a specific meaning and purpose that parents everywhere can relate to.”

The song is about a father’s journey with his kids and the struggles of sharing your faith. It is about the desire to have them know Jesus, and how you must let them be their own people.

The moving song brought tears to many parents in the audience and globally.

Watch below.