Christian Music News & Reviews

Idols and Angels: Where Are They Now?

Author: Andy Argyrakis, senior editor, GMClife.com

Kris Allen

Since debuting in 2002, American Idol has given singers of all ages and styles an instantaneous international platform, and in the process, introduced the world to underexposed talent they would’ve never had the chance to hear. Although the program’s seen its fair share of personnel shifts in recent years, it’s impossible to brush aside its longevity and even harder to silence the powerhouse vocalists it has birthed along the way.

Another redeeming quality of the show is the opportunity for contestants to share a bit about their personal lives, which in countless cases, has called attention to the faith-based upbringing of the artists. In fact, that ongoing spiritual component can be found across past and present favorites, and while this list of American Idol believers is no means all-inclusive, it’s a chance to find out what some of the familiar faces from the show are up to these days.

1. Kris Allen
Considering he took the top spot in last year’s competition, Kris Allen is still on the tip of everyone’s tongues thanks to constant airplay of singles like “Live Like We’re Dying” and “The Truth” (featuring Pat Monahan from Train) from 2009’s self-titled CD on Jive Records. He’s also toured internationally, including shows in Haiti with the United Nations Foundation and Rwanda with TOMS shoes and Bridge 2 (where he dropped off more than 35,000 pairs to underprivileged children).

2. Chris Daughtry
As the frontman of his eponymous band, season five’s fourth place contestant’s credits include a 2006 disc that became the fastest-selling rock debut in Soundscan history, followed by 2009’s Leave This Town (RCA). The first time through, he toured with the likes of Bon Jovi, but now he’s playing those same arenas as a headliner, taking along Lifehouse as his most recent opening act.

3. Jordin Sparks
After winning season six, Jordin Sparks’ stock rose within seconds, sending her on tour with Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, and Britney Spears. Following 2007’s self-titled start, she churned out 2009’s Battlefield (19/Jive), which so far has landed three singles and brought on an inaugural headlining trek, plus a prominent performance alongside Natalie Grant at this year’s Dove Awards.

4. Phil Stacey
Also from season six, Phil Stacey landed in sixth place with his country-infused charm that manifested itself on 2008’s self-titled CD on Lyric Street (which was also the home of Rascal Flatts). But he changed his tune to a decidedly more pop/rock direction with 2009’s Into the Light, which landed on the Christian label Reunion, and is embarking on tours geared towards that audience.

5. Mandisa
Season five found ninth place finalist Mandisa speaking from the heart on a variety of subjects, eventually leading her to be a spokesperson for the issue of self-image and weight loss. In addition to recording two traditional studio CDs and a Christmas collection on Forefront, Mandisa’s become a respected author and speaker in both secular and church circles.

6. Chris Sligh
Before he landed in the tenth slot on season six, Chris Sligh fronted alternative rock favorites Half Past Forever, though he transitioned towards the solo spotlight with 2008’s Running Back to You, followed by a Christmas EP. Time on tour included runs with Newsong and Natalie Grant, though Sligh’s spent the majority of 2010 in the studio after signing a new deal with Word and showcasing in Nashville (where he debuted a handful of stellar, string-infused, soulful rock explorations).

7. Melinda Doolittle
She sang back-up for BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Aaron Neville and Michael McDonald to name a few, but Melinda Doolittle first caught a taste of solo fame as a third place finalist on season six. No wonder why 2009 full-length CD Coming Back to You (Hi-Fi Recordings) straddled the line between old-school soul and contemporary gospel (including covers of Aretha Franklin and Macy Gray), in turn, establishing her as one of that scene’s most promising talents.

8. Reuben Studdard
When he won the second season of American Idol, Ruben Studdard was heralded as the next Luther Vandross. Though his career’s taken some twists and turns thus far, he’s stayed true to his spiritual calling on 2004’s gospel album I Need An Angel (J Records), followed by gigs with Dave Foster & Friends, and this year’s co-headlining tour with fellow winner Clay Aiken.

9. Bo Bice
Coming in right behind fourth season winner Carrie Underwood still afforded Bo Bice an affluent solo career where faith was never an off-limits topic. Taking a classic rock approach to recording his past three albums has led to a coveted slot on a Beatles tribute tour with Todd Rundgren, Wings’ Denny Laine, Foreigner’s Lou Gramm and Christopher Cross, plus a performance for former president George W. Bush.

10. Danny Gokey
Landing in third place on season eight was still enough to get Danny Gokey a record deal via 19/RCA with the highly personal My Best Days hitting streets at the tip of 2010. Even more inspiring than his country sound is a testimony that includes persevering after the loss of his wife and becoming a beacon of hope for those experiencing loss.

Used with permission - www.gmclife.com

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