Brandon Lake performs on American Idol for an Easter special episode featuring CeCe Winans

During a faith-based episode of the American Idol season 23 that dropped on April 20, 2025, on ABC. The episode welcomed various gospel singers such as CeCe Winans and Brandon Lake.

Given the Easter Sunday spirit, it was also the first time that the singers had to perform in front of a live audience in the history of American Idol.

The top 20 contestants had to pick a faith based song or a gospel for their performances. Apart from the singers, the judges also took part in the celebration on stage with this 3 hour special episode.

Carrie Underwood did a rendition of 'How Great Thou Art.' She has joined as a judge this season on American Idol, exactly where her career began 20 years ago on season 4 after winning the competition.

Other artists who graced the stage for the Easter performance were Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake, who sang 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' for the live audience present.

During his time on the stage, Lake revealed that he had always wanted to audition for the show but was afraid. Sharing further, he said that his new album, King of Hearts, will be released in June. He said,

"I've been waiting for this day. I can't tell you how nerve-wracking it is to be in front of your, like, heroes. It's absolutely insane."

The American Idol Easter Special episode saw artists perform faith-based songs

Judge Luke Bryan also took part in the songs and delivered a performance on his track called, 'Jesus Bout My Kids.' The stage was then set with a scene of a group song on 'Eternity,' which was led by Lionel Richie.

The next performance was by CeCe Winans. She did a take a 'Come Jesus Come.' The singer has won more than 17 Grammys throughout her career. She even has a star on yhe Hollywood Walk of Fame making her the most successful female gospel singer in America.

Canaan James Hill was next. He is currently a preacher at just 17 years old and did a version of 'Better Days.' Kolbi Jordan took to the stage to perform 'Amazing Grace.'

The Easter episode was a new mix on the American Idol stage, something that had not been seen before. Bryan was vocal about ehat could have influenced this grand performance on the stage and thinks that it is probably his co-star Carrie Underwood. He expressed to Billboard magazine, saying,

"She’s never shied away from her spirituality and 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 [sic] up with more of that, maybe than in years past, and that’s been something really, really special to watch. I’m sure she probably thinks, ‘Am I making a difference?’ but it showed this year.”

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American Idol season 23 episodes can be watched weekly on Sundays and Mondays at 8 PM Eastern Time on ABC. Later, the episodes are available to stream via Hulu.

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