Season 23 of American Idol may look different than most, and not just due to the variety of powerhouse vocals and incredible backstories of the latest contestants. Some may say this is the most faith-filled season yet, and the judges are praising one contestant in particular for bringing “Church to the Beach.” This past week, Idol contestants traveled to Hawaii to perform on stage at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa. Canaan James Hill, a 17-year-old aspiring pastor, stole the show with his powerful rendition of 1995’s “Glory to Glory to Glory” by Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ.

Upon arriving in Hawaii, Hill was dealing with some allergies, making him feel weaker than his normal self. However, the judges reported the complete opposite.

Carrie Underwood said he should think of his weakness as a bit of a blessing, stating, “We know that you have tricks on tricks on tricks in your bag because you just walk out there and do them all like it’s nothing. I kind of feel like that [sickness] might have forced you to simplify a little bit, and it was really nice. We just kind of got to listen to the words of the song.”

Luke Brian continued to praise Hill, saying, “I think you have one of the most dynamic voices I’ve ever seen since I’ve been on the show, and you have to remember if you’re a little under the weather, your ‘under the weather’ is still better than the rest of the world.

“Your ability to be on the beach and have church on the beach was pretty amazing.”

Lionel Richie, no stranger to gospel roots himself, echoed the sentiment. “I just love it when you just interpret the word,” he stated, “On top of that, I cannot wait to hear you when you start interpreting other songs outside of the church. I know you’ve got the ability to navigate your own sound within those songs.”

Hill’s gospel-driven approach to music isn’t just a performance—it’s his calling. During his initial audition, which aired on March 30, he sang “I Need Your Glory” by Earnest Pugh. That performance earned him one of Idol’s platinum tickets, which allowed him to skip the next round of competition. Only three contestants are awarded this privilege.

In his audition, Hill shared he was getting into preaching and that he graduated high school early. When asked by the judges what motivated that step, he answered, “So I could go forth with my gift and do what God has called me and chosen me to do.” From that moment on, his journey has been marked by a bold display of faith and authenticity.

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