Ahead of Easter weekend, American Idol is leaning into the holiday with a special “Songs of Faith” theme.
Following in the footsteps of last year’s three-hour-long Easter special, the contestants will each take the stage to perform their favorite faith-inspired tracks. Last year, the worship episode also featured special guest appearances from Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, and Roman Collins, as well as all three judges, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, singing throughout the night.
While no major surprises have been announced for this year’s show, one fan favorite has already offered a preview of what’s to come. Missouri mom Hannah Harper is set to return with another powerful praise performance, following her standout Hawaii round rendition of Bethel Music’s “Ain’t No Grave.”
For those anxious to see what Harper has up her patchwork sleeves for this week’s episode, here’s a glimpse into one potential worship song she’s already performed in the past. Filmed on the same day as her recent March 27 tribute video, singing Ronnie Bowman’s “Three Rusty Nails,” TikTok user @april_joy_in_the_morning captured a clip of Harper singing Brandon Lake’s 2020 Christian hit, “Gratitude.”
Notably, one of Lake’s most prominent songs, the slow melody from his second studio album, lends itself so stunningly to Harper’s comforting southern vocals. It’ll be interesting to see whether the devout Christian and mother of three opts for a contemporary song like this on Idol, or sticks with a bluegrass staple.
Lake himself has also been toying with this blend of country and Christian music as he continues to release collaborations as part of a larger crossover project to come. Adding to his list of notable features with Jelly Roll (Hard Fought Hallelujah), Cody Johnson (When A Cowboy Prays), and most recently Bailey Zimmerman (Just Believe), he recently announced his latest drop would be alongside “Whirlwind” singer, Lainey Wilson. Their duet, “The Jesus I Know Now,” explores the deeply personal relationship with God that grows over time and is set to be released this Good Friday, April 3.
As for Harper, she’ll join her fellow class of season 24 contestants tonight to sing their praises on national television as they continue to battle for the title of the next American Idol winner. With the competition tightening, tonight’s show will reveal who will make it to the Top 14.