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The franchise’s first-ever faith-based special was a ‘polarizing’ topic amongst the Idol crew

CARRIE Underwood had ‘pushed’ for the American Idol Easter special after some of the crew felt the show’s first-ever faith-based episode was ‘inappropriate,’ a source told The U.S. Sun.

On Easter Sunday, American Idol will air a three-hour spectacular that includes performances from all three judges, the Top 24 contestants, and an array of powerhouse gospel singers.

Carrie Underwood singing into a microphone.
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Carrie Underwood performing songs from her My Savior albumCredit: YouTube/Carrie Underwood
Carrie, 42, who came out with a Christian album, My Savior, in 2021, will take to the stage to perform along with fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

The top 24 contestants will also showcase their talent alongside some superstars in the genre.

Jelly Roll and gospel singer Brandon Lake will take to the stage to belt out their song, Hard Fought Hallelujah.

Other performances include Idol alum Roman Collins, gospel quartet The Brown Four, and Christian singers CeCe Winan and Brandon Lake.

It marks the first time in the show’s 23 seasons that they have done a completely faith-based episode – something that divided some of the staffers behind the scenes, an insider told The U.S. Sun.

“It’s the first time they’ve done a faith-based episode and the crew was polarized by it.

“Some didn’t think it’s completely appropriate but felt uncomfortable speaking up about it while others saw no problem with it as it didn’t focus on a specific religion.

“But some people who work on the show liked it primarily because of the religious aspect. Again, a polarizing topic. People felt different ways about it,” the source claimed.

Ryan Seacrest and Jelly Roll on stage at American Idol.
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Jelly Roll takes the stage with Ryan Seacrest in Hawaii as he mentors the Top 20 contestantsCredit: Disney

American Idol top 3 finalists performing on stage.
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Idol alum and Gospel performer Roman Collins belts out his song on stageCredit: Getty

CeCe Winans performing onstage at the GMA Dove Awards.
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CeCe Winans performs onstage during the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards at Lipscomb Allen Arena on October 01, 2024 in Nashville, TennesseeCredit: Getty
They added that Carrie was a “big advocate for it” and “pushed to make this night happen.”

“It was really important for her for the show to go through with it. Lionel and Luke were on board, but Carrie was the most vocal about wanting it to make sure it happened.

“She felt it was important to have gospel night after moving to LA where she feels she can’t be as open about her religion and beliefs.

“She’s not the only reason why it happened, but she’s a big reason why it happened,” the source stated.

Earlier this season, Carrie opened up about how “difficult” it is to be vocal about her faith within her new home of Los Angeles and the entertainment industry as a whole.

Contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O’Neill auditioned in March with a cover of Brandon Lake’s song Gratitude.

The audition brought Carrie to tears, and she emotionally opened up about her own experience with faith after landing her new TV gig.

“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.

“I want to tell you that I’m proud of you guys,” she tearfully told the contestants as Lionel consoled her.

Carrie incorporated her faith into her music in 2021, with the release of her Christian record, My Savior.

The country star’s sixth studio album debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 200 and received acclaimed reviews from critics.

The Oklahoma native opened up about incorporating her faith into her home life with husband and ex-NHL star, Mike Fisher, along with their sons Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 6.

“Mike and I do all we can to raise our two boys with values like the ones I grew up with in Checotah.

“Down-to-earth, church on Sundays, plenty of grass and trees and space outside for them to roam.