Whether we like to admit it or not, Christian music is influenced by popular culture, to the point where it’s often imitative rather than innovative. Perhaps the most clear-cut example of this is the new “Christian alternatives” to American Idol— including Gifted (TBN) and Gospel Dream (Gospel Music Channel).
Can you blame producers for trying? Idol is a cultural sensation, the most popular show on TV. Fox Television’s programs surrounding it typically benefit from the massive audience. And Idol is a goldmine for advertisers.
It’s also the only reality show I can stand, not merely for the musical focus, but for its “purity” as well. Like programs from the golden age of television, Idol doesn’t rely on backbiting contestants, outrageous behavior, or shocking developments, though it’s had its share over six seasons. Ultimately, it’s a glorified singing contest; in the end, contestants sing and viewers vote—simple as that.
The concept is so simple you’d think American Idol would face serious competition. Yet the networks—Fox included—have failed to deliver alternatives that rival Idol’s enduring popularity. Many (including Idol’s producers) have tried to adapt the format to everything from dancing to inventions. Success has been fleeting at best.
Remember “Today’s Superstar,” the 2002 sing-off on The Today Show that crowned Christian pop vocalist Kristy Starling? Or Oprah Winfrey’s “Pop Star Challenge” in 2003, which named LaShell Griffin winner? We’ve seen talent competitions for country stars, rock bands, even an official spin-off for younger viewers called American Idol Juniors. They’re all little more than faint memories now.
So it’s no surprise that we also now have Christian talent searches like Gifted and Gospel Dream. But do these shows make a lasting impact on culture, or do they merely exist as an alternative?
In a recent poll, we asked readers what they thought of Christian alternatives to American Idol. The results were fairly evenly split: 46 percent were in favor of such programs, 54 percent against.
Of those in favor, more than half said the top reason was their desire for “a similar program with its heart in the right place.” Which could mean a number of things—including the same philosophy that Gifted has chosen: “A talent show where the only goal of the contestants (and the judges) is to glorify God.”
Good intentions indeed, and they’re likely accomplishing that goal. But in the end, it’s still just a talent competition, with contestants vying for a contract with a Christian record label. The labels hope to find tomorrow’s superstar and sell albums, even offering compilations featuring the finalists (like American Idol). The networks hope viewers will tune in to help carry their company. And viewers probably aren’t expecting these shows to be a worship service as much as a source of entertainment.
Yes, we can glorify God in anything we do, if our hearts are in the right place (