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‘To God Be the Glory’: 3 Christian Singers Among American Idol’s Top 8 Finalists

On Monday night, three outspoken Christian singers advanced to the next round of the singing competition show American Idol.

As reported by ChurchLeaders.com, Megan Danielle (21), Haven Madison (17) and Warren Peay (24) made it to the top eight in the competition on Monday. They, along with the other contestants, are competing for a recording contract and a prize of $250,000.

During Monday’s episode of American Idol, Georgia native Danielle sang “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill in tribute to her late grandfather, or papa.

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A post shared by MEGAN DANIELLE (@megandaniellemusic)

During her audition, Danielle was surprised by Christian singer and songwriter Lauren Daigle, whom Danielle considers an inspiration. The pair sang Daigle’s song “You Say” together before American idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

After advancing to the top eight, Danielle took to Instagram to thank God and her supporters.

“Thank y’all from the bottom of my heart! This was one of my most challenging performances but what a way to honor my papa! Thank you God!” she wrote.

Meanwhile, Madison, the youngest remaining contestant and the youngest ever Idol finalist, made it to the top eight after performing the song “Only Exception” by Paramore. Her father, Jason Roy, is the lead singer of the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Building 429.

“I am speechless! Thank you to everyone who has continued to vote and support my journey on @americanidol – This continues to be the dream of a lifetime, and I could not do it without you cheering me on! I am so grateful. Now… rest up! You’ll need your energy to vote for me again next week!” Madison, who is from Tennessee, wrote on Instagram after she was voted into the top eight.

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A post shared by Haven Madison (@havenmadisonsings)

Peay, whom Perry has dubbed “a Christian Chris Stapleton” during his audition, made the top eight on Monday after he sang “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band. He is originally from Bamberg, South Carolina, and serves as a worship leader at Colston Branch Baptist Church.

“I cannot put into words how it feels to be in the Top 8! It means the world to me to know you have all voted me this far into the competition, and I hope I can continue to make you all proud! To God be the glory!” Peay said.

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A post shared by Warren Peay (@warrenpeay)

According to TV Insider, the other contestants in the top eight are Zachariah Smith, Wé Ani, Oliver Steele, Iam Tongi and Colin Stough.

Photo courtesy: ©Getty Images/FOTOKITA


Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for Christian Headlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.

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