Just Concluded Seasons of American Idol And The Voice (US) Won by Christians

Last Sunday and Tuesday saw two practising Christians- Samantha Diaz and Mississippi Pastor, Todd Tilghman crowned winners of American Idol and The Voice respectively

Samantha Diaz, known by her stage name Just Sam, was won the “American Idol” title for season 18 on Sunday night after singing the Christian single “You Say” in a duet with Lauren Daigle. While Todd Tilghman included in his finale performance MercyMe’s crossover hit “I Can Only Imagine” to be crowned the winner of ‘The Voice’

Just Sam was known to be quite vocal about her faith on the show, even asking the judges at one point in the competition if she could pray for them

“Can I pray with you guys? Is that OK?” she inquired. “I have a prayer I want to do with you guys.”

“So repeat after me,” she told the judges as they all held hands in agreement. “Heavenly Father, Lord make my life brand new right here, right now, with my friends and my new fam.” 

ABC first aired Just Sam’s testimony at the beginning of the singing competition in February. In her promotional package, the 20-year-old aspiring singer from Harlem revealed she was adopted by her grandmother after being abandoned by her parents. 

On the other hand, Todd Tilghman who is the lead pastor of Cornerstone Church in Meridian made his way to the top of season 18 of The Voice (US edition) after advancing from nine singers. Tilghman was on ‘Team Blake’ (i.e being coached by country star, Blake Shelton)

He tweeted after his win, “I wish I knew how to say thank you. And I wish y’all knew how much I respect and admire my new friends and fellow artists/contestants on @NBCTheVoice. I don’t know how long it’ll take me to process, but I sure am #grateful for every moment.”

After performing “I Can Only Imagine” at the show’s grand finale, coach John Legend said to him: “Pastor, we’ve loved seeing your journey throughout this whole season.”

And a tearful Kelly Clarkson added, “Literally, you are so moving. It’s because you are a pastor…you have such a bigger belief inside you than just yourself. I would love to come to your church just to hear you speak, not only sing. You’re very special.”

The performances of Just Sam and Todd Tilghman had to be done remotely due to pandemic restrictions but this certainly did nothing to curb the excitement and joy winning their respective shows brought them