Canaan James Hill continued to bring American Idol judges to their feet with his second competitive performance this season.
Hill first wowed American Idol judges during his audition by singing Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory.” His powerful performance earned him a coveted platinum ticket, which automatically sent him into the second round. Then on Sunday night (April 6), during the “Showstopper” round, the 17-year-old aspiring preacher chose Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It”—and he didn’t disappoint.
Before Hill even reached the halfway point of the song, the entire studio audience, including judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and fellow contestants, were on their feet. Some in the crowd could even be seen raising their hands in worship. Bryan leaned over to Underwood during the performance and said, “He is one of the best singers that I have ever seen.”
Describing himself as a “churchy kid,” Hill shared that he began singing in church when he was just six or seven years old. “My mother’s camera roll is full of pictures and videos of me on the pulpit, singing and preaching,” he told American Idol viewers.
Hill admitted that being a platinum ticket holder has come with “a lot of pressure.” He explained, “There is an expectation that I have to make it far into this competition. That’s what I plan on doing—holding up that title and hopefully winning the whole thing and taking this on home.”
As soon as Hill finished his performance, Bryan ran onstage and gave him a hug. Richie followed by declaring, “That was the greatest performance I have ever seen… Amazing.” Underwood simply and sincerely told him, “Thank you.”
After Hill left the stage and joined his parents outside the performance area, Underwood turned to the audience and exclaimed, “He’s 17! What!”
Following the emotional moment, Hill said, “I pray that I met the judges’ expectations and make it to the Top 24.” Moments later, as 62 contestants waited to learn their fate, Hill’s prayers were answered. He was selected as one of only four contestants to skip the next round of competition and was automatically named one of the Top 24.
