Gospel music took center stage tonight on American Idol. Now in its 23rd season, the hit singing competition show aired a 3-hour “Songs of Faith” special in honor of Easter.
In addition to learning the result of the audience votes, the competitors performed worship and gospel songs of their choice. Christian artist CeCe Winans, Idol alum Roman Collins, artist in residence Jelly Roll with Brandon Lake, and gospel quartet The Brown Four also took the Idol stage during the night.
Even judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie participated in the special production, each giving a performance of a faith-based song.
Baylee Littrell, the 23-year-old son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, first wowed the Idol judges with an original song during his audition. His success continued during Hollywood Week with another original song, a powerful duet of “Shallow,” and an energetic cover of Pharrell’s “Happy.”
Tonight, as a part of the Top 20, Baylee performed a passionate cover of “Gone Without Goodbye.”
“Gone Without Goodbye” was originally released by his father, Brian Littrell, who is a member of the Backstreet Boys.
Baylee sang his father’s 2006 hit with clear emotion on his face. The song is a tribute to those who lost loved ones without the chance to say goodbye, especially to those affected by the tragedy of 9/11.
In a post-performance interview, Baylee revealed that his mom was supposed to be on one of the flights that hit the Twin Towers in 2001. Some of the moving lyrics are:
“And have you seen my faith?
It can run and it can hide
Jesus, mend this breaking heart of mine
That keeps our love alive
Oh, I can feel the pain
Look into my eyes
But I don’t know gone without goodbye
If I could reach the sky
I’d try to turn the world around
So that we could see the face of forever
Stay alive.”
