He’s going from pulpit to primetime.
A 17-year-old aspiring minister, Canaan James Hill, has secured a spot in the top 24 on American Idol after a standout performance during the “Showstoppers” round of Hollywood Week. Hill delivered a powerful rendition of Marvin Sapp’s gospel hit “Never Would Have Made It,” captivating the judges and audience alike. His moving performance brought many to their feet in a show of support and worship, prompting judge Luke Bryan to call him “one of the best singers I have ever seen.” Fellow judge Lionel Richie echoed the sentiment, praising the performance as “the greatest” he’d witnessed. Carrie Underwood added to the moment by emphasizing Hill’s age, exclaiming, “He’s 17!”
Before taking the stage, Hill shared how his passion for music and ministry began in church at a young age. He described himself as a “churchy kid,” recalling how he started singing and preaching from the pulpit as early as six or seven years old. He expressed hopes that his “platinum ticket”—a privilege that allowed him to skip the first round—would help him meet the judges’ high expectations and move forward in the competition.
Hill’s earlier audition performance of “I Need Your Glory” left a lasting impression, earning him the platinum ticket and cementing his place as a standout contestant. During that audition, he shared that he had completed high school early in order to pursue what he believed was a divine calling. He described his mission as using his gift to serve God, both through preaching and singing.
He isn’t the only contestant showcasing strong Christian roots on the show. Baylee Littrell, the son of Backstreet Boys singer Brian Littrell, also advanced to the top 24. He performed an original worship song titled “Hey Jesus” during Hollywood Week and announced his progress in a recent Instagram post.
The upcoming American Idol episodes will be filmed at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, where the top 24 will perform. These episodes are set to air on Sunday and Monday. As the season continues, the competition will narrow down further, with a “Top 14 Reveal” scheduled for April 21. The day prior, on Easter Sunday, the show will air a special three-hour episode dedicated to the holiday, featuring gospel and worship music, with appearances by well-known Christian artists such as CeCe Winans, Brandon Lake, and Roman Collins.