The finale of “American Idol” left everyone speechless.
Over 20 million viewers have been captivated by a stirring duet performance of a beloved gospel anthem showcased on national television during the recent Pentecost Sunday broadcast.
The electrifying finale of “American Idol” season 22, broadcasted on ABC, showcased a poignant collaboration between gospel sensation CeCe Winans and former contestant Roman Collins. Collins, who secured a spot in the Top 12 of this season’s rendition of the reality TV singing competition, joined Winans on stage to deliver a soul-stirring rendition of “Goodness of God” to a live audience gathered in Hollywood, California, coinciding with the sacred observance of Pentecost Sunday.
Nielsen Media Research reports indicate that a staggering 5.64 million viewers tuned in to witness the three-hour spectacle. While “American Idol” isn’t inherently religious in nature, it has provided a platform for several contestants in recent years to showcase their Christian faith through performances of inspirational music, with Collins being no exception.
Taking to Instagram, Collins expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to share the stage with CeCe Winans and to deliver a message of faith on Pentecost Sunday, a sentiment underscored by the presence of “American Idol” season 3 winner Fantasia, who was in attendance during the performance and featured prominently on camera.
Collins marveled at the overwhelming response to the performance, noting that the video had already amassed over 25 million views, a testament to the resonance of their heartfelt rendition. He attributed this success to the unwavering faithfulness of God, expressing profound appreciation for the support of friends and family throughout his journey.
The performance also served as a platform to spotlight Collins’ musical endeavors, including his album “Same Gospel New Sound,” released in March during his tenure on “American Idol.” Throughout the competition, Collins endeared himself to audiences with his impassioned performances, including a rendition of Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” affirming his identity as a worship leader and car cleaner.
While CeCe Winans’ rendition of “Goodness of God” has garnered widespread acclaim, it’s worth noting that the song originated with Jenn Johnson of Bethel Music in 2019. Nevertheless, Winans and Collins breathed new life into the timeless anthem, resonating with audiences across the nation.
As the season culminated with Abi Carter clinching the coveted title of “American Idol,” the show’s finale featured a showcase of talent from the top three finalists and a celebration of the musical journey that captured the hearts of millions of viewers.