CeCe Winans Says God Used ‘American Idol’ to Spread His Word
Gospel music legend CeCe Winans says her two recent appearances on American Idol reflect a growing call from God for His people to reach beyond the church walls. Both of Winans' performances on the popular ABC show have been notable. In April, she, Brandon Lake and other Christian artists appeared on American Idol as part of a special three-hour Easter-themed episode that included both gospel and inspirational mainstream music. One year earlier, she performed a viral rendition of Goodness of God alongside contestant Roman Collins that tallied some 30 million views online in the first 48 hours, according to Elev8.
The 17-time Grammy winner says God is opening doors for her and other Christian artists.
"The Lord continues to blow my mind," Winans told a news conference last month in Nashville, moments after winning the K-Love Fan Award for Female Artist of the Year.
"The [American Idol] producers told us that because of the support and the views that we got last year, they created that whole Songs of Faith show. For the producers to come and tell you that, you know it's only God."
For the Songs of Faith episode, Winans teamed up with Collins to sing Come Jesus Come. (She and country singer Cody Johnson recently released a collaboration of that song.)
"I just believe every door that He's opening is because He wants us to reach out outside the church where people really need Him," Winans said. "... He's just allowing me to reach more people for His glory. So I'm humbled by it, but I understand it's an assignment."
Christian music is no longer confined to Christian radio, she said. This year alone, two songs by Christian artists have landed on the much-watched Billboard Hot 100 chart -- Your Way's Better by Forrest Frank and Hard Fought Hallelujah by Lake and country artist Jelly Roll.
"I see walls coming down," she said. "I've been in the industry for a long time, and I love what I'm seeing."
The reason American Idol created a Songs of Faith show, she said, was because of last year's overwhelming views.
"And I know the views were the body of Christ saying: You know what? We're behind CeCe. We see the Spirit of God moving, and we need one another."
It's important for the body of Christ to support Christian artists, she said.
"Don't assume that it's just going to happen because somebody's talented. We actually need you praying for us. And we need the support. Everybody on this show tonight [the K-Love Fan Awards] needs the support so that the world will come to know who He is, and we can cover the earth with Christian music."
Photo Credit: ©John Sanders/K-Love Fan Awards
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 10, 2025.
