American Idol has a distinct church connection–Most of the show’s winning contestants have hailed from the “Bible belt,” and many of them having been trained by singing in evangelical or Pentecostal churches.

This season’s top contenders were the exception, as Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze are from the Midwest.  However Aaron Kelley, Michael Lynche and Tim Urban got their “singing legs” by performing in their churches, the LA Times said.

In season eight, half of the top 10 were worship leaders in their church.  Churches also became a big part of the contestants’ fan bases with congregations launching viewing parties and vote drives for their favorites, the LA Times reported.  Read more... (493 words, 2 images, estimated 1:58 mins reading time)

After 7 Year Absence, Jennifer Knapp Says She’s 'Gay Person of Faith'

Award-winning Christian artist Jennifer Knapp said that she is a gay person of faith, one month before the May 10 release of her new album, “Letting Go.”

Her new album comes after a seven year hiatus from music.  She spent those years living in Australia and touring Europe and the United States.

She said she’s announcing her sexuality because, she doesn’t “want to come off as somebody who is shirking the truth.”

She  denies, however, that she left music for her gay relationship.  Read more... (469 words, 2 images, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

Award-winning Christian gospel, hip hop and R&B singer Kirk Franklin is bringing together artists from around the world to support Haiti. Photo (c) kirkfranklin.com.

Multi-Dove Award and Grammy-winning Christian gospel, hip hop and R&B singer Kirk Franklin is heading up a project to provide relief and financial support to earthquake-ravaged Port-au-Prince Haiti, according to his official web site www.kirkfranklin.com.

Franklin’s latest single entitled “Are You Listening: A Love Song for Haiti” will feature the voices of over 150 well-known contemporary Christian and gospel singers including Jeremy Camp, Natalie Grant, BeBe, CeCe and Marvin Winans, Mary Mary, Nicole C. Mullen and dozens more. As has been the case with so many other music artists throughout the industry, all proceeds and donations to the project single will go directly to relief efforts in Haiti.  Read more... (376 words, 2 images, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)

In a word: This album is refreshingly honest and transformative.

Though she’s been compared to India Arie, Kim Desir isn’t your typical neo-soul chanteuse unless neo-Soul is referring to spiritual rebirth. And while her most recent release, The Truth Speaks, doesn’t have any of the horns, bells or bass that one would equate with Soul music, the album is very much a message album. Kim’s jazzy, sultry vocals renew your mind with each listening. The piano and light synthwork on The Truth Speaks give Kim room to breathe and get her message out there. For instance, on her track, “Go Back,” there’s no musical distortion to keep you from what she’s singing about—Her spiritual journey, and how she’d be foolish to start it all over again.