Keeping You in Tune with Today's Music

Keeping You in Tune with Today's Music
Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Something to Shout About

Those of you who watch American Idol regularly already know what I'm going to talk about this week. Tell me you saw it! No? Well, if not, here's a link to the finale from this year's Idol Gives Back event.

Yep, you heard right. American Idol wrapped up its celebrity-packed charity show with "Shout to the Lord," Darlene Zschech's worship standard sung by churches around the world. How crazy/unbelievable/wonderful is that?

Except, as I watched the performance, I knew there'd be a bit of a half-full-half-empty argument stemming from it. After all, they took "Jesus" out of the opening line, opting for "My Shepherd, my Savior" instead. In the days that followed, some shared that they were "kind of ashamed" to see a worship song performed on such a commercialized program like Idol. And many have noted that the power and inspiration of the performance quickly dissipated after the closing credits, when Ben Stiller came out on an empty stage to deliver a mostly unfunny comedic rant that included (bleeped out) profanity.

So noted—now let's look at the positive side. They sang "Shout to the Lord" on American Idol, and it wasn't just a throwaway performance, but as the closer to a star-studded evening promoting charity. As far as taking "Jesus" out of the song, I found that odd since the contestants have sung songs with "Jesus" in them before, even this season. Turns out it may have been a mistake—the contestants sang the song again on the results show the following night, and that time sang the lyrics we know. Additionally, the contestants recorded a version of the song that's available for download from iTunes (also with the right lyrics), and I've got to say, it's one of the best versions I've heard—the vocals are stunning.

Why "Shout to the Lord"? My sources tell me we have Sheila E. to thank. The '80s singer/percussionist was also a judge for The Next Great American Band, produced by the same company as Idol. When it came time for the judges to select songs for contestants to perform, Sheila (a believer) suggested "Shout to the Lord" for one of the bands. It ultimately wasn't used, but the producers (including Nigel Lythgoe) loved the song so much, they waited for the right opportunity to use it later … thus, the performance on American Idol.

Going back to the question of context, I understand the reason for skepticism, and I'd certainly feel differently about the performance if it was handled poorly or half-heartedly. But when the producers and singers are reverential in their treatment of it, we've every reason to rejoice that worshipping our God has permeated our culture in such a big way. (Of the finalists, Jason and Kristy are reportedly Christians; Brooke and "Archie" are Mormons.) As a result of the performance, Christians and non-Christians talked about the song in the days that followed, creating opportunities to share faith. Moreover, "Shout to the Lord" is now a popular download on iTunes, with part of the proceeds going toward the Idol Gives Back charity. Who could have guessed?

To which I can only offer a rousing "Hallelujah," thrilled that God has placed Christians in mainstream culture to spark such opportunities, and thrilled that, for at least a few minutes, all of us can enjoy a worshipful moment like this one.

There's a lot of new content for you to take in this week. In an interview reminiscent of all this Idol talk, P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval discusses why he's excited about his band's current state—on a new record label, with their original guitarist, and enjoying a following in Christian and mainstream culture alike.

We're also starting a new regular feature this week entitled What's in a Label?, exploring what various record labels are doing to keep up in the ever-changing music industry, bridging the gap between artists and audiences. Our first edition spotlights 7Spin Music, a small label out of Valparaiso, Indiana, that's committed to creating a partnership with each of its artists.

Reviews include the latest installment in the newly restructured WOW Hits series, as well as the second Jars of Clay anthology to release in the last six months. Dorinda-Clark Cole of The Clark Sisters offers her third solo album (and her first studio recording). Also, become acquainted with four new artists: acoustic pop/rock band Chasen, rock/worship band Worth Dying For, folk-pop singer/songwriter Alli Rogers, and our indie artist spotlight on Chris Dickson.

Grace and peace,

Russ Breimeier
ChristianityToday.com