Borrowed from a blog I forgot to take note of:
Jordin Sparks has garnered the most attention in CCM circles. The daughter of former NFL player Phillippi Sparks, she regularly performs at her home church, was a finalist for the Gospel Music Association’s Seminar in the Rockies, and even opened on tour for Michael W. Smith, who gives his endorsement.
Melinda Doolittle is a graduate of Nashville’s Belmont University, a Christian school, and has sung backup for the likes of CeCe Winans, Denver & The Mile High Orchestra, and Aaron Neville. She’s not only impressed everyone with her vocal prowess, but also her humble attitude—friends describe her as a “really strong” Christian woman and a prayer warrior.
Chris Sligh, the son of missionary parents, has attended three different Christian colleges in the last ten years. Lately he’s served as a worship leader at his home church while fronting his own band, Half Past Forever. On Idol, he’s already performed songs by Mute Math and dc Talk.
They’re not alone.
Phil Stacey has attended two Christian universities and is a minister of music at his home church in Jacksonville, Florida.
LaKisha Jones has the support of her friends and family from her home church in Michigan, who say that “her faith is important to her.”
