American Idol Top 8 – "Shout to the Lord"
April 10, 2008 by Jeanne
I really liked the performance of “Shout To the Lord” by the Top 8 American Idol contestants on Idol Gives Back last night. Watch the performance:
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[...] with the globally popular worship song “Shout to the Lord” by Darlene Zschech. Evangelicals on one discussion thread raised the roof with the producer’s decision to downplay its “Jesus” message by [...]
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It was absolutely amazing seeing the Idols perform Shout to the Lord. I’ve been singing that song year after year in chuch, and seeing them sing it was amazing and a true testament. Spreading God’s word little by little can make a difference more than we can even imagine.
have been a big Idol fan, but now, I think I will boycott the show. If I don’t, what kind of example am I setting for my children? Its not lukewarm, it is wolves in sheeps clothing trying to dilute, devalue,re-direct focus, blasphemy……….Oprah kind of religion. I don’t think some of the contestants even thought about this…….? Its a free country,I know, but “Christ followers” must listen to the Holy Spirit when these events occur and know that this is not Christ Jesus that is beng praised. Its “whatever” God you believe in. I am very disappointed, but not surprised. If I was a Idol contestant and professed myself as a “Christ follower”, believe that Jesus is God and he is the only way to salvation through repentment, commitment, and belief……….I could have never sang the song the way they did.
Kerry,
Did you notice they left out the name of Jesus? They said “My Shepherd, My Savior” instead of “My Jesus, My Savior”. They re-vamped the song as a praise to the generic “lord” rather than the one true Lord. It’s amazing what a politically correct world we live in.
I never watch this show but last night during channel surfing I cought pretty much most of it…allthough I agree with your comments…I still think it was awesome to hear it on secular TV!!! I love that song!!!
I have not watched American Idol this season. The song they sang is not a “Christian” song siince they left out the name of Jesus. It is a “worldly” stage that they are singing on and it mirrors what so many of today’s churches are doing. When it is more important to be “politically correct” than to stand for the Truth, then false converts will be made. The way this song was sung, does not give glory to the One and only God. It is much like the way Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Robert Schuller and others have signed a pact with the Muslims trying to establish unity. In the pact it says that they both worship the All-Merciful One (that is terminology that Muslims use in referring to God). They have made Jesus equal to Muhammed as being a prophet of God. At no time do they say that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Don’t be fooled by a false religion and don’t be fooled by songs that “pretend” to be Christian. We must have some discernment as to what is true!
Have you all gone mad? This is beautiful! Praise God that there’s a light in the darkness of the world of television. You have to praise Him for even the small steps like this. You have no idea how He could use this to transform the lives of those singing this song. You’re acting like pharisees in my opinion.
I thought the song was awesome. But the whole ben Stiller thing, classless….absolutely classless. I bet imon was layghing all the way to the bank. I was glad to see the song used, but was dissapointed that it was changed to leave Jesus out. My sermon this Sunday is “Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid”……be careful filks…this is ok as long as you knowthe difference between the truth and the wiles of the Devil……a little bite here..a little bite there…
I agree with Heather. Even the smallest things are wonderful if they get any message, get any “Jesus publicity” as I like to call it. It was mildly dilluted and maybe some of the Idols didn’t really know what they were singing….but MAYBE it touched even one of them. The song is pretty transparent in Jesus being who the song is about. It bothers me so much that Christians are so quick lto put everything through their “filter”. I think it is is awesome that when you go on the net today, there is such a buzz about worship and God. And I was so glad that I could hear a song that my heart connected to last night and I could rejoice in that song and know that all over North America, others were joining in that praise. What an awesome thing.
I just about fell off the couch when I heard what they were singing. I’ve sang that song with our worship group at Church for years. I had chills. People will google that song and end up buying the original because of how more powerful it sounds. In life, we are either part of the problem or part of the solution.
All I know is that it brought tears to my eyes. That’s one of my all time favorite songs, and to see them all dressed in white singing “praise to the King” was incredible. As far as them taking out the name of Jesus, I’m sure it was for pc reasons, but still, we all worship the same God, even if some don’t realize who He really is. Some day when he comes again, they will all know this.
It’s not my filter, It’s God’s filter I try to live by.
Yes, just one “small” name was left out……..the most important….Jesus…….one word can change everything. “Lord there is none like you”…..”my Savior”……..
Sing a Jewish song, sing a Muslin song…..This is your right in our society….But don’t leave out the name of Jesus that is meant to be the core of this “Christ centered” song.
Well I hear what alot of you are saying that b/c they left out the name of Jesus. I am a christian and very proud of it I LOVE my Jesus with all of my heart. and frist off you know what yeah they did change the name of Jesus to Shephard but “HELLO” Jesus/God is the only God who is really referred to as Shephard. How often do you hear people calling Buhda there Shephard.
Secondly Shout To The Lord is in the top 25 songs sung in Chrisitan Churchs TODAY it has been in the top of the Chats for 8years since Darlene Zcheck wrote it. God is using that song in a very cool way. Thirdly you people who are saying that the idols were wrong for standing up there and singing that song if they say there Christians is retarted because it is what is in the hart maybe they were standing up there and singing with there whole hart to there Jesus. Forthly wouldn’t you rather have a secular show singing a Christian SONG. and Fithly what if that song braught someone closer to Jesus or let me think even led them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Because they sang that song and maybe just maybe they heard that song once before and God touched them last night. GOD is a powerful God he can use everything for Good. and I believe that God can use there song that they sang to touch many lives. and i’m sorry but it’s Christians like you who slam the secular world and turn people away from christ. Instead you could be saying wow look what Idol did they stepped out and sang Christian song look what God can do with that look at the lives he can change!!!!!!
Any Christian who takes this production as something negative would also have to boycott Christian artists like Kent Henry and others who are purposely spreading the TRUTH without using God or Jesus to reach out to those who would otherwise turn away. This is America and to me American Idol represents all Americans, even those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Some of the contestants may not believe in Jesus. If this were a Christian show I would expect more – but it’s not.
I was extremely impressed that this season the word Jesus has been heard many times, especially when Dolly was allowed to sing. For how many years was that woman judged by the Christian community for who she is, and now she is a representation of Christ. How dare any of us judge!!! The Word tells us to think positively, not negatively. It also tells us that there will be those who even “use” Jesus’ name to advance themselves and that is even considered “good”!
Great praise to our God Most High and our Lord Jesus Christ for showing up at this horrible time of our existence – bringing hope throughout the land!!
“But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
Philippians 1:17-19
I know they left Jesus’ name out, but He will still be glorified because many people today are googling that song who never would’ve done so.
We need to pray for whomever influenced AI to sing Shout to the LORD. They are either a Christian or on their way to the Truth. In either case God is reclaiming Hollywood and that person, or persons, need our support.
I absolutely loved that the Idols sang, “Shout to the Lord.” How appropriate this way for this awesome night! Thanks American Idol! God is so great all the time!
Just bought it on iTunes and it is in it’s original form with the name JESUS! Check it out. Now everyone who goes there to buy the song will have the TRUE MEANING attached! Very powerful!
I think that the fact they sang “Shout to the Lord” was great. Yes, they exchanged the word “Jesus” for “Shepherd”. I’m okay with that and I’ll tell you why. Go to the Bible, the 23rd Psalm. “The Lord is my Shepherd…” Anyone reading the Bible knows that the Shepherd being spoken of is Jesus. I’m trusting that God will use this performance of Darlene Zschech’s song for His glory.
Sorry LoriB, we don’t all worship the same God, that’s what Oprah’s megamillion church is pushing. It was a tremendous song sung with the power of God on it I’ll agree. But if it were not for Jesus shedding his blood on the cross we would still be lost. Great song though….hope it changes lives—through the only way-Jesus..
amen christine
They are selling it with the name JESUS!!
Go to iTUNES and see. Christ’s name is sung loud and clear!!
thanks Greg…I will….
Christ got free PR & publicity. There were people who don’t know Jesus all over the world who heard that song and got chills. They got them because we all have a “God shaped hole” in our hearts, we know the truth of God whether we will admit it or not. I think the fact that a song praising the Lord and directing people to truth was sung on Idol is a testimony to the power of God. Remember that the Holy Spirit uses opportunities just like that one to work on the hearts of people. Praise Him.
incredible song. i think it was a well rounded night with all kinds of songs, including a Christian song. it will touch the hearts of so many.
You’ve got to remember one thing, God doesn’t get offended like we do. He will always BE God whether we praise Him or not, He will always have dominion, whether we submit or not. Adopting an attitude that bashes individuals you do not know shows how much mercy, grace and love we, as Christian lack. Remember, if we don’t praise Him, the rocks will!
JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS JESUS IS HIS NAME!!!!
This was a really neat thing that happened last night. Do you have any idea how many people tuned in to hear this praise song to our Lord? Christians – we need to quit shooting ourselves in the foot. Imagine if they had ended the night with a secular inspirational song, some would be blogging all day saying, “I cannot believe that they didn’t end the night with a Christian song?” Well guess what, they ended the night beautifully, singing a praise song to the King, our Shepherd. (The Lord is our Shepherd.) When we complain when Hollywood attempts to do something really cool like this, I am sure the Holloywood powers to be just roll their eyes and say, “Well that is what we get for trying to reach out.” It leaves a bad taste in their mouth for ever attempting to “cross the line” and get close to what we all wish they would do more often.
I suppose ask yourselves this question – what religion in the world calls their Lord – Shepard, Savior, King?
Love to hear responses on this.
If it was no big deal, why was “Jesus” intentionally omitted?
Who am I bashing?
I agree with Greg…..people will go to this site who do not have a relationship with Christ Jesus and say “hey…….that’s not how they sang it” and ask questions hopefully to a christian who can speak truth with love and explain it from biblical principals, not man.
But I believe there are copy rights issues that inhibited them from selling it in their version.
God sent “Jesus” to show who He is……believers………please……don’t be reeled in by polite deception
I would like to say thank you to each of the idol contestants for singing, “Shout to the Lord”. It was amazing. While you sang about God, you sang about the God who created this universe, a tower of strength, power and majesty, praise to the King. Jesus is the shepherd and he promises you life everlasting when you ask Jesus into your life. He will walk with you day to day. He loves you! What a great song, thank you! John 3:16 (New Testament Book in the Bible)
I got chills last night when I heard the idols singing “Shout to the Lord.” It is not only one of my favorite songs but to have the top idols this year singing it to millions and millions of people planting seeds just shows me what an awsome God we have. He is showing His face everywhere and over and over again on American Idol. God bless the person who introduced this song to the show and may they always have Gods blessings doing His work. For the people judging how the song was song…remember God is in charge and will allow His seeds to be planted it is now up to someone else to harvest….God knows what He is doing so why not just allow God to do what He is doing the way He knows is best. They could have sang a secular song but did not…so lets all praise God for what they did do and stop judging what was not done.
God Bless you all and American Idol for doing a great job.
I missed Idol last night, but a friend sent me the link for me to watch it because she was so awed that they sang this song last night. I watched it and got goosebumps to think of the millions and millions of non-Christians that saw that. And, as a few have mentioned in their blogs before me, to think that even one person who has been maybe going through life events or whatever where the Holy Spirit is gently drawing them to Jesus – this may have been the final event that brought them home to Jesus. Or maybe it’s that person who has a relationship with Christ, but who has let bitterness or anger eat their soul, maybe this song touched their heart and helped bring them back.
This is why we are here, folks. If we do not praise him, the rocks will indeed cry out as mamu said. We are here to reach the lost – not to be as the pharisees were and look down on someone else’s conversion and say it’s not a true conversion because they saw a song on Idol. We are here to show the grace, mercy and love of Jesus Christ to a world that needs Him. We are all undeserving of His grace and mercy, yet He came and sought us and loved us and drew us to Him. Jesus went into and ate dinner, socialized, with the tax collectors, prostitutes – the people who needed Him the most. We need to learn from those lessons of Christ – to give love, grace and mercy, forgiveness, gentle understanding to those who need Him because He indeed did that very same for us.
This song was awesome. Christians such as Christine need to stop patting themselves on the back and in so many words saying, “God, I am so thankful that I am not like these people on Idol,” and more like the sinner saying, “God be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.”
Christ was glorified in that song even if someone somewhere was politically correct in changing a word to another word which (ironically and probably unbeknownst to the person in charge of that change) merely changed it to another word that no other “god” except the true God is known by – the Great Shepherd. Allah, Buddha, Muhammed – none of them are called the Great Shepherd. Only the true one and only God – and He got the praise. Praise to Him.
To all those “christians” worried about them leaving out the name of “Jesus”, or that they made Jesus on the same level of Muhammed, or just thinking “oh my goodness, what have they done..”
Where is your faith or relationship with Jesus to think that anybody has the ability to put God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit in any other place than where they ARE. Good grief.
I think it is great that they chose this song. If it even remotely encourages somebody towards the Truth, that’s cool. Don’t worry about God…He can take care of Himself.
I used to sing with our worship team at church. I felt very blessed every time I got on stage. As my kids grew up, my wife needed more help from me at home. God showed me another way to serve him, coaching youth sports. I coach in the public school system and have had many opportunities to share my faith without wearing a shirt that labels me a Christian. God opens doors for us every day. It is up to us to walk through them. Jesus used miracles to make many believe. I believe he does miracles through us.
My last submission……..promise…….lol
Romans Chapter 8
Flesh….meaning world
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind of the flesh is death; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace: 7 because the mind of the flesh is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can it be: 8 and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10
I thought it was great. I love that song.
If only Idol had not followed it up with Ben Stiller’s bleep-filled rant. But still, somebody made the decision to put “Shout to the Lord” on the popular televison show in America. Yay God!
The song is anointed by God so even if they leave out Jesus it will still touch hearts. I think it’s awesome. The God Lord is serious about others hearing the “Good news” before He returns.
oops… The good Lord or God much reach everyone…
and the rocks will cry out if no one praises Him, may it never be so… I WILL PRAISE HIS NAME, JESUS!
God Bless You All! Our journey will never be the same, however we will all sit together at the table with our Lord Jesus Christ.
My last thread…………
The Cross we carry is never so heavy as the Chains from which we were Freed.
J.A. Lacy
I agree that they should not have left out the name Jesus….but living in this world today…I am completely amazed that they sung that song at all.God works in mysterious ways & you never know how many people He may have touched through that performance last night.All of us who know Jesus is Lord…knows WHO they were singing about!! Praise God!! =)
I thought it was nice to see the idols sing a song like this one. Although they did leave out “Jesus” they still used God, “my shepard”, “my Saviour”…. all of these are in relation to the one we serve above. Take a look at the country that we live in right now. We are now leaving in days of Hell. To be honest I think it is great that a show like American Idol that has a lot of viewers does something like this. At least there are still people in the world today that still praise him. Also to those who are concerned about the word “Jesus” not being said in the song. What about the Christine saying that she didn’t think that some of the contestants didn’t think about this song. I thought that we weren’t suppose to judge. Anyways I think that this will touch may people and the contestants did a wonderful job singing it.
I think it is ironic that a “Praise the Lord” song was sung after an entire show about how unfairly and needlessly innocent people are suffering and dying!
Why praise God for this!?
I would have chosen a song praising human compassion to overcome God’s indifference!
To everyone that is bashing American Idol for leaving out the name Jesus, please stop acting so “religious.” Praise the Lord they sang that song! What a miracle that was, Christians need to be a light for Jesus not self-righteous. When I read the comments you can tell those that reach out to others and those that are just plain legalistic.
I really don’t understand why any Christian would be upset that a song about our Savior was sung on a secular TV program. Yes they changed Jesus to Shepherd but how is this any different than Christians of the past who made symbols, such as the candy cane, to represent their belief in Christ when they were being silenced from speaking their beliefs. If restrictions were put on the American Idol singers keeping them from saying the name of Jesus, how can we not think it is wonderful that another name for Jesus was used instead? – My Shepherd!
I must admit I was shocked and saddened to read the negative comments written here regarding the American Idols singing “Shout to the Lord”. I, for one, was standing in front of my TV yelling hallelujah and singing right along, praising my Jesus!
How little must we think of God if we do not believe He can take this song, in the exact way it was sung last night, and touch people’s hearts. I know my God is big enough to use anything to His glory.
There are pastors across our nation who preach for their own glory, not for God’s glory, yet God still uses them to bring people to Christ. Not because He agrees with selfish preaching, but because He is mighty enough to use even the weakest venues to open a door to hearts of sinners. And He can jump through any door that is opened, no matter how small it may appear to you.
Our God is more mighty than you are giving Him credit for! And, He has one of his servants singing right there in American Idol – Jason Castro. I imagine God used Jason in some mighty powerful ways while the team was preparing this song.
It brings me joy to think that people all over America will have this tune stuck in their heads today. They may not know about what they are singing, but God can take that planted seed and bring it to fruition…..we are all only too small minded to see just how glorious He is!
Shout to the Lord, all the earth Let us sing.
Power and majesty, praise to the King.
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in YOU!
Melissa and Cheryl…..I so agree with you both this was an awsome end to a show with God shining His face to millions of people. Jon, I do not understand what feedback you are looking for..The Lord IS our Shepard, Savior and King. And Christine, are you not thrilled they ended the show with such an awsome song, would you have preferred a secular rapp song with shady language? I pray you find peace in God’s greatness last night and how American Idol showed up. Jesus is God.
Swej-It’s not God’s plan that anyone should suffer. The Bible says He sees every tear and He cares deeply. Unfortunately we live in a fallen World. But thankfully God sent Jesus that we have a Redeemer. We have someone to put our faith and trust in. This world will someday pass away, but it is after this world that we can be in a beautiful place with Jesus, where there is no more suffering, no more tears, no more sadness. Cling to God, he careds so much for you and everyone that he sent Jesus to die in our place that we may have eternal life. Ask him into your heart. He desperately wants a relationship with all of us. I know your frustration, I can hardly watch the news for all of the sadness, but God cares — He loves us all.
Melissa and Cheryl…..I so agree with you both this was an awsome end to a show with God shining His face to millions of people. Jennifer you are so right on…I also was standing crying raising my hands and singing along with the Idols. Everyone is talking about Jesus and American Idol today…yep my God is an awsome God. Jon, I do not understand what feedback you are looking for..The Lord IS our Shepard, Savior and King. And Christine, are you not thrilled they ended the show with such an awsome song, would you have preferred a secular rapp song with shady language? I pray you find peace in God’s greatness last night and how American Idol showed up. Jesus is God.
This was awesone! The Itunes version has not been altered, and what better way to send a message that we liked what we heard then to downlad this for $.99? (AND PROCEEDS GO TO HELP POVERT IN U.S. AND AFRICA!!)
P.S. Jennifer…
I must admit I was shocked and saddened to read the negative comments written here regarding the American Idols singing “Shout to the Lord”. I, for one, was standing in front of my TV yelling hallelujah and singing right along, praising my Jesus!
I agree 100%!!!
It is an awesome song………..so sing it like its written……….whats the harm? Jesus is God…. and His Greatness and Name is “Jesus”.
So why leave it out is my question.
If I sang on a worship/praise team, and the pastor would say……..now we are going to omit Jesus out of every song…but that’s ok because everyone knows who we are talking about and it helps to “beat around the bush” and tell people about God in a “round about way” because that may bring people closer to God in a “round about way”………..I would be running for the hills.
Do you really think that it was American Idol’s goal to glorify Jesus last night? And if you say it doesn’t matter because its going to bring people closer to a relationship with Jesus…..Well how can folks know who you are talking about if you do not say His Name……..Jesus
I have peace in knowing that God give us discernment to know right from wrong. There is a deeper issue here………like (above) preachermac said…..little by little……..
What I can’t believe is that I am debating this with fellow believers…….isn’t this just what the Devil wants.
In response to: SWEJ
Who said:
“I think it is ironic that a “Praise the Lord” song was sung after an entire show about how unfairly and needlessly innocent people are suffering and dying!
Why praise God for this!?
I would have chosen a song praising human compassion to overcome God’s indifference!”
God is not indifferent to the pain of those who are suffering and dying. God is there with them during their times of suffering! He holds them during those difficult times and in His perfect timing, takes them home. The holy spirit gathers their tears and treasures each and everyone. Each person is special to God, He created them!! Suggested reading for you: “The Shack” by Eugene Young……it will give you an understanding of where God is during suffering!
It is us who are pushing God away……..and then we see things like we were shown last night and whine and complain because we don’t think God is there…when we have told Him we don’t want Him. We’ve taken Him out of our schools and out of the public view and we then have the NERVE to complain when everything in life isn’t perfect.
Well, everything in life isn’t perfect because our sin has seperated us from God. Our only bridge between that seperation is Jesus! If you notice, man lived in a perfect world before he sinned. If you want to be angry, be angry at Satan who tempted us. Be angry at ourselves for the sins we have all committed that have caused all of this ugliness in this world.
If you ever have the honor of going to one of the hometowns of those who are suffering, you will be amazed that they find joy much easier than those of us who have all that we need. Why do you think that is? It is because God sustains them. They are more willing to hear about and accept God’s love because they are in a humble place in their lives. And you know what, almost all of them will tell you, “Oh, it is Him who has been sustaining me all of this time!” They put their trust in Him and love deeper than any of us spoiled people can ever imagine!
http://www.jenniferraack.blogspot.com