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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Am I imaging things, or did the beginning of the song start out with Brooks, Archeleta, and Cook singing the name of Jesus, and then the rest jumped in with the rest of the song?
They just did it again and did it right this time!
Well, tonight’s version of “Shout to the Lord” should have dispelled people’s questions about whether or not they were singing it to Jesus. They mentioned Jesus in the opening part.
woo-hoo!
They sang Jesus the first time, but for some reason there is an edited version floating around…I just downloaded both the video and audio only versions from iTunes and the audio only version says Jesus while the video version starts with “My Shepherd”
Either way, you gotta love it because the song doesn’t work with any other name in the Universe! Listen to the words…who else could it be?
There are a number of things that are not allowed to be said on TV actually, and “Jesus” is one of them — that is, in a situation where it’s not being used in vain. That’s why they had to omit it on TV but could do it correctly on iTunes.
halayluya they sang it again 2night
Why are (SOME) Christians the only ones to pronounce their God to be “the one true GOd?” Where does acceptance fit in? Nowhere? American Idol has just essentially said that every top performer, every audience member, and every viewer is Christian. Yes, they left out the name “Jesus” last night, but what other religion refers to their God as “shepard?” None! It is a CHRISTIAN song, no matter how you heard it. Open your ears. If you’re not going to come out of your box, at least stick one finger out to check the weather. Christianity may be the dominant religion in the US, but it is not by ANY means the ONLY religion. Are they going to perform a Buddhist chant next? Hindu? Jewish? Wiccan? I can’t even fit them all on one page, so American Idol WON’T have the time to sing one for every religion. And it’s funny to think, the Christian performers would object to singing about another God. But notie NONE of the non-Christian top performers refused to sing. Christians are so closed! It is not right to represent America as Christian alone. America is the land of the FREE. Included in that is the freedom of choose religion. Sure, if one contestant sings about Christ, and several have, that’s one contstant. Christians are as FREE to choose as anyone else SHOULD be, but AREN’T. Don’t imprison, bury, mask, sheild other religions by dominating with one. The Christian God may be YOUR “one true God,” but is NOT the “one true God” to everyone else. By the way, to all of you who are pronouncing me a Satanist at this very moment, surprise, I am a CHRISTIAN. But I do have an open mind, and I know that not everyone IS Christian. Everyone should have the same rights, and we cannot mask or cover up someone else’s religion in order to promote our own on TV.
Thank you American Idol for having that song as the opener for tonight’s (Thursday’s) show! AND THANK YOU AMERICAN IDOL FOR SINGING THE NAME OF JESUS as the song was meant and written! WE WILL KEEP WATCHING! At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow! And every tongue will confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!
I Love American Idol – Last week Dolly Parton lifted up the name of Jesus – This week “Shout to the Lord” was great ! And tonight they mentioned the name ABOVE ALL NAMES – JESUS !
Wake up people ! Instead of fighting one another or calling Idol a secular show – take a stand for Jesus, stop fighting over doctrine.
The bible says the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord- there’s only one way to heaven – CONFESS JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOUR – If you believe, you will be in heaven – if you don’t, your not a friend of mine and you will be in hell upon your death – and by the way, few will find heaven The Narrow Gate
13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[f] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
– tough but thats the way it is …
“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.” Phil. 1:18
a lot of the posts on here remind me all too well why I spent 4 years in Seminary then decided to leave the “religion” behind. It is truly telling about where the “church” is when some on this board are more fixated on the fact that a minor alteration was made to a song involved in a 2 1/2 hour show dedicated to trying to help the very people that are Biblically the responisbility of the church. Instead of getting all bent out of shape, why not ask how you can help and get involved to try and make the world a better place. 10,000 seat churches and sermons on how to get rich with God’s help might be in fashion, but the face of what the church is supposed to do came into your living room through your television last night…instead of figuring out what was wrong the show, why not figure out how to make right the situations it exposed us to. To those of you on this board who already understand this concept, thank you so much for your efforts, it’s the little guy working in the streets that truly reflect Christianity, not the $2000 suits and slick sales pitches….
To newyoung- It matters because not everyone shares your opinion. Reverse the situation, what would you feel if Buddhists were speaking for the whole world, and said their God is the one true God on American Idol? WHat if they told YOU that you were going to Hell if you don’t accept Buddha as your savior? You’d be saying the same things I am right now.
Who cares if they left out Jesus. We can have religion and religious songs without him. After all we are all spirit beings. Some may call their sheppard Jesus some may call him Buddha or Allah or Mother earth what matters is helping the poor and saving the planet
Budda didn’t die for my sin nature and raise from the dead. As Christians, We celebrate Christmas and Easter. Christmas- Jesus was born and Easter- Jesus rose again and ascended into heaven. If you are saved and filled with God’s Spirit, you know what I’m talking about …
Acts 2
1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:
21And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
James- And conversly, exactly my point, Buddhists don’t believe that Jesus died for their sins.
James, I am happy that you are into your religion and it works for you. You need to repect the fact that there are many roads that lead to the Great Spirit. Jesus is just one of many. We can all be thankfull that Idol did not name a secific spirit guide and left it open for each of us to decide as we do what is most important, doing good deeds to merit our enlightenment
Did you all watch American Idol tonight? They sang “Shout to the Lord” again and this time they did say Jesus! Praise the Lord!!!
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. NO MAN comes to the Father but by me.
So, did you see American Idol tonight? They sang Shout to the Lord again and this time, they sang, “My Jesus, My Savior, Lord there is none like you!”
God works in ways that we don’t know. Who knows why they didn’t say Jesus the first time, but I am just thrilled that the world got to hear the same song again and there were probably more people watching tonight!! Praise the Lord!!
o my gosh u guys r killing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
can’t we just thank the Lord that He showed up, and that He’s using us to do His will
SWEJ
we are His hands and feet.
He uses us to do His will.
there’s so much darkness in the world because not enough people let the Light in.
I pray that you too will find Him.
SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND.
KNOCK AND THE DOOR WILL BE OPENED.
there’s another book you can read its called “the prayers of an unbeliever”
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
You people are retarded. They did say Jesus. I have it recorded.
I was sad they did not mention the name of Jesus on the show, but who are we kidding here, this is secular TV and who would have ever predicted that American Idol would ever in a million years sing that song, “Shepherd” or “Jesus”…and they used an existing, Orthodox name of Jesus as well, Shepherd….again, to everyone’s point, I wish the name of Jesus was used, but this song is a Kingdom song, no matter what….anyone ever blown away at how God somehow always sticks a foot into even something you might think the door was slammed shut on, wow…
I don’t understand, we replayed and replayed “Shout to the Lord” on the show and they did say Jesus. But I was shocked that it actually made it on the show! God will be praised, even if the “rocks” cry out
new age man – Just so you are not confused, your statements in themselves are a religion – a belief. In America we do have both the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion (two of our 1st amendment rights). Though I personally feel that you are not seeing the full path from your enlightenment from good deeds, I applaud your effort and seeking.
Jupiter – if it were reversed I would enjoy the music and respect their beliefs. Here in the USA we have this amazing freedom to express our views and religion. Note that, as I said above, we have freedom of speech, of religion, and of the press granted to us in the same amendment to our constitution. We as Christians should have the right to express our view that Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” and that “no one comes to the Father except through” Him.(from John 14:16).
This is not being intolerant of other religions. This is not accepting the other religions as truth, but is no way not being tolerant. Intolerance would mean that we would want to silence the other religions. The only thing I see lately is other groups trying to silence Christians! We can all exist peacefully and it is up to each one of us to accept or reject ideas as truth on our own.
In the Idol Gives Back single of “Shout to the Lord”, Jesus IS in the song. I downloaded it on iTunes.
I have both nights Tivoed. Last night it was shepherd. Tonight it was clearly Jesus.
It is interesting that they reversed their change from the previous night. I wonder if there is a copyright issue surrounding changing the words of a song without the writer’s permission.
This refutes the ridiculous post from above that suggests the name “Jesus” cannot be used on television except as a profanity. Both Dolly and all the idols singers have now used the name Jesus in an appropriate context on the show.
I am amazed and pleased by the producers of idol.
It’s sad to see some of you limiting God the way you are. He CAN WORK THROUGH ANYTHING and I believe He did last night though AI. They changed to words, yes, but the IDEA and BELIEF was still there. How even more awesome if some of them didn’t know what they were singing. Maybe now they do. Or maybe it was a seed planted. I’ve never heard any other ‘god” called LORD. There was no denying who it was sung to and about. I’m surprised to see Christians upset over it. I thought the secular world would be throwing a fit. I thank God that HE can use secular TV, shows, music, movies etc to still bring people to HIM. I guarentee there were hurting souls “out there” last night who watched that show, heard that song and were reminded of THE ONE they can run to and seek refruge. So, in my opinion, if a few Christians are offended, no big deal b/c souls were reached.
For every knee shall bow and every tounge confess that JESUS CHRIST is Lord!
My TiVO missed the song last night, but I caught it tonight. As a Christian, I was thoroughly suprised and absolutely thrilled to hear them sing praises to Jesus, and one of my favorite worship songs at that – my favorite line: mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name! Praise God!
I did say a prayer (as someone suggested) for whomever allowed the song to be sang not once, but TWICE, and I downloaded the full version from iTunes to show my support.
It is curious why they sang His name tonight, but not the night before, but thank you Jesus – I hope and pray that someone somewhere comes to Him because of that performance!
Also, did anyone catch the Clark Brothers, who won Next Great American Band. They witnessed their faith every Friday night on secular TV. Sheila E was the “Paula” for the show, and she said most every week that the Light of God was shining through them. It was amazing to see this on television. I am anxiously waiting to buy the CD!!! Oh, and if you didnt’ know, Clark Bros sang “This Little Light of Mine” a couple of weeks ago – LOVE THEM!!!
Dear SWEJ,
2 Chronicles 7:14 in the Old Testament says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
All things are possible WITH God. He can turn water to wine, he miraculously heals (he did for me), he can raise the dead, he can multiply fish and bread, he created the universe, and yet, he desires to KNOW us and be known. He calls those who follow him, “friends”. He desires to work in and through us – we are his hands and feet in a world that is hurting.
He loves you. I believe the has created you with a heart and gift of compassion to serve and bless others.
Please know that Jesus is indeed familiar with suffering. Philippians 2:5-8 reads “…Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!”
Jesus came to the earth in the most humble of circumstances, to a poor family and being born in a dirty manger. He died on the cross after being beaten and tortured though he had committed no wrong.
God is love. Seek him with all your heart and you will not be disappointed!
Yes! Praise God! This is the word we live in an we should not be surprised by the power of God. I just wonder about everyone that had negative posts about them not using Jesus’ name. What are your thoughts now that they said His name tonight? either way… Oh, Praise Him!
I just watched them sing that song, and they clearly said Jesus when they sang it. It must have been you’re local tv stations that blocked it out
Even though the name of Jesus was left out – no one could mistake what the song was about – Jesus Love – Bravo American Idol
Even though the name of Jesus was left out – no one could mistake what the song was about – Jesus’ Love – Bravo American Idol
Thoroughly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed Darlene Zschech’s Shout To The Lord. That song has been sung in Churches
all over the world. One of my favorites!
I’d like to know who was responsible for that song being sung tonight.
I dunno about you, but I was blessed with the AI eight singing Shout to the Lord (two nights in a row) both ways!! I know who THE Shepherd is, and felt my spirit soar both times! It’s was awesome. Thank you; bless you, AI for this wonderful gift. I’m a faithful viewer (for many seasons) and have really enjoyed the last two weeks. Dolly was great, as was the Clark Bros.
Did they really perform this song twice? The version I downloaded from the “Idol” site had them singing “my SHEPHERD, my savior” NOT “my Jesus, my savior.” When I first heard this, I was outraged. As others have commented, the song is clearly, clearly a celebration of Christ’s lordship and – in picking such a blatantly Christian song – for them to make the choice to omit Jesus’ name is the epitome of arrogance! Others may disagree, and some have voiced their opinions of being encouraged and elated by the song choice… but I can’t get past the fact that someone, somewhere made a conscious decision to omit the name of the One to whom praises “supposedly” are being sung. Unfortunately, it’s a sign of the times… and I really should not have been surprised. Hollywood is anti-Christ through and through. The days are evil. Now is the time that we need Jesus all the more… so for those who prefer to choose the way of political correctness, I say – go back to singing your secular songs… God sees your hearts. And as Jesus said of the pharisees, “they praise Me with their mouths, but their hearts are far from Me.”
Oh… and… they used the word Shepherd the first night.. and Jesus tonight. That info was all over the net last night after the show.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave his one and only Son [Jesus] that who ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God does miraculous things…all praise goes to HIM!
We all need to look into our hearts and ask ourselves if we are truly living a God-pleasing life and we need to love because God loved us first…He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us all. Not that we deserved this because we are all sinners and deserve eternal suffering in Hell, but He saved us anyways because of his almighty, everlasting love!
I don’t know about all of u but i am very happy to be reading all these comments about Jesus and how he is our saviour. You all should search you’re hearts and be thankfull they even sang that song even with Jesus out of it the first time.
Loved the song “shout to the Lord” last night on American Idol. Does anyone know why the word “Jesus” made it back in the song on the results show? Interesting!
Praise God for finding a way to reach our country in an effective pop culture forum. God seeks our love and praise. Music is one of the greatest way to show him our love. Amercia was founded on Christain priciples and has since accepted all religions as part of our culture. Whether your christian, jewish or
Muslim god is universally LOVE. Thank you American Idol for recognizing the message of “shout to the lord”
and allowing those awesome god given talents to sing it for Amercia. God Bless
THEIR IS AN ENEMY OUT THEIR IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM CALLED THE SPIRIT OF THE ANI-CHRIST.HE ACTUALLY TELLS ON HIMSELF. HE IS AFRAID OF THE WORLD KNOWING THE ” TRUTH”! WHICH IS JESUS DEFEATED HIM ON CALVARY, OVER TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO, AND THE ENEMY KNOWS HIS TIME HAS EXPIRED. HE KNOWS HIS DESTINY, WE KNOW HIS DESTINY, WE WIN. I AM NOT SURPRIZED BY THE OMITTED JESUS IN THE SONG, THE BOTTOM LINE , EVERYONE KNOWS THE SONG, THEY WILL BUY IT, AND HEAR THE NAME OF JESUS, JESUS STILL GETS THE GLORY!!
Praise God!!! I totally agree with Alexis above – everyone knows whether they substituted “Shepherd” for Jesus – it is JESUS – He reigns! Great job American Idol contestants!!
TO THOSE CHRISTIANS WHO ARE SAYING AT LEAST THEY SANG THE SONG YOU GUYS NEED TO REALLY THINK ABOUT IT. THEY TOOK JESUS’S NAME FROM THE SONG, FORTUNATELY THEY SANG IT AGAIN TONIGHT AND ADDED JESUS BACK TO IT, BUT THE FACT THAT THOSE WHO THINK THAT IT WAS OK REALLY NEED TO OPEN THEIR EYES. JESUS IS THE REASON WE HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FATHER! I WRITE THIS OUT OF TOTAL LOVE AND NOT POINTING THE FINGER, BUT THE FACT IS THAT WE HAVE TO WATCH SAYING THAT IT’S OK TO LEAVE JESUS OUT OF THE EQUATION. I UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS THAT IT COULD BE A GATE WAY TO GOD, BUT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL TO BE SO ACCEPTING OF SUCH THINGS. IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW, CATHOLISISM STARTED BECAUSE CONSTANTINE REALIZED ROME NEEDE JESUS BUT DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO GET PEOPLE TO CONVERT TO CHRISTIANITY. SO, HE ADDED CERTAIN THINGS, UNBIBICAL THINGS, TO CHRISTIANITY TO GET OTHERS TO BELIEVE AND CONVERT. HE REPLACED iris WITH mary. IRIS WAS CONSIDERED THE MOTHER OF GOD IN THOSE DAYS, SO HE GAVE THEM SOMEONE THEY CAN WORSHIP AND STILL COME TO GOD. ALTHOUGH THIS SEEMS LIKE NOT A BAD IDEA, IT IS NOT BIBLICAL OR SOUND DOCTRINE. ALSO, HE CREATED THE IDEA OF SAINTS, FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WORSHIPED gods TO REACH GOD. i CAN KEEP GOING BUT I THINK YOU GET THE POINT. WHAT THEY DID MAY BE A GATEWAY TO GOD, BUT IT CAN BE A VERY DANGEROUS ONE! DON’T FALL INTO THE EMERGENT MOVEMENT CHRISTIANS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! ONE LAST THING, JESUS DIDN’T CHANGE HIS WORDS AROUND TO BE POLITICALLY CORRECT. HE SPOKE THE TRUTH, AND TO BE A CHRISTIAN MEANS TO BE CHRIST LIKE! LET’S BE CHRIST LIKE!
Wow, some of you people sure are some arrogant “Christians.” Nothing will please you, they sang a worship song. Who cares if they changed words – changing “Jesus” to “Savior” doesn’t make it a secular song at all. So get off your high horses, you bunch of lying, divorcing, hating, cheating, and stealing hypocrits. And that isn’t judgmental, just holding you accountable…
It just goes to show you that the religious right will complain about everything…
Wow, some of you people sure are some arrogant “Christians.” Nothing will please you, they sang a worship song. Who cares if they changed words – changing “Jesus” to “Shepherd” doesn’t make it a secular song at all. So get off your high horses, you bunch of lying, divorcing, hating, cheating, and stealing hypocrits. And that isn’t judgmental, just holding you accountable…
It just goes to show you that the religious right will complain about everything…
They sang the song again tonight on AI to start the show and they sang Jesus isteadof shepard this time. It was amazing.
Well it turns out as I had predicted to myself. The christian community would be in an uproar about it. I find it extremely funny that you christians that are against the removal of the word Jesus expect a show like american idol to keep it in there. It’s not a religous show. “Shout to the Lord” is a great song, so they picked a great inspirational song to sing. Big deal! Do you feel like because you are a christian that you rights to how songs with the name of Jesus should be sung. I realize that folks like Christine and a preachermac and some others that have posted are victims of their orientation. They are only upset about this becuase that is how they have been taught to react to these kinds of situations. For those folks I think it would be a good idea for you to boycott the show anyway, for the most part the show is polar opposite of your message of faith anyway. Also, while you are boycotting things feel completely free to boycott speaking on behalf of christians. I will not attempt to judge what is in your heart but I will judge what you have typed on your comments. It would appear you haven’t really embraced this Jesus that you speak of, it’s funny that you quote scriptures but you have no idea of what they say. May be it is you that is blinded by your own self centered ways that keeps you from understanding the love of Christ. Imagine someone finds their way to this site that has all these posts about your discontent. I just did a search on yahoo and found this place, it was easy. Most people would be highly turned off by your message. People only come to God by the Holy spirits enlightenment into their own hearts. Oh one other thing that I find funny. Not one person that lived in your messiah’s time actually called him Jesus. Actually it wasn’t until the Translation of the Bible to english that he was called Jesus. Shepard is a more accurate term for the messiah than the english word for Yeshua or Joshua. Actually may be we could thank American Idol for helping the writer of the song get it more correct. By the way Tracy Alexis, I am not sure if you read this part in the bible but the enemy has fullfilled his destiny, Jesus Defeated him in between the time he died and rose again. Read that part sometime, it is highly interesting.
j Alba… for goodness sake, please quit yelling.
This was not a Christian program, it was AI, for goodness sakes! No one is saying that we thought it was “right” or “correct” to take Jesus out of the song, but it was and still is a Christian song… and those kids sang their hearts out. I was blessed and felt His Spirit. It was amazing. Enjoy it!! How often does this happen??
I am a believer… I practice my faith daily… I work out my salvation with fear and trembling. I deplore the garbage being dished out by new agers (and weep for those who are buying into it), but I am not going to be critical of the singing of that song on TWO nights! I know who is was about… JESUS!!
Josh….could you post a link to the video that you saw? I looked but could not find it…thanks.