Recommended Free Tools
American Idol’s Season 23 Easter episode aired on ABC on April 20, 2025, under the theme “Songs of Faith.” The announced three-hour live broadcast paired faith-inspired contestant performances with the Top 24 vote results; the Top 20 were revealed that night.
What American Idol announced for Easter Sunday
On April 3, 2025, TV Insider reported that ABC had scheduled a live episode for April 20 from 8 to 11 p.m. ET. Contestants would perform “faith-inspired songs,” and viewers would vote for singers to advance. The announcement placed the episode within the Season 23 competition, where the results of the Top 24 performances would determine who moved forward. TV Insider’s announcement named the guest performers and described the planned format.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
American Idol - The Best & Worst of American Idol ( Limited Edition ) | $5.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
American Idol: The Search For a Superstar | $4.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
American Idol: The Search For a Superstar | $10.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
American Idol - The Best of Seasons 1 - 4 | $34.58 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
The Best of American Idol: Seasons 1, 2, and 3 | $21.50 | Buy on Amazon |
Who was scheduled to perform
The announced guest lineup included CeCe Winans, American Idol alum Roman Collins, artist in residence Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, and The Brown Four. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood were also expected to perform.
What happened during the broadcast
TV Insider’s April 20 recap confirmed that the contestants performed songs of faith and that the Top 20 were revealed. The examples it reported show that the theme was not limited to songs with explicitly religious titles. Drew Ryn sang Coldplay’s “Yellow,” which Carrie Underwood assessed as an “unconventional” choice for the theme. Other reported selections included “Better Days,” “Worship,” “Reckless Love,” “Rescue,” “For Every Mountain,” and “Amazing Grace.” Those examples illustrate the range of interpretations, not a complete episode playlist. The recap documented the performances and results.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake’s duet
Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake performed their collaboration “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” according to American Songwriter’s April 20 report. That performance was part of the special’s guest lineup, alongside the contestant competition.
Why the episode emphasized faith
The broadcast was tied to Easter, but participant comments are not evidence that the producers had only one reason for choosing the theme. In a TV Insider preview published April 18, Lionel Richie described the episode this way: “On this ‘songs of faith’ episode, it’s more than a theme. It’s a beautiful reminder of how music connects us.” Carrie Underwood said, “Easter has always been a day for faith and family.”
Rank #2
Luke Bryan said the idea prompted him to think of his song “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids”: “When the show came to us with the idea of the Easter special, I instantly thought of the song “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids” that I recorded for my last album,” he said. In separate comments to American Songwriter, Bryan credited Underwood’s openness about her spirituality and Christian beliefs as having “a little something to do with” the increase in faith-based performances. That is Bryan’s explanation, not an independently established account of the show’s production rationale. TV Insider’s preview contains the April 18 interview remarks.
How the theme related to the competition
“Songs of Faith” was both a holiday frame and a competition-night format: audience voting shaped who advanced from the Top 24, and the episode concluded by revealing the Top 20. That distinction matters when describing the special. It was not only a concert of guest performers, nor did the reported performances all represent the same kind of religious expression.
Rank #3
TV Insider’s announcement asked readers what they thought of the theme, but that prompt was an invitation to comment, not a survey result. The available reporting does not establish representative audience opinion or provide a named, independently published statistic about the episode’s reception.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to watch the episode now
The original announcement concerned a scheduled 2025 broadcast and does not confirm current Hulu availability. Check ABC or Hulu’s current listings for the episode before relying on an older viewing reference. The reporting cited here also does not establish an official episode soundtrack or compilation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
