Top Ten Religious Moments on 'American Idol'

Top Ten Religious Moments on 'American Idol'

  Text by Lilit Marcus

It all starts with the title: something called "American Idol" is bound to be religious. And indeed, Fox's megahit is all about worshiping new idols, converting the masses, and keeping the faith in our favorite contestants.

And, just like church, it happens every week, demanding our allegiance and, as we vote for the budding idols, our tithe. Plus, many "American Idol" contestants enjoy an afterlife, whether in gleeful infamy like William Hung or in stardom like Kelly Clarkson.

But religion is more than metaphor on 'American Idol': it's in the music, in the contestants' lives, and in the show's most memorable moments. Check our our list of the 10 Most Religious Moments in American Idol's history.