Watch ‘American Idol’ Contestants Break Out Into Full-Blown Backstage Worship Session

Premiering March 9, season 23 of American Idol is getting down to its Top 24 contestants. With artist-in-residence Jelly Roll there for guidance, the remaining pool of hopefuls must give it their all every performance if they hope to walk away with the crown. Rylie O’Neil, a 27-year-old singer from Kansas City, Missouri, saw her journey come to an end after the Head to Heads round. However, she still walked away with the spiritual experience of a lifetime after many contestants broke into an impromptu worship session backstage.

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“The Holy Spirit” Shows Up to ‘American Idol’

On April 4, American Idol hopeful Rylie O’Neil shared footage of an incredible behind-the-scenes moment to her Instagram page.

“POV: you’re on the set of American Idol and the Holy Spirit shows up,” wrote the artist, who performs using the stage name IAMKNOWN.

In the video, multiple season 23 hopefuls, including Drew Ryn, Breanna Nix, and MKY, momentarily set aside the competition for something greater. Each harmony blends seamlessly into the next as they join together for a haunting rendition of Elevation Worship’s “The Blessing.”

 

“Such a special moment backstage,” O’Neil wrote in the caption. “God WILL get His glory.”

The post attracted nearly 40,000 “likes,” with viewers sharing their joy in seeing the artists unite for a larger purpose. “He didn’t just show up, He blew into that building and took the roof off,” one Instagram user wrote. “Wow! Powerful.”

Another commented, ” need a whole album of worship songs sung by this group of people! Wowow.”

Carrie Underwood Gets Emotional Over “Gratitude” Cover

Earlier this week, Rylie O’Neil faced off against Breanna Nix during the Head-to-Head Rounds on season 23 of American Idol. The two women delivered a powerful performance of Brandon Lake’s worship song “Gratitude,” prompting an emotional response from first-time judge Carrie Underwood.

“I wanna tell you, I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you,” a choked-up Underwood said. “It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that. I want to tell you that I’m proud of you guys.”

While Nix advanced to the Top 24, O’Neil did not.