These judges may look imposing, but they have no Cowellian bite and said nothing negative to "Gifted" contestants. (AP Photo/Hillary Rhodes)
Americans tend to take cues from television to learn who will be their next idol.
Nearly 30 million viewers tune in to see who Simon Cowell will rip apart and who has won the heart of the voting public on each episode of Fox's "American Idol."
But for Americans who don't believe in worshipping idols and instead serve Jesus Christ, a countrywide televised singing competition has to be a bit different.
Thank God, then, for "Gifted."
This talent competition being produced for the Trinity Broadcasting Network auditioned gospel singers from around the country with the hopes of discovering the best makers of glorious noise. This spring, America will see the top eight performers belt it out past the pews for the viewing public. The winner will get a major-label recording contract, career management and a $10,000 donation to the church of their original audition.
What makes this show different from its secular sister? "Gifted" is not solely about going gold. It's also about praising the Lord. And no one's going to rip on you if you miss a note.
That eases the tension a little, or a lot, as was clear at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn recently during one of 21 preliminary "Gifted" auditions.
Contestants and spectators watch a religious program while they wait in the church cafe in between try-outs. (AP Photo/Hillary Rhodes)
Contestants waited patiently between a morning first round and an early evening second round. They made friends and spent time laughing and chatting, eating in the cafe, observing a giant fish tank and watching religious programing in the megachurch's cafe.
When doors opened at 8 a.m., hundreds of contestants poured in. By the afternoon, the pool was whittled down to about 150, each with the chance to sing, a capella, 30 seconds of a favorite hymn for a panel of four judges and an audience of hundreds. The performances were taped and contestants found out later whether they would move forward in the competition, saving them the public ridicule so mythic in a program such as "American Idol."
Winners advance to super-regionals in four cities. From there, it's finals for the remaining eight contestants in L.A. "Gifted" will air as a two-hour special.
At the Christian Cultural Center, auditioners spoke about the friendly, accepting and even forgiving environment. A few contestants almost didn't make the first cut, but upon expressing a desire for a second chance, were given one, according to one judge.
"The emphasis is different than 'American Idol,' no question about it," contestant Song Hahn, 22, said. "People are just bringing their gift." (Of course, this is not to say people who watch or participate in "American Idol" are not religious. It's just that with "Gifted," the overt focus is on religion.)
For "Gifted" participants, being able to sing is seen as a blessing from above, not a talent to cultivate for fame or wealth. It's not to be taken advantage of that way; you do not deserve to be idolized for it, they believe.
A "Gifted" judge called people from the audience in groups to read off the names of the next five contestants. "Come on down," he said. "It's your turn to shine."
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Hillary Rhodes is an asap reporter in New York.
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