As the competition heats up on FOX’s “American Idol,” watched weekly by 30 million Americans, GMAil has asked Tricia Whitehead, GMA’s indie publicist and self-described Idol fanatic, to provide weekly updates following the AIers with gospel music connections.
“American Idol” moved to the big stage this week and GMA’s favorite contestants - Melinda Doolittle, Chris Sligh and Jordin Sparks - continue to shine. All three contestants were voted through to next week after performing Tuesday during Diana Ross theme night. The theme for the next Tuesday will be the British Invasion. This week we add Phil Stacey (below) to the list of AI contestants with gospel music connections since learning he is the minister of music at First Coast Christian in Jacksonville, Fla., and, according to his MySpace page is currently doing graduate work at dc Talk’s alma mater, Liberty University. Phil also advanced to the next week, although he was in the bottom three vote-getters for the 28 million votes cast this week. GMA is not alone in supporting our Idols. Michael W. Smith, via his Web site (www.michaelwsmith.com) is reminding his fans to vote for Jordin, who was a singer on Smitty’s Christmastime tours in 2005 and 2006. Music City has taken a shine to Melinda who is a Belmont grad. The local Fox affiliate, Fox 17, has been following her on AI. Chris’ church, Seacoast Church in Greenville, S.C., has been having weekly AI parties to cheer on their worship leader.

(Phil Stacey photo courtesy of FOX’s “American Idol” Web site)
