Every Tuesday night, for weeks, tens of millions of Americans tuned in religiously to “American Idol” to watch the trials and tribulations of their favorite singers.

This season though, a large number of those faithful viewers had more than a casual pop-culture interest in the show: They where Christians who are also watching because more than half of this year’s crop of finalists — including Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Michael Sarver, Scott MacIntyre, Matt Giraud and Lil Rounds — either have a strong affiliation with the church or are worship leaders in their communities.

Before Idol, Kris Allen had been working with the worship ministry at his home church, New Life Church in Arkansas, on both the Conway and Little Rock campuses since 2007. He is also involved with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries at the University of Central Arkansas.

Danny Gokey was the praise and worship leader at both Faith Builders International Ministry locations, in Beloit, WI for the morning service and then he headed to Milwaukee for the afternoon service, as well as doing mid-week services.

Michael Sarver does more than just work on an oil rig. He leads a worship and praise team at Harvest Church in Jasper, TX and was once a lead singer at Victory Christian Center in Houston. Scott MacIntyre regularly performs at his home church, Scottsdale Bible Church; Matt Giraud, has released two Christian CDs; and Lil Rounds, said she “grew up in church.”

I don’t think having Christians compete on the show is unusual. Jordin Sparks got her start singing in church and won several Gospel Music Association competitions before becoming a pop star with Idol. Chris Daughtry played in a Christian rock band. Last year’s Brooke White is a Christian. The list goes on.

It appears to me that many have attached a cheap label to Christian music, and what we saw from this year’s Idol is that a Christian singer can have artistic integrity and really sing.

When Jordin Sparks won the competition two years ago, Christians took notice because of her strong faith and her background in gospel and Christian music. She followed another avowed Christian Chris Daughtry, who has gained a strong following because of his spiritually inclined lyrics. The show also appealed to its Christian audience last season when the top eight sang the evangelical Christian tune “Shout to the Lord” during the charity fundraiser “Idol Gives Back” and Ruben Studdard released his gospel album, “I Need an Angel” in 2004.

It’s my opinion that even if contestants don’t come out and say it, we can all recognize someone who is Christian. I love that we are seeing more contestants that we can connect with — who we can say, ‘That person is like me’. A proud moment for me was when the Idol judges praised Allen for helping other contestants work on their songs.

Personally, I think it’s brilliant to see devout and open Christians on the show. I think we need more talented and faithful Christians influencing mainstream music, rather than hiding behind a Christian music label. It’s not an easy task. So if you’re a fan of one of next year’s contestants, in addition to voting, pray for them.

So what does that mean? Is the mainstream becoming more open to artists with Christian faith? What do you think? Did having so many worship leaders in the competition signal any changes in public perceptions about Christianity or Christian music? Just thought I’d ask.