It truly is inspiring to witness people proclaim their faith to the rest of the world, and this is what "American Idol" contestant Shannon O'Hara, 17, did when she joined the singing competition.
During her initial audition, O'Hara shared with the judges that she used her singing talent mostly for church in Mooresville, North Carolina. "It was the first time I sang in public," O'Hara admitted.
The judges were floored by her talent and let her through to the next round of the competition, and last weekend, O'Hara was even included in the competition's top 24 after she performed a rendition of Katy Perry's song, "Unconditionally".
Perry, who also grew up with a similar background as O'Hara, was moved to tears by the performance. She even told O'Hara that she knows "exactly what it's like to grow up in the church."
She added, "You are a secret spiritual ninja."
O'Hara told the Statesville Record that living the American dream through the singing competition is truly "an experience" she would never forget, and she is even more thankful that she gets to do so by sharing her love for God.
"'Idol' truly encourages individuality," she said. "I've loved that. I was able to really present myself as I am."
She revealed that she also auditioned for "America's Got Talent" twice and "The Voice" back in 2015, but "American Idol" is her true goal. O'Hara has been watching "American Idol" since she was a little girl, and she wanted to audition before but she was too young. When she was finally old enough, the show got cancelled by Fox.
"They announced it was over and I was a week too young to audition," she said. "I was heartbroken."
Thankfully, "American Idol" was renewed for Season 16 this year, with new judges Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest returned as the show's host.
