Just noticed a new article in the Washington Post that talks about the contestants finding great experience and opportunities to sing in church.

When LaKisha Jones belted out a song from the movie “Dreamgirls” in her debut on this season of “American Idol,” the Michigan church that helped nurture her soulful sound was rooting her on.

The musical careers of Jones and some other “Idol” contestants, past and present, were born in churches across the country, settings where many singers perform on Sundays to a not-so-nationwide audience.

“Years and years of singing in church and never making a living off of something that I love to do,” said Jones, a 27-year-old bank teller, summing up her musical career in an interview aired on the Fox talent show. “And now to have the opportunity . . . it’s a good feeling.”

And here’s an interesting quote later in the piece:

“Though she’s doing the majority of everything in the secular realm, in the secular field, right now, she’s bringing the cross over instead of crossing over,” said Jordan, who attended the Praise and Worship Conference.

JG