As the lights dimmed and the excitement built, “American Idol” finalist Chris Sligh once again prepared to go on stage. This time, however, Randy, Paula and Simon were nowhere to be found.
Sligh performed Sept. 13 at Sylacauga High School for the Back to Basics student conference tour, sponsored by Sylacauga-based Footwash Ministries.
Footwash Ministries was created by Brian and Laura Taunton, members of Browns Chapel Baptist Church, Sylacauga, in Coosa River Baptist Association, to spread the Word of God in creative ways. They provide educational materials and ministerial resources to be available when needed.
Community members gathered in the high school auditorium to see the witty entertainer who wowed audiences on national television more than a year ago.
After musician Jason Walker welcomed everyone with his instrumental and vocal talents and Brian Taunton gave an inspirational speech, Sligh took the stage.
Chandra and Ty Ponder, members of Trinity Baptist Church, Sylacauga, in Coosa River Baptist Association, came to the auditorium after hearing about the concert through their child’s day care.
“We watched him on [‘American Idol’] and are really excited to be here to see him live,” Chandra Ponder said. “He’s really good. I love how he talks about his wife and how he is all over the media as a Christian.”
The concert for the Back to Basics conference tour was just one stop on the map for Sligh, who is now touring around the country.
“I grew up on the missions field where my parents were missionaries,” Sligh said. “Then, right out of college, I started playing Christian music such as (Steven Curtis) Chapman and dcTalk. I began touring as an individual and ended up putting out four albums — solo and with different bands — in the Christian market. A buddy convinced me to try out for ‘Idol’ and I decided to do it.”
Sligh was a hit during the sixth season of the show with his sense of humor and talented vocal performances. He continued to be successful and made it to the top 10 before being voted off. However, this gave him a place in the “American Idol” tour, stretching his stay with the show another few months.
“I was only involved with ‘Idol’ for less than two years,” Sligh said, telling how little “Idol” is a part of his life.
As a 30-year-old with years in the music industry, Sligh describes “Idol” as being a “stepping stone to get over that hump in the industry.”
Sligh finished the “American Idol” tour in the fall of 2007 and signed a deal with Brash music. He went on to make his national debut with his solo album “Running Back to You,” released May 6.
His chart-topping hit “Empty Me” is played consistently on Christian radio stations and his new single, “Arise,” has been released as well. But he is quick to avoid being categorized as a typical Christian “worship” artist, noting society’s skewed view of worship.
“It appears we have to sing worship songs to worship God,” Sligh said. “It is quite insulting to Him. … This is life music, not just typical Christian music. The Bible is not just about worshiping God, it is about telling a story. That’s what we as musicians do — tell stories. I tell the story of my life, whether it is through a love song, a poetic melody or my walk with Christ.”
Sligh said although his album is “Christian,” his target audience goes beyond that.
“Eventually I want to reach someone other than just my brothers and sisters,” he said. “My only goal is to write songs people can relate to whether it is about simple life moments, growing up or worshiping God.”
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