After capturing the attention and admiration of millions of viewers in 2009 as the first blind contestant on “American Idol,” Scott MacIntyre has inspired people around the world to persevere through hardships and obstacles while trusting God to light the way.
“Being on American Idol changed everything for me,” MacIntyre said. “When I was a little kid, I imagined myself performing music for people. I didn’t know if it would be in my backyard or on a stage, but this show definitely allowed that dream to become a reality.
“My time on the show opened so many doors and created so many opportunities to perform with various musicians and tour all over the world. I’m so grateful for the experiences and the platform [it] provided to not only perform music but also to share about my faith in Christ.”
Reflecting Christ
Each week while appearing on the show, MacIntyre’s talent and positive attitude took the judges and fellow contestants by surprise.
“My prayer is always that people would see Christ in my personality and in my life, and I feel that was captured by the experiences that were shown on ‘American Idol,’” he said. “It encourages me to hear that my music reaches people at a deep level and they can see Christ in me.”
Following his eighth place finish, MacIntyre continued to encourage people to do great things for God’s glory with the release of his autobiographical book, “By Faith, Not by Sight.”
“During my travels I’ve met so many people who have shared that they don’t feel special, valued or like they are making a difference,” he said. “It’s so sad that people are believing these lies because God’s Word very clearly states that each one of us is unique, valued and loved.
“I want to help people realize that they are beautiful and have significant worth to God because they are His creation and made in His image. Through my music and testimony, I want to help lead people to a deep relationship with Christ who will be their constant source of comfort and strength.”
Born with a rare eye disease, MacIntyre began playing the piano by ear at 3 years old. During his teenage years, he taught himself how to play other musical instruments including the guitar, bass, drums and organ.
He graduated from college with a degree in piano performance while being ranked by USA Today as one of the top 20 undergraduate seniors in the nation.
After being diagnosed with kidney disease and undergoing 10 months of dialysis, MacIntyre received his first kidney transplant in 2007 — only one year before he auditioned for “American Idol.”
A few years later, he once again began showing signs of kidney failure and was placed on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney in September 2014 — just three days before his album, “Lighthouse,” was scheduled to release.
A time of spiritual growth
Although MacIntyre was uncertain how his own story would play out, he continued to walk by faith. The songs on this album were designed to reinforce the powerful message that trusting God in the midst of difficult circumstances is like shining a light into the darkness.
“The past few years have been an incredible time of spiritual growth,” MacIntyre noted. “My wife, Christina, and I have been learning to trust God each day — sometimes just focusing on one moment at a time when we have received difficult news. We have lived in times of uncertainty, but we have also lived each day to the fullest by trusting God, walking by faith and waiting for His plan to unfold.”
God’s sovereign hand
One day as MacIntyre shared his story during a radio interview, one particular listener was tremendously impacted and took action by contacting Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville to find out about compatibility testing.
Once it was confirmed this candidate was a perfect match, he realized how God’s sovereign hand was guiding and directing his journey.
Typically the wait time for a deceased donor kidney is three to five years, and doctors expected that MacIntyre’s kidneys would fail within six months.
This unexpected gift from a living donor gave him a renewed sense of purpose for his platform.
“Someone freely gave without ever having met or talked personally with me,” he explained.
“They just wanted to meet a need. It really helps me understand the greater and more profound gift of God’s grace when we don’t deserve it.”
Since undergoing a successful kidney transplant this summer and a six-week recovery period, MacIntyre is now eager to resume his concert schedule and share about God’s divine power, protection and provision.
“I can attest that the joy of the Lord does not depend on our circumstances,” he said. “Even in the midst of all these uncertainties, my wife and I believe that these have been the best years of our lives.
“That peace, assurance and joy can only come from a relationship with Jesus.”
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