Comments

Wow. I guess this is a good thing?

It definitely seems like a good thing. But my question is this: Why replace 'Jesus' with 'Shepherd' when the rest of the song is expressly Christian, with terms like 'Lord' and 'Savior'? I guess I don't understand the motivation there.

Regardless, this is good to see!

They've almost got the Willow Creek look down, just lose the Regis Philbin monochrome deal. Agree on khaki or black pants, and then everyone wear your favorite loose fitting (we must be modest) brightly colored shirt. Also, if it's between Memorial Day and Labor Day, patterns—such as Hawaiian flowers—are acceptable, but only one weeks were khakis are worn.
Choreographed motion? Not so much. Let each sway as he or she feels lead.

I don't understand - how are worship songs connected with American Idol? Why close with a worship song? And if you MUST, why not choose a song written in the last few years, instead of a throwback to the early '90s?

I love it! It would have nice if they keept Jesus, but I still love it. Thank you God!

Curiously, the iTunes version that may be downloaded has the original lyric. I suppose some show or network exec decided after the recording that it might offend some to use the name of Jesus on air. I understand that and don't like the hysterical, offended reactions being promoted on Christian talk radio today. I do wonder if they didn't violate a licensing agreement by altering the lyrics.
My main concern, however, is the attempt to appeal to Christians for donations by using a Christian worship song. I believe it's important that Christians support the many fine organizations that serve the poor and suffering not only with food, medicine and other material help, but along with it give people the message that brings new, eternal life and spiritual resources for the rest of life.

I wonder what their motivation was in doing this song?
I found the whole thing strange and a bit disturbing.

The weird thing is, Thursday night's show ended with a performance of "Shout to the Lord" as well--only this time they sang the original lyrics. I may be getting cynical, but I'm pretty sure the Idol producers knew what kind of attention this would get; the whole thing's a ratings grabber, not that that's necessarily bad. More thoughts here: sds.tumblr.com/post/31401107

Actually Seth, it's very possible that they didn't realize they were in violation of copyright in changing the lyrics. Perhaps Hillsong caught wind of this and asked AI to make it up to them by repeating it with the original lyrics?

I thought it was cool - it was done respectfully, sung beautifully.

I suppose it was an "homage" to traditional gospel music, with the choir and whatnot, but with a more modern twist. Very nice.

Just like Dolly Parton singing about Jesus the week before.

Don't worry about the motives, let the truth be heard for what it is.

I thought it was very appropriate. Of course, I noticed the change in lyric and was very glad to have it back to Jesus the next night, but it really was a great performance and a great, great end to the program. It summed up the mood nicely, of helping those in need, when you feel overwhelmed by it all, who else but the Lord can you go to. More importantly, the Lord knows what is going on, and he is there, accessible, and loving, and to have that song sung was very cathartic. To include the Lord just really capped the program, in my opinion. Think of all the young people who have grown up singing that song--it is probably the most recognizable song they could have sung. Just think how many people it touched, because it was really quite touching. When I tuned in for the end, I thought the program was over, and then to have Ryan Seacrest announce something like, here are your Idols singing "Shout to the Lord," my ears did a double-take. I could not believe it. Hey, I love the Lord, but I thought the song, however they started it, was perfect for the moment. Perfect song choice! Very, very moving end to a wonderful, inclusive program that night. We should have been hearing about all these problems worldwide long before now. We ignored them too long. Just my opinion.

A friend told me about this and it is lovely. Doesn't change my Christian beliefs by a word change either and it is inclusive to our Jewish friends - in reading Old Testament it refers to the Lord, Savior & Shepherd (see Psalm 23) in a variety of places and any time our Lord can be praised in song is a good thing! Glad it is posted on web.

17.6 million viewers...I don't care what the networks' motives were...the name of Jesus was magnified to a secular audience. The world may not know another name for Jesus is Shepherd,but He knows, and the Holy Spirit carried the message to the world. How many of those 17.6 million will be humming the message during the next few months?
The American Idol Eight and back up choir performed beautifully!
Their white on white attire appropriately complimented the purity of the song.

who's the clown how posted about a throw back from the 90's. try instead the most song worship song in the world next to 'Amazing Grace'

Why shouldn't american idol be connected wth whorship music? Its a refreshing change for the program.

I guess we just can't be happy with the little inroads we might be making into the culture. My guess is they chose the song because many of the contestants, especially the ones who make it through are publicly professing believers.

I did a double take as well when Ryan introduced this song, but was pleasantly surprised to see that I really did hear correctly. I thought the idols did a great job on the song, putting as much passion into it as any other song they've sung. The confetti canons were just a bit over the top for me, but probably only because I wouldn't expect to see that while I'm hearing a worship song. It fit the whole staging of the number though. I was a bit taken aback to then see Ben Stillers closing scene (like he showed up late for the "big show" at the Kodak Theater because of Ryan) lace with bleeped profanities. It seemed ad odd juxtaposition with what had just been sung; but hey, we're not watching a church service. The world is the world. I was just delighted to see that a worship song was even considered. And I'm sad to say it, but I'd guess that most of the folks who called in to donate the millions of dollars raised probably wouldn't even call themselves Christians. It's efforts like Idol Gives Back and Extreme Makeover Home Edition that I think make "the Church" look pretty bad when it comes to outreach.

On Weds. show that showed around the world thsy did use My Shepherd, but on Thurs. show they sang My Jesus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6G0U8Vg6nY

"But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Phil. 1:18

I supposed leaving out Jesus opens the song to Jews and Muslims, as a lot of the rest of the lyrics can apply to an Old Testament God as well. Interesting, though.

Let's be thankful for what WAS on the air, folks! God is good, He was worshiped, and His truth proclaimed. Even surprisingly by Moriah in the song prior to Shout to the Lord too! Let's be thankful that the number one reality show can be a platform where Jesus is exalted too. What they've done this week is a huge step for 'the world' to see, experience, and possibly be awakened too. It's like God could have used the beginning of the show to grab the unbeliever's attention, touch some deep spots in their hearts with the compassion/outreach part, and then close it with His truth, proclaiming His works, etc. Let's not undermine this great of a thing!

I think this song was chosen because the contestants sang inspirational songs this week. What better choice as a group inspirational song than this worship song? And what better way to expose people to this genre of music and maybe open their minds to Jesus than to use this song? On Thursday's show we were told that the song is the #1 download on iTunes. While I'm sure a lot of Christians are downloading the song, there have to be a lot of people who are not believers also downloading and listening. Music has the ability to open people's hearts to things that they sometimes normally would not be open to. We will never know how many people are touched by this song and how their lives are changed. I loved it and I am really glad Idol decided to use it in their show.

I didn't watch Idol Gives Back -- given fair warning I now choose not to watch Bono stuff -- and this video shows that Make Poverty History (ONE) bracelets were worn prominently during that song.

As for the substituted "shepherd" lyric, anyone who has read the book Bono On Bono will have seen what he thinks about sheep (page 64) as a metaphor for followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. "They all head off the wrong direction together. There's no particular leader, anyone can become a leader, and anyone can be right for a particular stampede."

Also, note how the phrase Helter Skelter, "stolen back" by Bono from Charles Manson in Rattle And Hum, later turned up several times in Eugene Peterson's The Message, including references to the scattering of the sheep (Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27).

The shepherd struck, the sheep scattered, Zechariah 13:7-9 (NIV) tells of testing times ahead.

Meanwhile, Shout To The Lord, as sung by Hillsong's Darlene Zschech, appears to be copyrighted to Hillsong Australia. Further research shows that Zschech and Hillsong's Pastor Brian Houston are supporters of Bono's Make Poverty History campaign through Micah Challenge Australia.

It is all kind of intriguing isn't it? But really, when you think about it, the world will always try to put on a good face. That's why the Apostle Paul says things like "it doesn't matter what their motive is, the gospel is preached." It is the message, not the messenger, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, of course, that gives life.

Let's be real, TV shows broadcast for their own personal gain, that's the business. The Christian is not to follow suite. We are to do good in such a way as to not let the left hand see what the right hand is doing. In so doing, God gets the glory, not ABC, CBS, Oprah, Sears, Etc.

With American Idol's focus on "My Shepherd", and now "Shepherd One" soon to touch down at Andrews Air Force Base, here's some of what the Good Shepherd says about His sheep:

"But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice" (John 10:5).

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me" (John 10:14)

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10: 27-30 NIV).

My wife told me about "Shout To The Lord" the ff. a.m. and I said it's good thing! This song started me off in 1997 to become a Christian, along with "Lord, I Lift Your Name On High" (attending a PK event). I'd request American Idol producers/makers to put out more "worship-to-Jesus" songs. Let's share the great "Shepherd - Jesus" to America & the world for all to know the 'Living Word!' This world needs Him; Praise the Lord!!!

Idol Makers: Try "Love You So Much" as your next song! Thank you!!!

Sad to say, they replace the name of our Lord and Saviour since that way they are not SPECIFICALLY linking the song to our God. It has become a new trend for many religions to take 'Christian' songs and replace them with words such as Buddha and other gods. When they sang this song version, its was to prevent any religious outrage from any other religions... WHich makes me wonder why in the world they would even bother unless they meant it in their hearts of hearts...

A postcard of post-modernity. No contradictions can stand in the way of an emotive experience: "American Idol" the platform for praise for the One above all idols.

It was neat that they did the song, but if you watched the entire show, the song made no sense at all. It didn't flow with the program at all and I was left scratching my head.