17-year-old Canaan James Hill stunned American Idol viewers in 2025 with his powerful gospel performance of Earnest Pugh’s “I Need Your Glory.” His soulful voice and stunning vocal control left the judges in awe, especially as he transitioned from a rich low register to a soaring high end. His vocal runs from 2:05 onward were particularly breathtaking, earning him a platinum ticket. Hill’s audition quickly went viral, reaching 1.2 million views by April, with fans praising his voice as a divine gift.
The following week, Hill returned to perform Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It,” earning standing ovations from both the audience and judges. Lionel Richie called it the “greatest performance I have ever seen.” Hill’s choice of lesser-known gospel songs over mainstream hits highlights his passion and authenticity, making it clear that this 17-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.
