If the Catholic Church had its own version of “American Idol,” who might be the contestants? I’m partial to a few musical family groups (no doubt it’s the von Trapp family phenomenon). Some of these families have already appeared on competitive musical television shows already, and some already have CDs, but I’d like to see them go head-to-head. Feel free to propose others in the comment box below.
The Louisiana band L’Angelus puts on a very energetic show. The band is made up of family members Katie, Paige, Johnny and Steve. Known primarily as a Cajun band, they sing Cajun, religious, pop, and Christmas tunes. They played World Youth Day in Spain earlier this year. Currently, they’re touring with contemporary Christian singer Michael W. Smith for Christmas. Here’s a video of them singing Lac Bijou. Check them out, or more importantly support their work by purchasing their music.
Celtic Spring is another family of Catholic musicians and dancers - The Wood family - six siblings and their parents. I happened to catch their live show at World Youth Day Down Under in Australia. They combine Irish dancing and music for an especially lively stage show. Here’s the video from their appearance on “America’s Got Talent” in 2007.
Perhaps the most underrated band for “Catholic Idol,” would be the Callens family. A farm family from southwestern Minnesota, they’ve played county fairs and are famous for their barn dances. They are an amazing family. Here’s a news piece that profiles their family and also features a bit of their singing. You can support them by purchasing their honey. Read through the family’s blog and you’ll be amazed by everything this farm family does.
Two other groups include The Fannin Eleven and The Cimorelli’s. The Fannin Eleven (11 brothers and sisters) appeared on NBC’s “The Sing-Off.” Here’s a video from the show. You can listen to more of the Fannin Family’s songs here.
Finally, Cimorelli is an amazing group that’s received a great deal of attention lately. A week ago they reached #6 on the iTunes U.S. pop album chart. They’re a group of six Catholic home-schooled sisters (Lisa, Katherine, Christina, Dani, Amy, and Lauren) who sing a cappella covers of popular tunes. One thing that I, as a parent like, is that they clean up questionable lyrics in the pop tunes they sing. Their YouTube channel features 92 of their videos, and they’ve had more than 100 million views. Check out their CimFam CD and purchase it for a loved one this Christmas. Here’s a video of them singing “Dynamite.”
Comments
Post a Comment
Ceili Rain
The contestants on “American Idol” were unknowns, supposedly picked by the judges producers from amongst the thousands of potential candidates who would line up for days to get an audition (none of them family acts). Pre-picking the “Catholic Idol” candidates in the way described in this post is a non sequitur. This post probably should have more honestly been titled “Catholic family acts I like.”
Ha. Fun article. All good selections. By end of next year, Cimorelli could legitimately be among the biggest stars in the world.
Cimorelli has actually been requested to compete on several of the big talent shows. But, they are ineligible because they are signed to a major record label.
I could go on and on, as I’m a Catholic music groupie! I’d second John’s suggestion of Ceili Rain, but also would throw in Matt Maher (although he doesn’t need a TV show—he’s already earning grammy nods!), Marie Bellet, Joia Farmer. Sarah Hart, Adrianne Price, and Sarah (Bauer) Sansone… we have so many awesome Catholic musicians—they just need more support to get their great music out. Thanks for bringing up a great topic!
Thanks for giving me a list of musicians I can support this Christmas season with my $$ !
My favorite Catholic group is
http://www.seasonsmusic.com/OurMusic.htm
Matt Maher is great too
Luke Spehar, a local Catholic folk singer here in the Twin Cities
http://www.lukespehar.com/
All I know is that I would live in dread of Marty Haugen week.
Please tell me this is “hypothetical” and not a possibility?!
Maureen, Yes, it’s hypothetical. To the best of my knowledge there’s no effort to try to put together a show like this. I thought it would be something fun to blog about. I chose the title “Catholic Idol” over “Catholic Factor” or “The Church’s Got Talent” because it seemed more striking. I realize that these shows are looking for undiscovered talent. This was simply a fun way to put some thoughts together.
There is a big difference between groups who appear at World Youth Day and up and coming popstars like Cimorelli. Alas, in this day and age, methinks the popstars would outright win. In this case, at least they are of good character and massively talented.
We LOVE Cimorelli! They are doing a GREAT job and are so talented. Thrilled to see them mentioned here.
I know a lot of Catholics that sing that would do a Catholic version of Idol in a heartbeat. The American Idol show they wouldn’t bother with because they don’t sing for fame but for God.
I don’t know who would be performing but here is whom I would want as judges—-Steve Perry (formally of Journey), Martin Sheen (and sons…at least Emilio), Mel Gibson, George Clooney, Dennis DeYoung (formally of Styx), and Peter Noone (formally Herman’s Hermits).
There’s a band out of London called Ooberfuse that is very good. Cherrie Anderson does lead vocals - she’s originally from the Phillipines. Their music is among the best I’ve ever heard. www.ooberfuse.com.
Sorry. There’s the whole issue of musical form. The “rock n’ roll” musical form itself, aside from lyrics, is questionable. It’s very conception is born in rebellion to an ordered society derived from Christian standards. These groups have talent, no doubt. But when it’s simply a mimicry of the super emotional hyped pop tunes, it’s value is at least specious from a Catholic perspective.
Cimorelli would win X-factor or America’s Got Talent if they were eligible to compete. They are that talented.
The Callens are not only talented in singing, but an extremely hardworking faith filled family. Their website www.callenshoneyfarm.com is an amazing look into farm life the way it used to be. They accomplish more in one day then most of us to in a week. There is a TV news story of them on You tube show a little of their singing.
Check out their website and lookup their annual barn dance held in June. Good clean family fun.
What about the music phenomenon from Ireland - “Celtic Women”? They are Catholic. Also another Irish group “The High Kings” and also “Celtic Thunder”. Other people like “Enya” who has returned to the practice of her faith. Also Moya Brennen. These are all Catholic.
Daniel
Post a Comment
By submitting this form, you give The National Catholic Register permission to publish this comment. Comments will be published at our discretion, and may be edited for clarity and length. For best formatting, please limit your response to one paragraph and don't hit "enter" to force line breaks.