American Idol's Clark Beckham Wants to Sing Secular Songs But Still be a Light for God

By Timothy Yap May 03, 2015 06:09 AM EDT

"American Idol" hopeful Clark Beckham is a committed Christian, but he doesn't foresee himself singing exclusive Christian music. Rather he sees himself as a secular music artist while being a light for God.

Beckham, 22, is deeply rooted in his faith as a graduate of the Christian college Lee University and underwent a life changing experience being touched by the Holy Ghost. Now that he has made it into the top five of the coveted American Idol competition, the singer-songwriter and musician has showcased his range as somebody who can fit into multiple genres.

Speaking to "Christian Post," Beckham does confess his struggle of not wanting to just sing Christian songs. "I know through a lot of confusing years and prayer trying to figure things out, a lot of people said 'you're a Christian and you do music that means you sing Christian contemporary music.' You lead worship," Beckham told CP. "But I don't think God wants us to be isolated. I don't think He wants such a distinct wall between church and secular."

"I want to write songs and sing songs about this world, about people, about this life that God has created through redeemed eyes. That's what I want to do," Beckham said. "I think He created music, and I think He likes good music. I don't think we should be separated, I think we should go out into all of the world even musically."

Beckham auditioned in Nashville with James Brown's "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" and earned a ticket to Hollywood. While in Hollywood he advanced passed the Group Rounds and sang "Try a Little Tenderness" by Otis Reding for his final Hollywood performance. He advanced into Showcase Week where he performed "Georgia on My Mind" by Ray Charles. He was given a spot in the Top 24 and performed "When a Man Loves a Woman" by Percy Sledge. He advanced into the Top 16 where he performed The Miracles' "The Tracks of My Tears" and was voted into the Finals. During the Top 12, he performed "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World" by James Brown and advanced to the Top 11.

During the Top 11, he performed "Takin' It to the Streets" by The Doobie Brothers and "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5. He advanced to the Top 9 where he sang "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. For the Top 8, he performed "The Trouble with Love Is" by Kelly Clarkson for Kelly Clarkson week, which resulted in him making it to the next week. He then took on "Make It Rain" by Ed Sheeran for Billboard Hits Week and was voted into the Top 6. With much praise, he performed "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder and "Moon River" by Audrey Hepbrun; his result is still pending.