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'Oh Happy Day': Katy Perry Joins Teen to Sing About Jesus in Gospel-Filled American Idol Audition

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High school senior Drake McCain is fighting for his chance at stardom in this season's American Idol. 

While most contestants choose their favorite pop songs to sing for their auditions, McCain chose to turn his performance into a quick worship service. 

McCain stood before judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan and sang the gospel hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow" which is based on .

The 17-year-old was only singing for a few seconds when Katy Perry, who grew up in church, decided to sing along to the old gospel hymn. 

McCain harmonized with Perry in a powerful rendition of the song. 

Once they finished, Lionel Richie suggested the pair sing "Oh Happy Day," another gospel hymn. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

OH HAPPY DAY EVEN WHEN YOU'VE LOST AN HOUR OF SLEEP BECAUSE @AMERICANIDOL IS BACK TONIGHT AT 8/7c ON @ABCNETWORK!

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on

McCain and Perry sang about Jesus washing away their sins together. Perry even got on her feet to clap and dance to the hymn. 

The teen received a unanimous 'yes' from all three judges and he was given the golden ticket to Hollywood. There McCain will compete to be the next American Idol. 

READ: Tears Gush at American Idol as Once-Homeless Girl Reveals Church Sent Her, Prompts Katy Perry to Talk Church

McCain was shocked that Katy Perry joined him in singing the two worship songs during his audition. 

"I knew I'd do all right, but I didn't think I'd come out there knowing I sang with Katy Perry," he told ABC News Channel 9.

Watch the full audition here:

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About The Author

Emily
Jones

Emily Jones is a multi-media journalist for CBN News in Jerusalem. Before she moved to the Middle East in 2019, she spent years regularly traveling to the region to study the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, meet with government officials, and raise awareness about Christian persecution. During her college years, Emily served as president of Regent University's Christians United for Israel chapter and spoke alongside world leaders at numerous conferences and events. She is an active member of the Philos Project, an organization that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement with the Middle