'American Idol' Winner Colton Dixon Relies on God, Christian Faith, Family to See Him through Hard Times

By Don Pittman
Colton Dixon
Sadie Robertson Duck Dynasty

Christian singer Colton Dixon has grown in his faith since he was young man, and  has really come to know that growth since his time on Fox's "American Idol".

The season 11 finalist, and Dove Award Winner, just released his second album "Anchor".

In an recent interview with FOX411, he shares how his faith played a huge role in who he is, both on and off the stage.

"I grew up in a Christian home, so it's been a part of my life for quite a long time," the singer told FOX411. "I  decided to become a Christian when I was 7, so I was a young one, but man I haven't turned back it's just been such a part of who I am and my music and what I want to do."

He says the distance from his family, and being swept up in the American Idol process really challenged his faith. He hopes sharing how he struggled can be inspiration to others who may be going through a hard time.

"I remember being on 'American Idol' and feeling so disconnected and so alone," the Tennessee native recalled. " I hadn't talked to my family or my friends in what seemed like weeks because you're so busy doing other things and just kind of had to had that reassuring moment, like okay, I know God's still in this. [I] just needed to know I was doing the right thing, and after being encouraged and reassured of that, I was good to go."

He now looks as the trials and tribulations that he went through as a major growth time for him, and he hopes others will see it that way, too.

"I think a lot of us struggle with doubt or whatever and it's in those moments that our faith is tested," the 22-year-old said. "You can either grow in your faith or you can take a step backwards and I just want to encourage people to trust that He's right there."

He's the first to admit that being in the spotlight isn't always easy, and he feels God is going to hold those on the stage to a higher standard.  He acknowledges he is not perfect, but he is trying to keep the posture of his heart toward God,even when he falls down.

"It can be hard when I do slip up...you're only being criticized instead of being lifted up. Especially lately, it feels like Christians have really gotten the wrong end of the stick...we're all going to make mistakes and that doesn't put us on a pedestal more than anybody else," Dixon said.  

He encourages people to stay true to who they are as Christians, and to continue to try and add good and positive to every situation.   

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo