Gil Kaufman of MTV was interviewed by Gospel Music Channel to discuss his latest stories about American Idol's connection to Christian music.

Many of the contestants from the popular Fox show have roots in the church, serving as praise and worship leaders or singing in the choir.

Kaufman wrote an MTV.com story a few weeks ago, which stirred up controversy among the fans of the show.

Kaufman concludes," Like Aretha Franklin or Ray Charles before them, these singers grew up in the ultimate proving ground for a singer trying to find his or her voice: the church. Singing in front of an audience and learning new songs every week is practically a boot camp for a show like Idol, and the string of church-bred winners and contestants got as far as they did on the show because they used those lessons they learned in church on a show that has become like a pop-culture religion.''

The list of winners and contestants to go onto recording careers after the show include Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Mandisa, George Huff, Chris Sligh and others.

GMC's interview with Kaufman for a documentary called From Idol to Inspiration will air on the network April 23.

Read more about Kaufman's experience at the Atlanta-based station here.