Scott Krippayne and Jeff Peabody win AI Songwriter contest

"American Idol" was dominated this year by Christian artists - Chris Sligh leads worship at his church and is the 2003 winner of the Pop/Adult Contemopary category at GMA'S Music In the Rockies; Phil Stacey is the music pastor at his church; Melinda Doolittle is a Christian and graduate of Belmot University; Jordin Sparks took home a 2nd place finish in the Southern Gospel category at 2004's GMA Music In The Rockies and toured last Christmas with Michael W. Smith.

And now the AI finals bring two more Christians to the contest, singer/songwriter Scott Krippayne and pastor Jeff Peabody. The two teamed up to write, "This Is My Now," the inspirational ballad that both Blake and Jordin sang during last night's finals. Their song was selected from more than 25,000 entries.

Krippayne is no stranger to Christian music. He's recorded seven albums which have spawned numerous #1 hits, and his songs have been recorded by artists like Point of Grace, Avalon, Sandi Patty, Jaci Velasquez, and John Tesh. Peabody is an advertising exec-turned pastor.

To hear the winning song, visit http://www.americanidol.com/songwriter/. For more information about Scott Krippayne, visit www.scottkrippayne.com.

And watch the AI results show tonight. Both Jordin and Blake did a great job, but at the end of the day Jordin is the better singer. But what a competition - when it came down to the final six contestents, they were all talented and a joy to watch.