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.
