Singer Chloe Bailey opened up about her relationship with God and how it led her to her new movie role.
Bailey, 24, told the “Today” show she “always really, really loved God,” which led her to audition for the faith-based movie “Praise This.”
“It’s really been like a spiritual, personal-based relationship, more so than religious,” she said about her faith. “And I’m never shy of talking about God, because I wouldn’t be here without Him. So when I even got wind of this project, when I made myself tape, I was like, ‘Wow, my favorite things: God, music, and acting!'”
Bailey revealed she “grew up in the church” and sang in her “nana’s church” with her sister.
She also spoke about how she resonated with her character, Sam, in the movie.
“My connection to Sam is definitely her heart, and how much love and passion she has for her music,” she said. “You know, she writes, she produces and she’s willing to do whatever to make her dreams pop off, and she’s so creative.”
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the musical comedy is about “a young woman with dreams of being a superstar joins an underdog Atlanta choir praise team in the lead up to the national competition.”
In an interview with CNN, Bailey said, “I truly believe that God accepts us in every shape and form, and we should come exactly as we are. (The movie) shows that in such a positive light with comedy, and I hope audiences love it.”
Director Tina Gordon told The Washington Post about what her inspiration was for the film.
“I felt like it would be a great opportunity if I could show this generation’s relationship to faith and show this generation’s challenges as it relates to faith in a light, funny way,” she said.