Was 'American Idol' Right to Reportedly Warn Contestants to 'Beware of Political & Religious Tweets?

According to the multiple outlets, "American Idol" contestant Colton Dixon, 20, has been told by producers that, if he wants to win, he may want to watch his social media messages when it comes to religion and politics. But it wasn't just Dixon who received this alleged message, it seems. The warning, which the singer discussed openly in an interview with Today.com, seemed to be applied to everyone competing on the show. The Daily News continues:

The 20-year-old devout Christian, though, told Today.com that he answers to a higher authority than voting viewers.

“When we first started the Twitter and Facebook stuff, they said beware of political and religious tweets,” Dixon told the site. “Just because it can turn off voters or whatever. But, you know, being a Christian is who I am. It is a part of me musically. It is what I want to do after the show — go into Christian music.”

In the interview, Dixon went on to explain that, despite producers' purported words on the matter, they respect who he is and what he holds dear.

"But I think that (the producers) also have a mutual respect that that is a part of who I am," Dixon continued. "I am not going to hide it, and I am not going to stray away from it just because I am on a TV show."

Here's one of his recent, faith-based Facebook posts:

In addition to his outward and overt faith expressions, Dixon also discussed his personal faith journey in the interview, saying that he wakes up each day to do a devotion. His belief in God, of course, is evident. But so it the general notion that overstating it or overselling it (and we're not accusing him of doing so) does hold the potential to be a detriment to one's career.

While we haven't heard from the producers directly about this subject, it seems Dixon wasn't offended by their advice. Furthermore, there is something to be said about not pushing one's faith or religion too hard. if done inappropriately or too excessively (again, we're not saying Dixon fits that description), it could cause people to turn away or be turned off. This is as true in everyday life as it is on "American Idol."

If one's goal is to win the competition, turning people away by over-enunciating one's religion would obviously be a detriment. On the flip side, being one's self is an important value many tout and Dixon has publicly stated that he wants to showcase who he is -- a Christian -- to the show's audience.

We can only assume that the producers, if Dixon's comments are true, were likely trying to offer helpful advice. What do you think, though? Take our poll: