Hillsong Church

Hillsong Church is an Australian pentecostal church, who is well known for their singing and dancing. They are a favourite of tabloid TV show Today Tonight, who have made numerous conspiracy theories about the church, accusing them of various efforts which they ultimately claim are trying to take over the entire country.

Amongst the claims made against Hillsong Church by Today Tonight include the claims that they were trying to take over Australia's mainstream music industry by rigging elimination-style singing contest Australian Idol (which in turn is partially based on American Idol). Their claims were based on the fact that the initial winner, Guy Sebastian, was a member of a Hillsong Church affiliate, and proudly advertised for the church after his victory. In addition, in 2007, 2 of the favourites for the competition, Tarisai Vushe and Matt Corby, were both members of Hillsong Church affiliate Shire Live. Today Tonight falsely claimed that 7 of the 9 remaining contestants in the show (as at when they aired the show) were all members of Hillsong Church, 5 of whom were not actually members of the church. Ben McKenzie, who was also favoured to do well, was the first to be a shock exit from the show based on this misconception that he was a part of the alleged cheating. Such was the anger that was felt surrounding Today Tonight's actions that one of the judges threatened to quit live on air in response to Ben McKenzie leaving and the attitude of her fellow judges.

The various smears against Hillsong Church have both hurt the church and helped it. Ultimately, they have made people much more aware of the church than they otherwise would have, many with a negative attitude towards the church.