Christian artist and "American Idol" finalist Colton Dixon recently proposed to his girlfriend, Annie Coggeshall at Disney World in Florida - the "Happiest Place on Earth".
The singer took to Instagram to announce the couple's engagement: "She said yes!!!!!! #disneyworld #bestdayever #icried #shedidnt," the 23-year-old wrote.
Dixon also shared a photo collage of the momentous occasion, including a photo of the smiling couple, a close-up of the ring and a sweet picture of the bride-to-be with bride and groom themed Minnie and Mickey ears.
According to People Magazine, Dixon was in Orlando to perform at the Christian music festival Night Of Joy, and he announced the engagement from stage Friday night. Dixon and Coggeshall met through a mutual friend at a concert in L.A. and have been together for almost three years.
Speaking to Disney, Dixon revealed that he knew his fiance was "the one" after spending time in prayer and listening for God's voice.
"I can't believe I'm already at this stage of life. I've seen friends and family make this step, and it's always seemed so far away, but here we are," he said. "After mulling over how and where to propose, I could think of no better place than Walt Disney World. I've known that Annie was the one for me for a long time, but God's timing is always perfect. Listening to Him and being intentional in our time together and apart as we grew as people was so important. Thank you to all of my friends and family who cheered me on during this time! There it is, guys and gals. I'm getting married!!!!!!!"
Dixon shot to fame in 2012 after he made it to the top seven on Season 11 of Fox's hit show American Idol. The singer, who often speaks publicly about his Christian faith, revealed that the show challenged his faith - and forced him to rely on God in a way he never had before.
"I remember being on 'American Idol' and feeling so disconnected and so alone," he told Fox News last year. " 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."
At the time, the singer said he hoped his struggle on "Idol" would inspire fans going through similar difficulties.
"I think a lot of us struggle with doubt or whatever and it's in those moments that our faith is tested," he 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."
Charisma News notes that Dixon's 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album by a new Christian artist and the No. 9 best-selling album of 2013 in the Christian genre overall.
In 2013, Dixon won a Dove Award for Best Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year, along with two additional nominations. This year, ANCHOR is nominated for a Dove Award for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year. Dixon also received back-to-back K-LOVE Fan Award nominations for Male Artist of the Year in 2014 and 2015.
Friday also marked the release of Dixon's Dual EPs Calm and Storm, which already put Dixon at the top of the iTunes Christian albums chart
