Former Ohio music pastor and “American Idol” contestant Caleb Flynn was sentenced Monday to life in prison without parole after a jury convicted him of murdering his wife while having an affair.

The judge said Flynn, 40, used his Christian faith to manipulate others and showed no remorse for actions involving “layers of deceit, manipulation and cruelty.”

Flynn wept as he apologized to his family before sentencing, beginning with his two young daughters, who were home when he shot their mother, Ashley Flynn, while she slept. He described their births as the “greatest joy in this life.”

Although Flynn said he accepted responsibility for his words and decisions, he continued to insist he was innocent.

“As I stand here before God, who is my ultimate judge, I am not lying when I say I did not kill my wife,” he said.

Prosecutors said Flynn staged a home invasion in February and falsely claimed that a burglar had killed Ashley, a 37-year-old schoolteacher and volleyball coach.

Flynn briefly appeared on “American Idol” in 2013, crediting Ashley with encouraging him to pursue his singing ambitions. He did not advance to the main Hollywood competition.

Flynn did not testify during the trial, and no witnesses testified on his behalf.

Ashley’s family supported the harsh sentence but said they had forgiven Flynn because they did not want hatred to define her legacy. Her sister, Kayla Keyt, said the killing had deeply affected their church community, with children running into their parents’ bedrooms to make sure their fathers had not killed their mothers.

Prosecutors said Flynn wanted to end his marriage and sent his lover a message the night before the shooting saying, “I choose you. I’m free. Actions will come tomorrow.”

His lover, Alleigha Botner, testified that she met Flynn in 2022 and had an affair with him for more than a year. She said he told her he hated his wife and had considered killing her.

The murder weapon was not found, but prosecutors said Flynn’s fingerprints and DNA were at the scene and electronic data showed him moving around the house despite claiming he was asleep.

The jury convicted him of murder, felonious assault and tampering with evidence.