Carrie Underwood has never shied away from sharing her faith, and when American Idol announced a special Easter broadcast for April 20, fans knew she would deliver something extraordinary. From the very beginning of her career, Underwood’s relationship with Jesus has been woven into her music. Her debut single, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” became an anthem of surrender and trust. Later, she released “Something in the Water,” a soaring celebration of baptism and salvation that remains one of her most powerful performances.
Over the years, she has also honored classic hymns such as “Softly and Tenderly” and “How Great Thou Art,” delivering versions so emotional they became signature moments in her career. Many of these songs appeared on her 2021 gospel album My Savior, which featured her heartfelt takes on timeless standards including “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Amazing Grace.” The album debuted at #1 on both the Billboard Top Country Albums and Top Christian Albums charts and later earned Underwood the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album.
To celebrate the project, Underwood performed all 13 tracks during a special Easter livestream filmed at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Through that concert—and throughout her career—she has been open about her faith not only in song, but also in interviews, award speeches, and moments on national television. During Hollywood Week on American Idol in 2025, she grew emotional praising contestants Breanna Nix and IAMKNOWN for choosing to perform the Christian hit “Gratitude.” Underwood told them how difficult it can be to enter the entertainment industry while boldly expressing faith, calling their decision “brave” and saying she was “proud” of them.
So when American Idol premiered its three-hour “Songs of Faith” Easter special this year, the anticipation for Underwood’s performance was immense. Dressed in a dazzling, glittering gown, she took the stage and delivered a breathtaking rendition of “How Great Thou Art”—a hymn she has performed many times, but one that continues to showcase her voice at its absolute peak. Her vocal power, control, and emotion filled the theater, bringing the audience to its feet before the final note even faded.
Host Ryan Seacrest summed it up perfectly as the crowd erupted: “I have no words after that!” And truly, when Carrie Underwood sings “How Great Thou Art,” it’s more than a performance. It’s an experience—one that leaves listeners with chills, tears, and a renewed sense of awe.