Carrie Underwood Says “Jesus, Take The Wheel” Still Guides Her Life Nearly 20 Years Later

A true career-defining moment.

On this day in 2006, Carrie Underwood reached the top of the Billboard Country charts with Jesus, Take the Wheel, beginning a six-week run at No. 1 that would help shape the rest of her career.

The song was written by the late Brett James alongside Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson, and served as the lead single from Carrie’s 2005 debut album, Some Hearts. Its success marked the beginning of an incredible streak—eventually becoming the first of her record-setting 15 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Beyond country radio, the song resonated across formats. It climbed to No. 4 on the Hot Christian Songs chart, found a home on Adult Contemporary radio, and even cracked the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. For many fans, it stands as Carrie’s signature song—one that has sold more than 2.7 million copies in the U.S. and earned a triple-platinum certification from the RIAA.

The accolades followed quickly. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” earned Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song, and took home Single of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Nearly two decades later, it’s still widely regarded as a modern country classic.

At its heart, the song tells a deeply human story: a single mother stretched thin, driving through a snowstorm on Christmas Eve with her baby in the backseat, losing control of her car—and ultimately surrendering her fear, her future, and her life to faith. It’s a powerful narrative, delivered with emotional clarity, and it’s no surprise the song holds a special place for Carrie herself.

In a 2012 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she said that if she had to be remembered for just one song, this would be it—over other massive hits like “Before He Cheats” or “Good Girl.”

“I’d choose something meaningful,” she explained. “Something that someone could hear and feel comforted by, or that might help them through a difficult moment in their life.”

@findingyourfaith Carrie Underwood shares the meaning behind her hit song Jesus Take The Wheel 🙏 FOLLOW for more daily faith inspiration! (Interview with The Ty Bentli Show) // #faith #faithoverfear #Godisgood #Jesussaves #ChristianTikTok #FYP ♬ Instrumental – Vibe – pedrin cria

Carrie has also said the song continues to serve as a personal reminder for her—to release control and trust more deeply.

She’s shared that after performing it, she’ll often text her band saying she could feel something special in the room. For her, the song is a constant nudge to stop overthinking, stop stressing about what comes next, and allow faith to guide the way.

The message hasn’t aged a day.

It’s hard to overstate just how pivotal “Jesus, Take the Wheel” was—not only in launching Carrie Underwood’s career, but in defining it. If an artist could choose one story or sentiment to represent their legacy, it’s hard to imagine a better one than this.

And yes… it’s absolutely going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

I’m perfectly okay with that.