Few artists can deliver a classic Christmas hymn quite like Carrie Underwood.
In 2020, Underwood released My Gift, her first Christmas album and seventh studio project overall. Produced by Greg Wells, the album blends timeless carols with original songs and features special guest appearances from John Legend on “Hallelujah,” as well as a touching duet with her oldest son, Isaiah, on “The Little Drummer Boy.”
Later that same year, she expanded the project into a televised concert event titled My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood, which premiered on HBO Max. The special includes performances of the album’s standout tracks, behind-the-scenes footage of Carrie recording with Isaiah, and solo moments like “Favorite Time of Year,” all woven together into a heartfelt holiday experience.
Underwood has previously shared how meaningful it was to record “The Little Drummer Boy” with her son, calling it the emotional centerpiece of the album. She explained that the title My Gift was inspired by the song and that Isaiah’s natural love for singing made the moment even more special. She described his enthusiasm—always wanting to know if he did his best—and said his sweet voice was the perfect finishing touch. For her, the recording is a lifelong keepsake and an irreplaceable part of the project.
As her children grow older, that moment will only become more meaningful. It’s easy to imagine Isaiah one day looking back on that recording as one of his most cherished Christmas memories.
The album itself strikes a rare balance, combining beloved holiday standards with thoughtfully written originals. It stands out as one of the strongest country Christmas albums in recent years—even for listeners who don’t typically gravitate toward seasonal music.
There’s also something uniquely powerful about the way Underwood approaches hymns. Whether it’s a Christmas carol or a gospel song, her delivery carries both reverence and emotional weight. It’s the same quality that makes her gospel album My Savior so endlessly listenable.
That’s why her live performance of “O Come All Ye Faithful” feels especially transcendent. The hymn—whose origins trace back centuries and have been attributed to figures like John Francis Wade and early Cistercian monks—has long been a cornerstone of Christmas worship. Its English version, translated in the 19th century by Frederick Oakeley, helped cement its place in holiday tradition.
Underwood recently released her performance of the hymn from My Gift: A Christmas Special on YouTube, and it’s nothing short of stunning. Dressed in flowing white, she delivers a vocal performance that is both technically flawless and deeply moving. It’s among the finest renditions of the song in recent memory and serves as a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of the season.
You can watch her performance of “O Come All Ye Faithful” now.