A Powerful Tribute to Her Gospel Roots at the Ryman
Carrie Underwood once again left fans in awe as she returned to the American Idol stage for a heartfelt Easter Sunday tribute, delivering a soul-stirring performance of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.” The special event, which aired on April 20, was part of Idol’s “Songs of Faith” Easter celebration, a spiritually-themed broadcast that featured performances from the Top 20 contestants, celebrity judges, and special guests, including artist-in-residence Jelly Roll.
Underwood, an Idol alumna and longtime advocate for faith-based music, has consistently woven spiritual themes into her work. From her breakout hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to the Grammy-winning gospel album My Savior, she’s never shied away from expressing her beliefs through song. The 2021 record My Savior includes powerful renditions of beloved hymns such as “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” and “The Old Rugged Cross,” and was supported by a livestream concert filmed at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium.
That same spirit was channeled during her Easter Sunday performance this year. Dressed elegantly and commanding the stage with quiet intensity, Underwood closed the evening with “How Great Thou Art”—a hymn she’s famously made her own. Her performance, filled with emotion and vocal firepower, brought the crowd to its feet. Even host Ryan Seacrest was at a loss for words, simply saying, “I have no words after that!”
Her ability to connect spiritually through music continues to resonate deeply. During the Hollywood Week portion of this season’s competition, Underwood became visibly moved as two contestants, Breanna Nix and IAMKNOWN, performed Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude.” She took a moment to acknowledge the challenges of remaining faithful in the entertainment world, encouraging the singers by saying, “It’s brave to hold onto your faith in this industry. I’m proud of you.”
Carrie’s authenticity and emotional resonance remind fans why she remains one of the most powerful voices in music today—both literally and figuratively. Her Easter performance was more than just a musical moment; it was a reflection of her unwavering devotion and a testament to the timeless power of gospel music.
