On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, American Idol judge Carrie Underwood delivered a soul-stirring rendition of “How Great Thou Art,” captivating the audience with her powerful vocals and heartfelt performance. Dressed elegantly, Underwood stood under a soft spotlight, creating an intimate atmosphere that complemented the hymn’s reverent tone. Her performance was part of a special Easter episode that also featured fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan performing their own songs .
Underwood’s rendition of the classic hymn resonated deeply with viewers, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional depth. This performance marked a significant moment in her return to American Idol, not as a contestant, but as a judge, bringing her journey full circle since winning the competition in 2005 .
On April 4, 2011, during the ACM Presents: Girls Night Out special in Las Vegas, Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill delivered a breathtaking rendition of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Underwood, adorned in a shimmering silver mini-dress, began the performance with a soft, soulful introduction, her voice gradually building in power and emotion. Gill accompanied her on guitar, adding harmonious backing vocals that complemented Underwood’s soaring notes.
Midway through the song, Gill performed a poignant guitar solo, allowing Underwood a moment to collect herself before returning with a powerful climax that left the audience in awe. The performance received a standing ovation, with many in the crowd moved to tears. Televised on April 22, 2011, the duet quickly went viral, amassing over 3 million views on YouTube within two days and propelling Underwood’s version of the song to the top of iTunes’ Top Gospel Songs chart and into the Top 40 of the All-Genre Songs chart.
The live recording was later included in her 2014 compilation album, Greatest Hits: Decade #1, cementing the performance as one of the most memorable moments in her career.