On Easter Sunday, award-winning singer Carrie Underwood returned to the American Idol stage, 20 years after her life-changing win, to deliver a heartfelt and vocally stunning performance of the classic Christian hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Featured on her GRAMMY Award-winning gospel album My Savior, the rendition captivated audiences across the country with its emotional depth, musical excellence, and spiritual resonance.
A Return to Her Musical Roots
Carrie Underwood first rose to fame as the winner of American Idol Season 4 in 2005. Since then, she has built a career marked by multiple Grammy Awards, chart-topping albums, and a reputation as one of the strongest vocalists in modern country and gospel music. Her return to the show that launched her career carried both nostalgia and reverence, especially given the sacred significance of Easter Sunday.
Her performance of “How Great Thou Art” was not only a musical highlight but a spiritual moment for many viewers. Wearing a flowing white gown under soft stage lighting, Underwood delivered the hymn with precision and passion, drawing on her deep Christian faith and vocal artistry to elevate the experience.
According to Billboard, Underwood’s version of “How Great Thou Art” has consistently been a fan favorite since her initial live rendition of the song during the Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country special in 2011. That performance went viral and has since been viewed millions of times across digital platforms, demonstrating the song’s lasting impact and Underwood’s ability to make it resonate anew each time she performs it.
Featured on My Savior: A Critically Acclaimed Gospel Album
Released in 2021, My Savior is Carrie Underwood’s first full-length gospel album. The record includes traditional Christian hymns such as “Amazing Grace,” “Because He Lives,” and “The Old Rugged Cross,” in addition to “How Great Thou Art.” It debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top Christian Albums and Top Country Albums charts, reflecting Underwood’s crossover appeal and her deep connection with fans of faith-based music .
The Recording Academy recognized My Savior with the GRAMMY Award for Best Roots Gospel Album at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2022, affirming Underwood’s credibility and success in the gospel music genre .
American Idol’s Special Easter Episode
The Easter Sunday edition of American Idol featured several performances intended to uplift and inspire. Notable appearances included country singer Luke Bryan performing “Jesus ’Bout My Kids,” and a moving duet by Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake titled “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” However, it was Underwood’s solo performance that became the emotional centerpiece of the episode.
American Idol’s official Instagram account highlighted her performance shortly after it aired, stating:
“Her voice. The message. The glory. From her GRAMMY Award-winning gospel hymns album My Savior, it’s @carrieunderwood’s #HowGreatThouArt on #AmericanIdol.”
Social media platforms were soon filled with comments from viewers expressing their emotional responses. While individual comments may vary in tone, the general sentiment was one of admiration and inspiration.
Fans and Celebrities React
Underwood’s Easter performance prompted reactions not only from fans but also from fellow musicians and public figures. Hillary Scott of Lady A praised the performance on Instagram, calling it “exceptional,” while HGTV host Jenny Marrs described it as “absolutely beautiful.”
Carrie herself shared behind-the-scenes images from the performance on Instagram, writing:
“Feeling blessed this Easter!”
Fans responded with comments such as:
“You look like an angel with a voice to match.”
“Speechless at this performance. Absolutely amazing!!”
Such reactions reflect the emotional connection Underwood continues to maintain with her audience, especially during moments that combine faith and artistry.
What’s Next for American Idol and Carrie Underwood?
Following the Easter performance, American Idol continues with its regular season, moving into the next phase of the competition. As of the episode following Easter, the Top 14 contestants were set to be announced, bringing added excitement to the show’s progression.
American Idol airs on ABC every Sunday and Monday at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST and is available for streaming on Hulu shortly after broadcast.
As for Underwood, she continues to tour and record new music. In addition to her gospel work, she remains a prominent figure in country music and has held a Las Vegas residency, Reflection, which has received acclaim for its production and vocal performances .
Why Carrie Underwood’s Easter Performance Resonated
Carrie Underwood’s performance on Easter Sunday wasn’t just another moment on a television show—it was a deeply personal and spiritual expression. In a culture often divided by trends and fleeting moments, her rendition of “How Great Thou Art” offered a rare, unifying experience that touched audiences from all walks of life.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 63% of Americans identify as Christian, and hymns like “How Great Thou Art” remain deeply meaningful to many believers across denominations . By bringing this song to a national television audience on Easter, Underwood connected with viewers on a cultural and emotional level.
Her performance was also a demonstration of vocal excellence. The hymn’s dynamic range and emotive content require exceptional control and sincerity, both of which Underwood delivered with precision.
A Lasting Legacy in Faith-Inspired Music
Carrie Underwood has consistently used her platform to share her faith through music. From songs like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to her latest gospel work, her discography reflects a commitment to spiritual themes. This aligns her with other artists who have successfully blended mainstream and faith-based music to reach a diverse audience.
In an interview with People, Underwood shared:
“Faith is a big part of my life, and I wanted to make music that reflects that. My Savior was a passion project, and I’m grateful that it touched so many people.”
Her sincerity and vocal strength continue to distinguish her in an industry that often rewards spectacle over substance.
Conclusion: A Performance to Remember
Carrie Underwood’s Easter Sunday performance of “How Great Thou Art” on American Idol was more than just a televised moment — it was an inspiring and memorable expression of faith, artistry, and legacy. As she celebrates two decades since winning American Idol, Underwood remains a powerful voice in music, offering messages of hope and spiritual comfort through her performances.
Her ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals is what keeps fans returning year after year. Whether through country, gospel, or pop, Carrie Underwood continues to inspire — proving once again that true artistry is timeless.
Sources:
- Billboard. (2021). Carrie Underwood’s ‘My Savior’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart.
https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/carrie-underwood-my-savior-number-1-top-country-albums-9555378/ - The Recording Academy. (2022). 64th GRAMMY Awards Winners & Nominees.
https://www.grammy.com/news/2022-grammys-awards-complete-winners-nominees-nominations-list - Rolling Stone. (2022). Carrie Underwood Kicks Off Las Vegas Residency With Stunning Vocals and Stage Show.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/carrie-underwood-las-vegas-residency-reflection-review-1271796/ - Pew Research Center. (2021). About Three-in-Ten U.S. Adults Are Now Religiously Unaffiliated.
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/12/14/about-three-in-ten-u-s-adults-are-now-religiously-unaffiliated/
