Carrie Underwood brought the house down with a recent performance. Underwood sang “How Great Thou Art” as part of American Idol‘s Songs of Faith episode. It’s a song that Underwood has been performing in her live shows for years, including as part of her just-ended REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency.

Underwood’s performance earned her a standing ovation from everyone on set, including fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, plus Artist in Residence Jelly Roll.

The mother of two is an outspoken Christian, something  Bryan says has been refreshing while filming the TV show.

“She’s never shied away from her spirituality and her Christian beliefs and she’s done it through music,” Bryan tells Billboard. “It’s been a part of her artistry, and the kids this year have showed up with more of that maybe than in years past, and that’s been something really, really special to watch. I’m sure she probably thinks, ‘Am I making a difference?’ but it showed this year. A couple of episodes ago she asked, ‘Historically have people done so much gospel?’ And I said, ‘You may be having a little something to do with that.'”

“It wasn’t just gospel,” Underwood adds. “They usually say something before they sing about why they want to be the next American Idol and so many of them said, ‘Because God put me here,’ and they’re leaning into that. And I asked, ‘Has it always been like this? This is awesome.'”

 

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Underwood included “How Great Thou Art” on her 2021 My Savior  record, an album full of songs about her Christian faith. The Oklahoma native says there is a very good reason why “How Great Thou Art” is one of her favorite hymns.

“I love that song so much,” Underwood explains (via PopCulture.com). “I feel like it’s one of the most perfect songs on the planet. It’s just joyful and it’s recognizing that God is just, He’s done such magnificent, beautiful, big things … Those lyrics are just, they’re amazing.

“And of course,” she adds, “the song is very challenging and I like challenging vocal songs. So it’s just perfect for me.”

Underwood has a faith-based song out now. She just released “If It Was Up To Me,” a collaboration with Ben Fuller.

“Ben is such a talented singer and songwriter, and I love the joy he brings to singing about his faith, which we have in common,” says Underwood. “I was honored when he asked me to sing with him on ‘If It Was Up To Me,’ and I love how our voices blend on such a positive and uplifting song.”

Underwood was part of numerous performances for the three-hour Songs of Faith episode, including Jelly Roll, who was joined by Brandon Lake to sing “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

Underwood is currently enjoying her first season as a coach on American Idol, 20 years after winning Season 4. The show airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8:00 PM on ABC.

Photo Credit: Disney/Eric McCandless