Usually, American Idol fans can find Carrie Underwood watching the show’s contestants sing their hearts out on stage while she sits at the judging panel alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. However, during last night’s episode, she got her time to shine on stage with a beautiful delivery of “How Great Thou Art” in honor of Easter Sunday.
The smoke-filled stage and heaven-like images cascading across the screens set the perfect tone for Underwood’s performance. She caught the attention of viewers first with her sparkling long baby pink gown with ruffled sleeves, and then with her breathtaking vocals that filled the room.
She started off soft, letting the faith-filled words of the well-known Christian hymn sink in before slowly building with emotion and strength. Fellow judges Richie and Bryan expressed true awes as her voice soared effortlessly through each note, showcasing her impressive amount of control, especially during the final chorus where she unleashed a full goose-bump inducing belt. Simultaneously, the room lit up as the images glowed brighter than ever before and the audience waved their candlesticks from side to side.
Her heartfelt vocal delivery was elevated by a powerful gospel choir that stayed by her side through the final note. As confetti rained down from the ceiling, it marked a breathtaking and fitting end to the faith-filled episode.
“How Great Thou Art” has become a powerful tune in the first-time Idol judge’s catalog. She released a live version of the hymn with Vince Gill for 2014’s Greatest Hits: Decade #1 album and then recorded a solo studio version for 2021’s My Savior album.
It was clear from last night’s standing ovation that the live audience as well as her fellow judges and Idol’s Artist in Residence Jelly Roll were beyond impressed by the performance.
After the show aired, viewers watching from home got their chance to share opinions on the performance, and it’s safe to say, Carrie Underwood was the talk of the night. Her unbelievable delivery on stage earned nothing but the highest of praise from fans on social media.
One user even went as far as to say that it was so incredible, it felt as if she won the show for a second time. “I’m pretty sure Carrie Underwood won American Idol for a 2nd time after that performance! Absolutely beautiful!”
Others admitted they were “Totally blown away” by last night’s run of performances for Easter Sunday, especially Underwood’s closing delivery.
“The Easter episode, the voices, the display of faith & Carrie Underwood ending with How Great Thou Art. An episode for the ages.”
Someone else said, “OK, that was … wow. Carrie Underwood had the Holy Spirit working that room. What a way to end an #Easter Sunday!”
OK, that was … wow. Carrie Underwood had the Holy Spirit working that room. What a way to end an #Easter Sunday! #AmericanIdol
— Sean Stevens (@RadioBoySean) April 21, 2025
Underwood wasn’t the only judge to take the stage last night, as Luke Bryan sang the tune “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids” from his latest Mind Of A Country Boy record while Jelly Roll joined GRAMMY winning Christian artist Brandon Lake in performing “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
Fans will have to tune into ABC tonight, Monday April 21 to find out which contestants will make their way into the Top 14. American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the next day.
The post Carrie Underwood Earns Rave Reviews For Heavenly Performance Of ‘How Great Thou Art’ On ‘American Idol’ appeared first on Country Now.
