Carrie Underwood's 'How Great Thou Art' On American Idol: 5 Reasons Her 2025 Performance Is More Iconic Than Her Original

The conversation about Carrie Underwood’s greatest performance on *American Idol* has just been rewritten. While fans have long revered her 2005 run that led to her Season 4 victory, her stunning return to the *Idol* stage in April 2025 to perform the classic hymn "How Great Thou Art" has cemented her legacy as one of music’s most powerful vocalists. This latest rendition was not a competition moment but a masterclass in artistry, delivered nearly two decades after she first stepped into the spotlight, and it brought judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and guest Jelly Roll to their feet in emotional worship. On this day, December 15, 2025, the performance continues to be shared and celebrated as a definitive moment in her career. The performance took place during the show’s first-ever "Songs of Faith" special, an Easter Sunday episode that paid tribute to gospel and faith-based music. Underwood, who was already serving on the judging panel for the season, closed out the night with a soul-stirring delivery that proved exactly why she remains the gold standard for reality singing competition success.

The Definitive Biography of Carrie Marie Underwood

Carrie Marie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of *American Idol* in 2005. She is one of the most successful female artists in country music history, often credited with bringing country music to a wider pop audience.

• Birth Name: Carrie Marie Underwood
• Date of Birth: March 10, 1983
• Hometown: Muskogee, Oklahoma (Raised in Checotah, Oklahoma)
• Education: Graduated as salutatorian from Checotah High School (2001); Attended Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, majoring in journalism.
• Spouse: Mike Fisher (married 2010)
• Children: Two sons
• Career Start: Auditioned for *American Idol* in St. Louis, Missouri, in the summer of 2004.
• Major Accolades: Eight-time Grammy Award winner, including Best New Artist; Multiple-time winner of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Entertainer of the Year (the only woman to win it three times); Inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry (2008).
• Record Sales: Has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
• Signature Albums/Songs: *Some Hearts* ("Before He Cheats," "Jesus, Take the Wheel"), *Cry Pretty*, *My Savior* (Gospel album).
• Other Ventures: Fitness clothing line CALIA by Carrie Underwood; Author of the book *Find Your Path*; Theme song performer for NBC's *Sunday Night Football*.

The 2025 'Songs of Faith' Performance: A Masterclass in Powerhouse Vocals

The recent April 2025 performance of "How Great Thou Art" was a highly anticipated event, marking Underwood’s return to the competition stage not as a contestant, but as a celebrated icon. The context of the "Songs of Faith" episode provided the perfect backdrop for the beloved Christian hymn, a song that has become synonymous with Underwood's own personal faith and vocal prowess.

The staging was nothing short of heavenly. Underwood appeared in an elegant, ethereal off-white/baby pink gown adorned with floral-inspired shoulders. The stage was set with low-lying fog, dramatic lighting, and a breathtaking backdrop of dazzling, cloud-dotted skies, creating a truly worshipful atmosphere.

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Her vocal delivery was the centerpiece. Backed by a powerful gospel choir and a full band, Underwood’s soaring vocals delivered a goosebump-inducing rendition. She effortlessly belted out the lyrics, rising to the emotional climax of the song with an expertly-delivered vocal run and an extended, powerful high note.

The reaction from the judges was immediate and profound. Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and guest artist-in-residence Jelly Roll were visibly moved, with Jelly Roll raising his hands in worship. All three judges gave her a standing ovation, a rare and powerful endorsement that underscored the performance's emotional impact.

The Hymn's Deep Significance in Carrie Underwood's Career

While the 2025 performance was a fresh moment, "How Great Thou Art" holds a deep and long-standing significance in Carrie Underwood’s extensive musical catalog. Her connection to the hymn is rooted in her upbringing and her strong Christian faith, which she has always been open about.

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A History with the Classic Hymn

The hymn, a traditional Christian song, has been a staple in her live performances for years. She previously recorded a powerful live version of the track with country music legend Vince Gill for her 2014 *Greatest Hits: Decade #1* album. This collaboration is highly regarded and showcased her ability to blend country and gospel genres seamlessly.

Crucially, a solo studio version of "How Great Thou Art" was featured on her 2021 gospel album, *My Savior*. This album was a passion project for Underwood, featuring covers of classic hymns and gospel standards. *My Savior* debuted at number one on both the Billboard Top Country Albums and Top Christian Albums charts, demonstrating the massive appetite for her faith-based music. The album's success paved the way for the "Songs of Faith" episode itself, as Underwood noted that many contestants were already leaning into their faith and performing gospel songs.

The Contrast: 2005 vs. 2025

The original query often refers to her time as a contestant on *American Idol* Season 4. While the specific performance of "How Great Thou Art" during the competition is not the focus of the recent news, the contrast between the two eras is stark and fascinating. In 2005, she was the small-town Oklahoma girl with raw, powerful talent, singing for a recording contract. Her performance of songs like "Alone" and "Bless the Broken Road" defined her competitive run.

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The 2025 performance, however, was delivered by a global superstar—an eight-time Grammy winner, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and an artist with multiple headlining arena world-tours and a successful Las Vegas residency under her belt. Her return was a victory lap, a testament to her twenty-year reign in the music industry. The confidence, control, and emotional depth in the 2025 rendition of "How Great Thou Art" reflected her journey from a hopeful contestant to a country music icon.

Entities and Topical Authority: The Gospel Music Giant

Carrie Underwood’s continued commitment to gospel music and hymns like "How Great Thou Art" has significantly boosted her topical authority in the faith-based music space. Her success with *My Savior* and the subsequent *American Idol* "Songs of Faith" episode showcase a deliberate and successful expansion of her brand beyond mainstream country-pop.

The inclusion of "How Great Thou Art" in her repertoire connects her directly to a lineage of powerful vocalists who have interpreted the song, including Elvis Presley and Alan Jackson. Her rendition is often praised for its ability to balance traditional reverence with her signature contemporary powerhouse style, characterized by her tremendous vocal range and ability to hold extended notes.

The April 2025 performance was not just a viral moment; it was a strategic move that reinforced key entities within her brand: her faith, her vocal talent, and her enduring connection to the show that launched her career. By delivering such a flawless, emotionally resonant performance, she reminded the audience—and the current contestants—that true stardom is built on both talent and authenticity. The shower of white confetti that concluded the performance was a fitting, breathtaking visual to close the faith-filled episode, leaving no doubt that Carrie Underwood’s influence is as strong as ever.