For two decades, Carrie Underwood has never once shied away from openly sharing her profound Christian faith, weaving her personal convictions into the very fabric of her music, performances, and public presence. From her breakthrough moment on American Idol in 2005 to her most recent, acclaimed projects, Underwood has unequivocally made her relationship with Jesus the central anchor of her life and her artistry.
Her very debut single, the monumental “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” was far more than a hit song—it was an instant cultural phenomenon. The track resonated with millions globally, providing comfort, hope, and inspiration through its clear message of surrender and trust in God. The song immediately earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, firmly establishing her as one of country music’s most compelling and authentic voices. Over the years, it has endured as a defining track, often cited by fans across generations as an anthem of faith and resilient hope.
Weaving Faith into the Mainstream
Throughout her career, Underwood has consistently continued to explore deep themes of faith, hope, and redemption through her songwriting. In 2014, she released “Something in the Water,” a powerful, soaring celebration of baptism, spiritual transformation, and the power of renewal. Its uplifting lyrics and dynamic, soaring vocals earned her both critical acclaim and significant commercial success, including two Grammy Awards. The song was a decisive statement of her personal belief, proving that contemporary country music could engage deeply with spiritual themes while still maintaining broad, mainstream appeal.
Beyond her own original works, Underwood has frequently delivered breathtaking renditions of classic hymns, including “Softly and Tenderly” and “How Great Thou Art.” Her performances are widely lauded for their emotional depth, technical vocal precision, and unmistakable sincerity, often becoming the emotional high points during televised specials, award shows, and her live concerts.
The Spiritual Culmination: My Savior
Underwood’s dedication to the gospel genre culminated in her critically acclaimed 2021 album, My Savior. This deeply personal collection features 13 timeless hymns reinterpreted through her unique vocal lens. The album includes classics such as “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Amazing Grace,” each imbued with her signature vocal power and emotional sensitivity.
Upon its release, My Savior debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top Country Albums and Top Christian Albums charts, a rare achievement that demonstrated her blend of contemporary country artistry and traditional gospel music resonates broadly across different listener bases. The album later earned her the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album, further affirming her exceptional versatility as an artist and her profound ability to honor sacred music while meaningfully connecting with a modern, secular audience.
In interviews, Underwood framed the project as a pure reflection of her personal faith journey, expressing deep gratitude for the role music plays in her spiritual life and the way it allows her to genuinely inspire listeners.
The Ryman Special and Public Advocacy
To celebrate the release of My Savior, Underwood performed all 13 tracks during a special, intimate Easter livestream filmed at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, affectionately known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” The Ryman’s grand, intimate acoustics provided the perfect, hallowed backdrop for a performance that was both visually stunning and emotionally overwhelming. This livestream allowed a global audience to experience the sacredness of the hymns and the sheer majesty of Underwood’s voice.
Behind the scenes, producers and musical directors meticulously worked for weeks, ensuring that every detail—from the complex lighting cues, which shifted gently from soft golden hues to radiant, heavenly tones echoing themes of redemption, to the precise sound mixing—enhanced the spiritual and emotional impact of the performance. The orchestra’s arrangement expertly blended classical and contemporary influences, underscoring the universal and enduring nature of the songs while allowing Underwood’s vocals to absolutely dominate.
Underwood’s commitment to faith is also evident in her role as a mentor to emerging artists. During Hollywood Week on American Idol in 2025, she became visibly emotional while praising contestants Breanna Nix and IAMKNOWN for their choice to perform the Christian song “Gratitude.” She publicly acknowledged how challenging it can be for young artists to openly express their faith in a competitive industry, calling their choice “brave” and expressing immense pride in their courage. This moment powerfully underscored Underwood’s role as an advocate for artists who wish to authentically incorporate their spirituality into their craft.
The Breathtaking Finale
When American Idol premiered its three-hour “Songs of Faith” Easter special on April 20, 2025, anticipation for Underwood’s featured performance was immense. Dressed in a glittering, floor-length gown, she took the stage to deliver a breathtaking rendition of “How Great Thou Art.” Though she has performed the classic hymn countless times, this performance brought a new, searing depth and resonance. Her unparalleled control, vocal power, and dynamic range carried every note with precision, transitioning seamlessly from delicate, reverent whispers to powerful, soaring climaxes that utterly filled the historic theater.
The audience, including both live attendees and viewers around the world, was visibly moved, with many rising to their feet before the final note faded into silence. Host Ryan Seacrest remarked, “I have no words after that!” Indeed, Underwood’s rendition transcended a typical musical performance, creating an immersive, spiritual experience that left fans reporting chills, tears, and a profound sense of awe.
Ultimately, Carrie Underwood’s seamless integration of faith into her artistry serves as both inspiration and guidance for her vast audience. Her journey from a young contestant on American Idol to a multi-Grammy-winning powerhouse demonstrates that staying resolutely true to one’s core beliefs can resonate profoundly with the world. Through My Savior, her impactful live performances, and her public advocacy, she has cultivated a lasting legacy in which music, faith, and personal authenticity are inseparable—a legacy that continues to uplift and move audiences around the globe.
Would you like to know which other contemporary country artists are known for openly integrating their Christian faith into their music? Yes, several contemporary country artists are known for openly integrating their Christian faith into their music, both through explicit gospel songs and inspirational themes in their mainstream material.
Key examples include:
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Dolly Parton: Raised in a Christian home, Parton has consistently maintained a strong spiritual influence in her lengthy career. She has released multiple gospel projects, worked with contemporary Christian artists, and often speaks of receiving inspiration for her music from God.
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Cody Johnson: Known for his passionate stage presence, Johnson frequently shares his love for Jesus with his audience. He often credits his Lord and Savior for all his success, encouraging fans to never doubt what the Lord can do in their lives.
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Luke Bryan: While primarily a mainstream country star, Bryan has become more open about his faith, particularly after personal tragedies. On the 2025 “Songs of Faith” episode of American Idol, he performed his song “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids,” which addresses his changing prayer life as a father.
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Blake Shelton: Shelton has spoken about his faith growing significantly since his marriage to Gwen Stefani. This deeper commitment has influenced his music, notably with the release of the 2025 song “Let Him in Anyway,” which reflects on themes of mercy and salvation.
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Bailey Zimmerman: Known for his candid sharing of life’s struggles, Zimmerman has publicly professed his belief that God loves him unconditionally, often speaking from the stage about his faith journey and referencing scripture.
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Josh Turner: Turner has been consistently vocal about his Christian faith, with his music often rooted in his beliefs.
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Zach Williams: A former rocker, Williams made a successful crossover to Christian country and worship music, including his Grammy-winning collaboration with Dolly Parton, “There Was Jesus.”
These artists, much like Carrie Underwood, demonstrate that faith-based themes continue to resonate strongly within the modern country music landscape, either through direct gospel releases or by allowing their spirituality to shape the narrative and message of their mainstream songs.
