Carrie Underwood Brings Millions to Tears With Her Most Powerful “How Great Thou Art” Yet—A Raw Easter Performance That Redefined What Music Can Feel Like

Just when we thought we’d heard everything Carrie Underwood had to offer, she delivered a performance so moving, so pure, it stopped time. On Easter Sunday, standing alone on the ‘American Idol’ stage, Underwood sang “How Great Thou Art” with such unfiltered emotion that many called it her most transcendent moment yet. The way she held each note, the gentle tremble in her voice, the tears she barely held back—it wasn’t just music, it was ministry. Fans and judges alike were left speechless. For many, it felt like a spiritual experience.

Experience this unforgettable performance for yourself—watch the full video below

In March, American Idol welcomed a batch of aspiring musicians all hoping that their story turns out like Carrie Underwood’s. The “Before He Cheats” songstress used her season 4 victory to launch one of the most successful country music careers of all time. Recently wrapping up her wildly successful Las Vegas residency, Underwood returned to where it all began when she replaced Katy Perry on the Idol judging panel. Always open about her Christian faith, she helped Idol viewers celebrate Easter with a soaring performance of “How Great Thou Art.”

‘American Idol’ Saves the Best For Last With Carrie Underwood

Taking the stage during American Idol‘s first-ever Easter special, Carrie Underwood belted the timeless hymn ” How Great Thou Art.”

Although seemingly just another week of competition, American Idol hopefuls performed gospel and faith-based songs during Sunday’s (April 20) “Songs of Faith” special. The episode also featured performances from judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, and Roman Collins also made appearances.

Speaking to Billboard, Luke Bryan said the idea for a faith-based episode came after seeing an influx of gospel performances from this year’s contestants. And the “Mind of a Country Boy” singer, 48, credits the first-time judge for that.

“A couple of episodes ago she asked, ‘Historically have people done so much gospel?’” Bryan said. “And I said, ‘You may be having a little something to do with that.’”

Added Underwood, 42, “It wasn’t just gospel. 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.’”

Underwood Opens Up About Favorite Easter Traditions

Ahead of tonight’s “Songs of Faith” special on American Idol, judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie spoke with TV Insider about their childhood Easter traditions.

For Underwood, Easter has always revolved around “faith and family.” She added, “I have such fond memories of singing in church on Easter Sunday throughout my childhood, along with family dinners. And that time for reflection and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ is something I’ve continued with my own family.”