“American Idol” judge Carrie Underwood closed out the “Songs of Faith” Easter special by singing “How Great Thou Art.” (Photo Credit: American Idol / YouTube)

When American Idol announced their plans to host a faith-based special on Easter Sunday (April 20), fans knew they could expect a beautiful and heartfelt performance from judge Carrie Underwood.

Underwood has openly shared her faith from the start of her career. She released “Jesus, Take the Wheel” as the first single from her debut album. She sings about baptism and being saved in another one of her signature songs, “Something in the Water.”

Through the years, fans have heard Underwood sing faith-based staples such as “Softly and Tenderly” and “How Great Thou Art.” She eventually recorded her versions of those songs for her 2021 gospel album, My Savior.

In addition to the above-mentioned songs, My Savior also included Underwood’s recordings of “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Amazing Grace,” among others.

My Savior topped both the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and the Top Christian Albums chart after its release. It also won the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album in 2022.

Underwood performed all 13 songs from My Savior during a special that streamed online on Easter Sunday in 2021. The program was filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

In addition to sharing her faith in her music, Underwood speaks about her love for Jesus in interviews, during acceptance speeches, on social media, and on TV.

During Hollywood Week on the current season of American Idol, Underwood praised contestants Breanna Nix and IAMKNOWN for singing a cover of “Gratitude” by Christian artist Brandon Lake. Underwood teared up as she shared how challenging it can be to be a person of faith in the music industry:

“Ladies … I wanna tell you how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you. It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are gonna tell you not to do that. I wanna tell you that I’m proud of you guys.“

Underwood got the chance to showcase her faith in front of a massive audience when American Idol aired a three-hour “Songs of Faith” special on Easter Sunday this year (2025). The special featured faith-inspired performances from the Top 20 contestants, the judges, special guests, and artist-in-residence Jelly Roll.

When it came time for her to take to the stage, Underwood appeared in a gorgeous glittery gown.

Underwood performed a faithful song she’s quite familiar with by now…”How Great Thou Art.” Anyone who’s ever heard Underwood sing the beloved hymn knows that the song showcases her at her absolute best. And she was definitely at her best when she closed out Idol‘s “Songs of Faith” special with “How Great Thou Art.”

“I have no words after that!” host Ryan Seacrest exclaimed as the crowd cheered for her like wild.

Watch the video below for Carrie Underwood’s heavenly performance during the American Idol Easter special. Hearing her sing “How Great Thou Art” will never fail to give us chills and move us to tears.