They Don’t Sing Them Like This Anymore: Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill’s Timeless “How Great Thou Art” at the 2011 ACM Girls Night Out
In an era where country music often leans into high-energy production and crossover appeal, some performances stand as reminders of the genre’s deepest roots—in faith, raw emotion, and unadorned vocal power. One such moment came on April 22, 2011, during the Academy of Country Music’s “Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country” special in Las Vegas. Carrie Underwood, then at the height of her post-American Idol fame, took the stage alongside legendary guitarist and vocalist Vince Gill to perform the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.” What unfolded wasn’t just a song—it was a spiritual experience that silenced the room, brought the audience to its feet, and left tears streaming down faces. Even today, over a decade later, fans insist: they don’t sing them like this anymore.
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The performance began softly, almost as a whisper. Underwood, radiant in a shimmering gown that caught the stage lights like stained glass, stood center stage with Gill by her side, his guitar providing gentle accompaniment. The hymn, originally a Swedish poem from the 1880s translated into English and popularized in Christian worship, built gradually. Underwood’s voice—pure, controlled, and infused with reverence—carried the verses with a tenderness that drew the audience in. As the song progressed, it transformed into a soul-stirring storm of gospel power, her notes soaring effortlessly to the rafters.
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Gill, ever the understated master, contributed harmonious backing vocals and a breathtaking guitar solo that replaced the traditional second and third verses. His playing was flawless, weaving melodies that evoked church pews and open skies, allowing Underwood’s vocals to shine without competition. When they joined for the triumphant chorus—”Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art”—the synergy was undeniable. It felt less like a duet and more like a shared prayer, two Oklahoma natives channeling something transcendent.
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The audience reaction was immediate and profound. Packed with country stars honoring women in the genre—icons like Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Loretta Lynn, and Martina McBride—the room fell into hushed reverence during the performance. You could hear a pin drop as Underwood held back visible emotion, her voice cracking with sincerity on the high notes. By the end, the crowd erupted into a thunderous standing ovation, many wiping away tears. Reports from the night described no dry eyes in the house; the applause was deafening, a wave of gratitude for witnessing something sacred in a secular setting.
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This wasn’t Underwood’s first brush with gospel. Raised in Checotah, Oklahoma, she grew up singing in church, and her faith has always infused her music—from early hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to later albums like My Gift (2020) and My Savior (2021). “How Great Thou Art” had appeared on a 2008 Opry gospel compilation, but this live rendition with Gill elevated it to iconic status. The video, aired on CBS and later uploaded to YouTube, has amassed tens of millions of views, shared endlessly across social media by fans and religious groups alike.
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Vince Gill, a country hall-of-famer with over 20 Grammys and a career spanning decades, brought his own depth. Known for emotional ballads and virtuoso guitar work, his restraint here amplified the impact—nodding quietly, harmonizing subtly, letting the hymn breathe. Their collaboration felt natural; both Grand Ole Opry members with shared roots, they embodied country music’s gospel heritage.
The “Girls Night Out” special celebrated female trailblazers, featuring tributes to Loretta Lynn and performances by Reba, Rascal Flatts, and others. Yet Underwood and Gill’s segment stole the show, often called the emotional pinnacle. Critics and fans hailed it as one of the greatest live vocal performances in country history, with some declaring the Holy Spirit filled the room.
Its enduring legacy speaks volumes. The live version was included on Underwood’s 2014 compilation Greatest Hits: Decade #1 due to fan demand. It propelled her studio recording back to No. 1 on gospel charts. Years later, in interviews, Underwood has reflected on her love for hymns, crediting them for grounding her amid stardom.
In today’s country landscape—filled with arena spectacles and genre-blending—moments of pure, faith-rooted simplicity like this feel rare. No pyrotechnics, no elaborate staging—just two voices, a guitar, and lyrics pondering creation’s wonders. It transcended entertainment, becoming worship. Fans revisit it for comfort, inspiration, or sheer awe at Underwood’s vocal mastery.
As one commenter aptly put it: “This isn’t just singing; it’s a conversation with God.” Underwood and Gill didn’t perform “How Great Thou Art”—they lived it, leaving an indelible mark on country music and beyond. If you’ve ever been moved by music that touches the soul, this remains a moment to experience again and again.
