Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood’s Performance of ‘How Great Thou Art’ Leaves ACM Girls’ Night Out Audience Speechless in a Powerful Blend of Faith, Music, and Emotion

On April 4, 2011, during the ACM Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country Awards, Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill stepped onto the stage and delivered a performance that transcended music. Their version of How Great Thou Art wasn’t just a duet—it was a moment of pure reverence. As Underwood’s voice soared through the MGM Grand Garden Arena, met with Gill’s understated yet masterful guitar, a hush fell over the room. By the final crescendo, many in the crowd were visibly emotional, some wiping tears, lost in the beauty of what they’d just witnessed.

Carrie Underwood had already cemented her place as a leading voice in country music by that time. Since her breakthrough on American Idol in 2005, she had released hit after hit and proven her range across both country-pop and gospel-tinged ballads. While her mainstream success brought her global fame, her spiritual side had always played a strong role in her music. Partnering with Vince Gill, one of the most respected and awarded musicians in country history, brought together two eras of excellence for a timeless piece.

How Great Thou Art carries a rich legacy. Originally written as a Swedish poem in the 1880s, the hymn was later translated and became popular in English-speaking churches during the mid-20th century. George Beverly Shea’s stirring renditions during Billy Graham’s crusades gave the hymn its American spotlight. Artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash later introduced it to broader audiences, making it a beloved anthem of faith across generations. When Underwood and Gill chose it for this special evening, they tapped into a well of emotion that stretched across musical history.

The arrangement they crafted was intentionally simple but deeply powerful. Gill opened with a soft, acoustic guitar introduction, his fingers laying a foundation of quiet reverence. Underwood began the first verse with gentle restraint, her voice measured but emotionally loaded. As the song progressed, her vocal delivery intensified, each phrase carrying more urgency. Gill’s subtle harmonies and graceful guitar playing served to accentuate the mounting emotion, never distracting, only enhancing the impact. When Underwood reached the final verse, she unleashed a vocal power that sent chills through the crowd.

The reaction from the audience was immediate and intense. As the final note rang out, the arena erupted in applause—many rising to their feet in silent awe before clapping. Fellow country artists were seen with tears in their eyes, visibly moved by the raw emotion of the performance. Within hours, clips from the broadcast began to circulate across social media, earning praise not just from country fans but from viewers around the world. It was one of those rare performances that needed no explanation—it simply spoke to the soul.

For Vince Gill, the night was another example of his gift for elevating others while quietly commanding respect. Known for his smooth tenor and virtuosic guitar work, Gill didn’t try to upstage Underwood—he supported her, creating a soundscape that allowed her voice to shine. His restraint was its own form of brilliance. His role was less about being a co-star and more about being the essential foundation that helped the entire performance reach emotional perfection.

As for Underwood, the performance marked a turning point. Though she had recorded faith-based songs before, How Great Thou Art gave the world a deeper glimpse into her spiritual core. It wasn’t just about her incredible vocal control—it was the sincerity, the raw emotion, and the visible connection she had to the song. That night, she wasn’t just a country star singing a hymn—she was a woman laying her soul bare through music.

The legacy of that performance didn’t fade. Over the years, the video amassed millions of views on YouTube, continuing to inspire new listeners. It remains one of the most frequently shared performances in country music circles and is widely considered a definitive moment in both artists’ careers. The response also sparked a renewed interest in gospel themes within the country genre, showing that songs rooted in faith still resonate deeply with today’s audiences.

The performance would go on to influence Underwood’s later work as well. In 2021, she released My Savior, a full album dedicated to the hymns of her childhood. Many fans trace the seed of that album back to this very performance. It revealed not just her vocal talent, but her conviction and connection to the music of her faith. The ACM performance was more than just a moment—it was a milestone in her artistic journey.

Looking back, it’s clear this wasn’t just another awards show performance. It was a masterclass in emotional connection and musical restraint. It served as a reminder that even in an era of glittering production and high-tech stages, the power of one voice and one guitar can move thousands to silence. What Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill created that night was more than music—it was something sacred.