“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
On April 4, 2011, the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas witnessed what would become one of country music’s most soul-stirring performances. At the ACM Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country Awards, Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill created pure magic with their rendition of “How Great Thou Art” – a performance that transcended ordinary music to become something profoundly spiritual and emotionally overwhelming.
The audience, filled with country music royalty, sat in stunned silence as Underwood’s powerful vocals soared through the arena, perfectly complemented by Gill’s masterful guitar work. By the final crescendo, tears flowed freely throughout the venue – a testament to the raw emotional power they had unleashed through this timeless hymn.
By 2011, Carrie Underwood had already established herself as country music’s golden girl. Her journey from American Idol winner in 2005 to multiple Grammy recipient and chart-topping artist showcased her remarkable ability to blend traditional country sensibilities with contemporary appeal. Though known for her commercial hits, Underwood’s gospel influences had always been an integral part of her musical identity.
Vince Gill stood as the perfect counterpart – a 21-time Grammy winner and Grand Ole Opry member whose smooth tenor vocals and extraordinary guitar skills had earned him universal respect across musical genres. Their collaboration represented a beautiful bridge between generations – Gill embodying country music’s rich traditions while Underwood carried that legacy forward into a new era.
“How Great Thou Art” itself carries a storied history, originating as a Swedish poem in the late 19th century before being translated and set to music in the 1940s. The hymn gained widespread recognition through George Beverly Shea’s performances at Billy Graham’s crusades in the 1950s, later becoming a gospel standard recorded by legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Its universal message of reverence made it the perfect vehicle for this historic duet.
Their arrangement began with delicate restraint – Gill’s acoustic guitar setting a hushed, reverent tone as Underwood delivered the opening verses with controlled emotion. The performance built gradually in intensity, with Gill’s warm harmonies and intricate guitar work providing the perfect foundation. But it was the final verse where true transcendence occurred – Underwood unleashed the full power of her voice, her signature high notes filling the arena with an almost otherworldly energy. The cameras captured fellow country stars visibly moved, many wiping away tears as the moment unfolded.
Within hours, clips of the performance spread online like wildfire. Even those outside country music circles took notice, praising Underwood’s extraordinary vocal control, Gill’s impeccable musicianship, and the profound spiritual impact of their collaboration. This beloved hymn, in their hands, became something even greater – an unforgettable display of musical and emotional power that resonated far beyond that Las Vegas stage.
For Underwood, this performance reinforced her ability to move seamlessly between mainstream country and gospel. While her Christian-themed songs like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” had already established her spiritual roots, “How Great Thou Art” elevated her to another level entirely, confirming her status as one of her generation’s premier vocalists. This wasn’t merely about technical prowess – it was about conveying genuine emotion, faith, and conviction in a way few artists could match.
For Gill, the performance showcased his quiet brilliance. His ability to support Underwood while adding his own subtle artistry represented a masterclass in musicianship. His gentle harmonies and effortless guitar playing created the perfect balance with Underwood’s powerful vocals, elevating the performance to something truly extraordinary.
In subsequent years, this rendition of “How Great Thou Art” remained a defining moment in both artists’ careers. Fans consistently cite it as one of the most extraordinary live performances in modern country music history. The video has accumulated millions of views online, continuously introducing new audiences to the magic of that night. The performance also sparked renewed interest in gospel music within the country genre, proving that faith-based songs still held powerful relevance in mainstream country entertainment.
As time passed, the significance of this performance only grew. Both artists continued incorporating gospel elements into their work, with Underwood eventually releasing “My Savior,” a full gospel album, in 2021 – further cementing her connection to spiritual music. Many consider the ACM performance a catalyst that encouraged her to explore this aspect of her artistry more deeply.
In retrospect, their “How Great Thou Art” at the ACM Girls’ Night Out Awards wasn’t merely a performance – it was a defining moment in live music history. It reminded us of music’s unique ability to move people, to inspire, and to transcend genre or era. It proved that a simple hymn, delivered with sincerity and passion, could leave an arena full of hardened music industry professionals completely breathless.
When future generations reflect on country music’s greatest live performances, this collaboration will undoubtedly remain on that list. It wasn’t just about technical perfection – it was about something far deeper. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion where music and faith intertwined in a way rarely achieved. In those few minutes, the country music world stood still, legends were left in awe, and an indelible mark was made on music history.
Video
Lyrics
Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
How great Thou art, how great Thou art