When country music superstars Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill took the stage for a CBS broadcast in 2011, they delivered a performance that transcended the boundaries of genre and left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Their duet of the timeless Christian hymn “How Great Thou Art” at the Academy of Country Music’s “Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country” was nothing short of magical. Underwood’s soaring, velvety vocals intertwined with Gill’s masterful guitar work and rich harmonies to create a moment that felt larger than life. The emotional intensity of the performance brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance, and when the clip hit YouTube, it ignited a viral sensation, amassing millions of views and earning praise as one of the greatest live moments in modern country music. While Underwood and Gill have shared the stage on other occasions, this collaboration remains their most iconic, with Underwood’s breathtaking final power note cementing its place in music history.

A Night to Honor Country’s Leading Ladies

The stage was set on April 4, 2011, in Las Vegas, during the ACM’s “Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country” special, a televised event celebrating the contributions of female artists to the genre. The evening honored legends like Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, and Miranda Lambert, alongside rising stars like Underwood herself. The event was a testament to the power and influence of women in country music, blending heartfelt tributes with show-stopping performances. Amid a lineup of stellar acts, it was Underwood and Gill’s rendition of “How Great Thou Art” that stole the show, becoming the emotional centerpiece of the night.

The choice of “How Great Thou Art,” a hymn with deep spiritual roots, was both bold and fitting for the occasion. Written in 1885 by Swedish evangelist Carl Boberg and later translated into English by Stuart K. Hine, the song is a cherished piece of Christian worship music, known for its poetic lyrics and demanding vocal range. Its themes of awe, reverence, and gratitude for God’s creation and sacrifice have resonated with generations, making it a staple in both religious and musical contexts. For Underwood, a devout Christian whose career has often incorporated gospel elements, and Gill, a versatile artist with a knack for emotional delivery, the hymn was a perfect vehicle to showcase their talents and faith.

The Performance That Stopped Time

As the performance began, the stage was stripped down to its essentials, ensuring that the focus remained on the music and the message. Vince Gill, a country music legend with a career spanning decades, opened the duet with his signature guitar work, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the strings to produce a soulful melody. His understated vocals set a reverent tone, grounding the hymn in sincerity and warmth. Gill, known for his time with the country-rock band Pure Prairie League and his solo work that has earned him 21 Grammy Awards, brought a quiet intensity to the performance, allowing the song’s spiritual weight to shine through.

When Carrie Underwood joined in, the atmosphere shifted. Fresh off her 2005 “American Idol” win and already a powerhouse in country music, Underwood’s voice was a force of nature. Her opening lines—“O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder”—rang out with crystal-clear precision, her velvety tone carrying both strength and vulnerability. As she built toward the chorus, her vocals soared, filling the venue with a sense of grandeur that left the audience spellbound. Gill’s harmonies complemented her perfectly, adding depth and texture to the performance. The interplay between their voices created a seamless blend, with Underwood’s commanding presence balanced by Gill’s gentle, supportive backing.

The performance reached its peak during Gill’s extended guitar solo, which replaced the traditional second and third verses of the hymn. His playing was both technically flawless and deeply emotive, weaving a narrative of its own that allowed the audience to reflect on the song’s message. As Underwood re-entered with the chorus, her voice climbed to new heights, culminating in a final power note that was nothing short of breathtaking. The note, delivered with unwavering control and raw emotion, sent chills through the crowd, prompting an immediate standing ovation. Witnesses recall the audience being so captivated that you could have heard a pin drop before the applause erupted, with many visibly moved to tears.

A Viral Sensation

The performance was broadcast on CBS on April 22, 2011, and quickly became the talk of the night. But it was the upload of the clip to YouTube that transformed the duet into a global phenomenon. Within days, the video had garnered millions of views, shared widely by fans, religious groups, and music enthusiasts. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with praise, with users describing the performance as “transcendent,” “heart-stopping,” and “a gift from God.” One X post read, “Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill’s ‘How Great Thou Art’ is pure magic. That final note? I’m in tears every time.” Another user wrote, “Vince’s guitar and Carrie’s voice are a match made in heaven. This is why country music hits different.”

The viral nature of the performance was fueled by its universal appeal. While rooted in Christian faith, the duet resonated with listeners of all backgrounds, thanks to its emotional authenticity and musical brilliance. Fans noted that Underwood’s ability to convey deep conviction while hitting operatic high notes was unmatched, while Gill’s understated yet powerful contribution added a layer of sophistication. The video’s reach extended beyond country music circles, with Christian music communities and worship leaders citing it as an example of how to honor a sacred song with artistry and reverence. To date, the performance has amassed over 28 million views on YouTube, a testament to its enduring impact.

The Artists Behind the Magic

Carrie Underwood’s journey to stardom began with her 2005 “American Idol” victory, which catapulted her into the spotlight as a country music prodigy. Since then, she has sold over 70 million albums, earned eight Grammy Awards, and been hailed by Rolling Stone as “the female vocalist of her generation of any genre.” Her faith has always been a cornerstone of her career, evident in hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and her 2021 gospel album, My Savior, which included a studio version of “How Great Thou Art.” The 2011 duet with Gill was a pivotal moment, showcasing her ability to bridge country and gospel with unmatched vocal prowess.

Vince Gill, a veteran of the music industry, brought his own storied career to the performance. Beginning with Pure Prairie League in the 1970s, Gill has built a legacy as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, with a versatility that spans country, rock, and bluegrass. His 21 Grammy Awards and numerous collaborations with artists like Dolly Parton and Mark Knopfler highlight his status as a musical titan. In the duet, Gill’s role as both a supporting vocalist and guitarist was masterful, allowing Underwood to shine while adding his own emotional depth to the hymn.

Together, Underwood and Gill created a synergy that elevated “How Great Thou Art” beyond a mere cover. Their performance was a conversation between two artists at the peak of their craft, united by a shared respect for the song’s spiritual significance. Fans have noted that while the duo has collaborated on other occasions, including appearances at the Grand Ole Opry, this 2011 performance remains their most iconic, a moment where their talents aligned perfectly.

The Legacy of a Timeless Hymn

“How Great Thou Art” has a rich history, originating as a poem by Carl Boberg in 1885, set to a Swedish folk melody. Translated into English by Stuart K. Hine in the 1940s, the hymn gained global popularity after being performed by George Beverly Shea during Billy Graham’s crusades in the 1950s. Its lyrics, which celebrate God’s creation, Christ’s sacrifice, and the promise of salvation, have made it a beloved staple in churches and concert halls alike. Over the years, artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Alan Jackson have covered the hymn, but Underwood and Gill’s rendition stands out for its emotional intensity and technical brilliance.

The duet’s impact extended beyond the 2011 performance. Underwood included the live recording on her 2014 compilation album, Greatest Hits: Decade #1, where it became a fan favorite. The song also hit No. 1 on iTunes’ Top Gospel Song chart and reached No. 14 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in 2021, reflecting its enduring popularity. For Underwood, the performance was a personal milestone, as she has often spoken about the hymn’s significance in her life, citing it as one of her favorite songs to perform.

Why This Moment Endures

The magic of Underwood and Gill’s “How Great Thou Art” lies in its ability to connect with listeners on multiple levels. For country music fans, it was a showcase of two titans delivering a performance that honored the genre’s storytelling tradition. For Christian audiences, it was a powerful expression of faith, delivered with sincerity and reverence. And for music lovers of all stripes, it was a masterclass in vocal and instrumental artistry, proving that simplicity and authenticity can create moments that transcend entertainment.

The performance’s viral success on YouTube and social media underscores the power of music to unite and inspire. Fans on X continue to share the clip, with new generations discovering its beauty years after its debut. Posts like “Carrie’s final note in ‘How Great Thou Art’ is why I believe in music” and “Vince Gill’s guitar solo is a sermon in itself” reflect the ongoing admiration for the duet. The performance has also inspired countless covers by aspiring artists, who cite it as a benchmark for blending technical skill with emotional depth.

A Lasting Impact

More than a decade after its debut, Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill’s “How Great Thou Art” remains a touchstone in modern country music. Its ability to move audiences to tears, spark standing ovations, and dominate online platforms speaks to its universal appeal. The duet is a reminder that music, at its best, can be a spiritual and emotional experience, capable of bringing people together across divides. For Underwood and Gill, it was a moment of pure magic, a fleeting yet eternal performance that continues to resonate with millions. As one X user put it, “Carrie and Vince didn’t just sing ‘How Great Thou Art’—they made us feel it.” With its soaring vocals, masterful harmonies, and heartfelt delivery, this iconic collaboration will forever hold a place as one of the greatest live moments in music history.