In a world often overwhelmed by noise and uncertainty, sometimes a single musical moment cuts through it all, reminding us of something deeper, something eternal. That’s exactly what happened when country superstar Carrie Underwood and gospel icon CeCe Winans joined forces for their breathtaking rendition of the classic hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” What began as a collaboration for Underwood’s 2021 gospel album My Savior has evolved into a cultural touchstone—a performance so raw, vulnerable, and spiritually charged that it leaves listeners breathless, tearful, and profoundly comforted. Even years later, in 2025, clips of their duet continue to circulate widely online, resonating anew as an emotional lifeline amid challenging times.
The story behind this duet is one of mutual admiration and divine timing. Underwood, a lifelong churchgoer raised on hymns in rural Oklahoma, had long dreamed of recording a gospel project. Her 2020 Christmas album My Gift opened the door to faith-inspired music, and My Savior became its natural companion—a collection of traditional hymns that Underwood co-produced with David Garcia. When it came time to record “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” a 1923 hymn written by Thomas Chisholm and William Runyan celebrating God’s unchanging mercy, Underwood knew she needed a voice that could elevate it to heavenly heights. She nervously reached out to CeCe Winans, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, whose soul-stirring vocals have defined generations of worship music.
Winans, touched by the invitation, agreed without hesitation. In studio sessions, their voices intertwined seamlessly: Underwood’s crystalline, soaring highs complementing Winans’ rich, emotive depth. The result was a track that felt anointed—morning by morning, new mercies proclaimed through harmonies that built from gentle reflection to triumphant declaration. Underwood later described the experience as one of the highlights of her career, calling Winans “gospel royalty” and a profound inspiration.
But the true magic unfolded when they took it live. First, in Underwood’s Easter special My Savior: Live From the Ryman—filmed in Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the “Mother Church of Country Music”—the duo performed in an intimate, cathedral-like setting. Underwood, radiant in a flowing gown, began the hymn solo before Winans emerged, their voices filling the empty venue with a presence that felt almost otherworldly. The performance raised funds for charity and captured the essence of hope during a global pandemic’s lingering shadows.
The pinnacle came at the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards in April 2021. Introduced by Dolly Parton as a “passion project,” Underwood launched into a medley from My Savior, starting with an a cappella “Amazing Grace” that hushed the room. As stained-glass projections illuminated the Grand Ole Opry stage and a gospel choir assembled, Winans joined for “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” The blend was transcendent: Underwood’s pure, powerful delivery weaving with Winans’ warm, spirit-filled phrasing. The audience—limited due to protocols but filled with industry peers—rose in ovation, many visibly moved. Backstage whispers captured the awe: “It felt like the room stopped breathing—and so did I.” That sentiment echoed across screens as millions watched at home, finding solace in lyrics affirming God’s steadfast love amid personal and collective hardships.
The impact was immediate and enduring. The duet propelled My Savior to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country and Christian Albums charts, earning Underwood a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. It won a GMA Dove Award for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year, with Underwood congratulating Winans on her multiple wins that night. But beyond accolades, the performance became a source of healing. Viewers shared stories of playing it during hospital stays, funerals, moments of doubt, or quiet mornings needing reassurance. “In the heaviest seasons, faith can rise louder than fear,” one fan reflected, echoing the quiet strength radiating from both women.
Underwood and Winans embody that strength. Underwood, a mother, philanthropist, and powerhouse who balances mega-tours with church involvement, has always woven faith into her music—from “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to this gospel era. Winans, with her legacy of hits like “Alabaster Box” and family ministry, brings decades of authentic worship. Together, they bridge country and gospel, proving music’s power to unite across genres and generations.
Years on, the duet’s resonance hasn’t faded. In 2025, as challenges persist—personal losses, global anxieties—the performance resurfaces as an anthem of comfort. Viral clips garner fresh comments: tears from new listeners, gratitude from those rediscovering it. Churches incorporate it into services; families play it during holidays. It’s been called a “once-in-a-generation miracle”—two voices, one timeless truth, transforming a familiar hymn into something profoundly personal.
Backstage that night, amid hugs and hushed awe, the moment felt sacred. Underwood and Winans didn’t just sing; they ministered, their vulnerability inviting listeners into a space of unshakeable hope. In a divided world, their harmony reminds us: morning by morning, mercies arrive. All we need is provided. Great is Thy faithfulness.
Watch the full performance—whether the Ryman special, ACM medley, or studio version—and feel the chills, the heart, the healing. It’s more than music; it’s a gift that keeps giving, a reminder that even in silence, faith sings loudest.
