Vince Gill & Carrie Underwood’s ‘How Great Thou Art’ Stuns the ACM Girls’ Night Out Awards in a Night of Faith, Music, and Emotion
On April 4, 2011, at the ACM Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country Awards, Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood delivered a performance that would be etched into the memories of country music fans forever. Their breathtaking rendition of How Great Thou Art transcended mere musical performance, turning into an emotional and spiritual experience. As Underwood’s voice soared through the rafters of the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, accompanied by Gill’s delicate yet masterful guitar work, the entire audience—including fellow country music legends—was left in stunned silence. By the time the song reached its climax, many were visibly moved, some in tears, as the power of faith and music intertwined in a moment of pure magic.
Carrie Underwood, by this time, was already one of the biggest names in modern country music. After winning American Idol in 2005, she quickly established herself as one of the genre’s most powerful vocalists, earning multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping hits. Her ability to blend traditional country roots with contemporary appeal made her a standout star, but her gospel influences had always been a key part of her artistry. Vince Gill, a legendary figure in country music, was the perfect musical counterpart. A 21-time Grammy winner and a member of the Grand Ole Opry, Gill had built a career on his smooth tenor vocals and unparalleled guitar skills, earning respect not just in country circles, but across multiple genres. Together, their performance of How Great Thou Art felt like a meeting of two generations—one rooted in the traditions of country gospel, the other carrying that tradition into a new era.
The hymn itself has a long and storied history. How Great Thou Art originated as a Swedish poem in the late 19th century before being translated into English and set to music in the 1940s. It gained widespread popularity in the 1950s when performed by George Beverly Shea at Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusades, later becoming a gospel standard recorded by legends such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. The song’s universal message of reverence and awe resonated across generations and genres, making it a perfect choice for Underwood and Gill’s ACM performance.
Their arrangement of the hymn was both delicate and grand. Vince Gill’s acoustic guitar intro set a hushed, reverent tone, allowing Underwood’s vocals to take center stage. As she delivered the first verses with controlled emotion, the performance steadily built in intensity. Gill’s harmonies added warmth and depth, while his guitar work provided a gentle but intricate backdrop. But it was in the final verse that Underwood unleashed the full power of her voice—her signature high notes soaring effortlessly, filling the arena with an almost transcendent energy. The audience reaction was immediate; the camera captured fellow country stars visibly moved, some in tears, as the moment unfolded.
The performance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. Within hours, clips of the performance were circulating online, and it wasn’t long before it went viral. Even those outside the country music world took notice, praising Underwood’s vocal control, Gill’s impeccable musicianship, and the song’s spiritual impact. How Great Thou Art was already a beloved hymn, but in this performance, it became something even greater—an unforgettable display of musical and emotional power that resonated far beyond the stage.
For Underwood, the performance reinforced her ability to move effortlessly between country and gospel. She had previously recorded Christian-themed songs, including Jesus, Take the Wheel, which had already established her as an artist with deep spiritual roots. However, How Great Thou Art took things to another level, solidifying her reputation as one of the premier vocalists of her generation. It wasn’t just about vocal technique—it was about conveying emotion, faith, and conviction in a way that few could match.
For Vince Gill, the performance was yet another testament to his quiet brilliance. He had long been revered as one of country music’s greatest musicians, and his ability to support Underwood while adding his own subtle artistry was a masterclass in musicianship. The combination of his gentle harmonies and effortless guitar playing provided the perfect complement to Underwood’s powerful vocals, creating a balance that elevated the performance to something truly special.
In the years following, How Great Thou Art remained a defining moment in both artists’ careers. Fans still cite it as one of the most extraordinary live performances in modern country music history. The video has amassed millions of views on YouTube, continuing to introduce new audiences to the magic of that night. The performance also led to a resurgence of interest in gospel music within the country genre, proving that faith-based songs could still have a powerful place in mainstream country entertainment.
As time passed, the significance of the performance only grew. Both Underwood and Gill continued to incorporate gospel elements into their work, and Underwood even released My Savior, a full gospel album, in 2021—further solidifying her connection to spiritual music. Many fans still regard the ACM performance as one of the catalysts that encouraged her to explore that side of her artistry further.
Looking back, How Great Thou Art at the ACM Girls’ Night Out Awards wasn’t just a performance—it was a defining moment in live music history. It was a reminder of music’s ability to move people, to inspire, and to transcend genre or era. It was proof that a simple hymn, when delivered with sincerity and passion, could leave an arena full of people breathless.
Decades from now, when fans reflect on the greatest live performances in country music, Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood’s How Great Thou Art will undoubtedly be on that list. It wasn’t just about technical perfection—it was about something deeper. It was a moment of pure, unfiltered emotion, where music and faith intertwined in a way that few performances ever achieve. In that moment, the Grand Ole Opry stood still, legends were left in awe, and country music history was made.
