Carrie Underwood & Vince Gill – “How Great Thou Art” (2011 ACM Girls’ Night Out)
Carrie Underwood’s performance of “How Great Thou Art” with Vince Gill at the 2011 ACM Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country was a defining moment in country music history. Held on April 4, 2011, in Las Vegas, the event honored influential women in country music, and Underwood’s rendition of this cherished hymn became the night’s emotional centerpiece.
Underwood’s decision to perform “How Great Thou Art” was both fitting and ambitious. The hymn, a beloved piece of Christian worship music, is known for its powerful lyrics and challenging vocal demands. Underwood’s collaboration with Vince Gill, a country legend and virtuoso guitarist, elevated the performance to new heights.
The stage was set with a minimalistic approach, ensuring the focus remained on the performers and the song itself. Vince Gill began the performance, accompanying himself on guitar with his smooth and heartfelt vocals. His understated delivery set the tone, allowing the hymn’s reverence and emotion to take center stage.
When Underwood joined in, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Her soaring vocals resonated throughout the venue, showcasing her extraordinary range and control. The combination of her passionate delivery and Gill’s masterful harmonies created a poignant moment that left the audience visibly moved.
The performance was met with an immediate standing ovation, with attendees moved to tears. Industry veterans and fans alike hailed the duet as a high point of the evening and one of the most memorable live performances in ACM history.
Critics praised Underwood’s ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining vocal precision. Vince Gill’s understated yet profound contribution was equally lauded, with his guitar playing and vocal harmony adding a layer of depth and authenticity to the hymn.
Carrie Underwood’s “How Great Thou Art” at the ACM Girls’ Night Out had a lasting impact on her career and on country music as a whole. The performance solidified her reputation as not only a pop-country superstar but also as an artist capable of delivering deeply spiritual and universally resonant music.
For many, this performance introduced a broader audience to the beauty of traditional hymns in a modern context. It also demonstrated the power of collaboration between artists from different generations, with Underwood and Gill representing two distinct eras of country music.
The moment became a defining chapter in Underwood’s career, further establishing her as a versatile performer. It also underscored the ACM’s mission of celebrating the artistry and cultural contributions of women in country music.
“How Great Thou Art” is a hymn that speaks to the majesty of creation and the greatness of God, themes that resonate deeply across cultures and denominations. The decision to include it in a celebration of country music women emphasized the genre’s deep roots in faith and tradition. Underwood’s rendition not only honored those roots but also reimagined the hymn as a universal anthem of praise.
Her powerful delivery of lyrics like “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,” conveyed a sense of personal devotion and awe, resonating with anyone familiar with the hymn’s message. Vince Gill’s contribution added a layer of musical sophistication, making their duet a perfect balance of vocal prowess and instrumental mastery.
The emotional weight of the performance was palpable. Fans took to social media to express their admiration, with many citing it as one of the most moving live renditions they had ever witnessed. The performance was also celebrated for its technical brilliance, with Underwood’s vocal clarity and Gill’s impeccable guitar work receiving particular praise.
The legacy of this performance continues to inspire aspiring artists and worship leaders. It serves as an example of how simplicity, sincerity, and talent can combine to create a moment that transcends entertainment.