Carrie Underwood has a packed schedule between her music and American Idol. She took a break from the reality competition to surprise the locals with a performance at a very special event. Stay on this page for all the details and listen to her stunning performance.

Carrie Underwood Defends American Idol Feedback

Carrie Underwood has never shied away from how her career began. She won Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. She became one of the reality show’s most successful winners. The singer returned to the show over the years to perform. But what fans really wanted was for her to join the judging panel.
Carrie Underwood/Credit: YouTube
That wish came true in 2025 when she joined Season 23 as a judge to replace Katy Perry. She returned for Season 24 alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. But it hasn’t been easy. The live audience doesn’t always love her criticism of the contestants.

In fact, Carrie Underwood was heavily booed during an episode earlier this season. However, she doesn’t let the negative response get to her. She’s there to help the contestants become better singers. She opened up to actress Danielle Fishel on the American Idol podcast about the backlash.

“I can’t lie, I’m a terrible liar,” Carrie Underwood said about why she doesn’t hold back with her feedback. Luke Bryan defended her, noting it was “tough” to be a judge on the reality competition.
Carrie Underwood YouTube

She Surprises Locals At Special Event

Carrie Underwood has said multiple times that getting booed doesn’t bother her. However, it has to get to her a little bit. She made a surprise appearance at a special event recently where she was warmly welcomed. The Nashville resident surprised local churchgoers at an Easter service on Sunday, April 5.

She sang a heartfelt version of “How Great Thou Art” at the Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee. A Nashville local named Emily was at the Easter service and shared a video on Instagram of the surprise performance.

Carrie Underwood looked relaxed in a floral dress with a denim jacket. She was joined in the performance by the church choir, days after she performed the same song on American Idol. 

The unexpected performance surprised the congregation and the singer’s fans. They took to the comments to react to the once-in-a-lifetime moment:

“She served in all 5 services. Selfless and real! She does not ever expect to be seen or treated differently”
“Carrie Underwood’s How Great Thou Art is the best they will find this side of heaven”
“I couldn’t come to this church because I’d just be sobbing the entire time”
“Not many can move you with just singing- this song and Carrie are just on another level and amazing”
“I love how everyone is just praising along with her!!! Amen!”
“Wouldn’t it be great if that was the song you hear when you enter heaven sung by her!!!”

Carrie Underwood made Easter Sunday more memorable and meaningful for local churchgoers in Nashville. Tune in to American Idol Mondays on ABC.