Ever since Carrie Underwood won American Idol twenty years ago, we have all known that she has an incredible gift. She can belt out a song with maximum power, or perform with restraint, delicacy, and tenderness. That is a rare talent. Few vocalists have it. She has used it beautifully while doing all kinds of hit tunes over the years. Underwood always sings with credibility and honesty, no matter what material she is singing or how she delivers it - subtle, slinky, or scintillating. That is why she has garnered millions of loyal fans all over the world. Here are four examples of Underwood's truly breathtaking range.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"How Great Thou Art"
I have watched this YouTube video more times than I can count. I still can't believe the way Underwood sang with such unbridled emotion and power that the audience was on their feet before she even finished. She begins very softly and builds to a rousing finish. Music that reflects her faith means a lot to Underwood, and you can really feel that. That thunderous, no-holds-barred ending gets to me every time. Listening to this is humbling.
"Undo It" / "Walk This Way"
If you ever doubted that Underwood could rock with the best of them, watch this video. She holds nothing back when she does this potent mashup of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" and her own "Undo It." Underwood holds her own alongside legendary rocker Steven Tyler as they prance, dance, and roar their way through the two classic songs. In addition to being a country/pop princess, she proved that she has a glorious rock and roll soul.
"Mama's Song"
Sweet and gentle, this track from Underwood's LP, Play On, is so touching. Any mom or daughter can identify with the intense feelings of both as the daughter gets ready to leave the nest and marry. Underwood knows exactly how to evoke warmth and even tears without getting corny. She's always real. And relatable. No artifice, ever.
"Something In The Water"
This is another great instance of how Underwood starts out mildly, then revs it up to lung-popping, soul-stirring drama while barely pausing. A chart-topping Grammy winner from 2014, Underwood co-wrote it. Per Taste Of Country, one of the song's co-writers, Chris DeStefano, said, "Going in to write with Carrie, it's always an adventure, because obviously she can do so many different things stylistically," And she consistently excels at all of them, a rarity.
