Mike Fisher on Carrie Underwood’s CMA Awards Show-Stopper: ‘You Could Feel the Lord’s Presence’
Brad Paisley promised that Carrie Underwood would have the show-stopping moment at the 2017 CMA Awards, and he wasn't lying. When she performed the gospel song "Softly and Tenderly" in memory of late country greats and the 58 country fans who lost their lives in Las Vegas at Route 91 Harvest Festival, it was all over — everyone was in tears.
Underwood's husband was just as touched by his wife's performance, and in a heartfelt post on Instagram, he shared his thoughts with fans.
"Hard to put words to this moment last night," he writes alongside a photo of Underwood. "I’ve seen her perform countless times but this one may be my favorite all time. So much meaning behind it and You could feel the Lords presence!"
This Carrie Underwood CMA Awards Moment ... WOW!
Underwood acted as the voice for an official In Memoriam montage of country music stars and music business personalities who died in 2017. Faces of these people were displayed on the screen behind her as she sang, but the crowning moment of the performance came when pictures of the victims of the Las Vegas shooting on Oct. 1 flashed onscreen.
It was then that Underwood lost her voice and fought to hold back tears so she could finish the song. As the song closed, Underwood could be seen wiping away tears. The live audience inside Bridgestone Arena in Nashville was silent as they held up candles, making Underwood's appearance more of a vigil.
Earlier in the evening, Underwood and Paisley delivered an opening monologue that briefly touched upon the tragedies of 2017. The co-hosts shared that the awards show would be dedicated to victims of tragedies and natural disasters in New York City, Sutherland Springs, Texas, Las Vegas and Houston.
"This has been a year marked by tragedy," Underwood said. "So tonight we’re going to do what families do."
"We love you and we will never forget you," Paisley added.
See Pics from the 2017 CMA Awards Red Carpet
Was Carrie's Performance a CMA Top 5? Find Out