Carrie Underwood Moved to Tears at CMA Awards as Her Emotional Performance of Softly and Tenderly Silences the Crowd Before Earning a Thunderous Standing Ovation
When Carrie Underwood took the stage at the 2017 Country Music Association Awards to perform “Softly and Tenderly,” it was clear from the first note that this would not be just another awards show performance. By the time she reached the final verse, with tears streaming down her face, the entire room was silent—caught in the power of a song that transcended genre, moment, and audience. It was not only one of the most talked-about moments of the night but quickly became one of the most emotional and unforgettable performances in CMA history.
Carrie Underwood, who rose to fame as the winner of American Idol in 2005, had already established herself as one of country music’s most powerful vocalists. With a voice that could soar effortlessly from delicate ballads to anthemic hits, she earned respect across genres. Her gospel roots, which she often revisited in both her live shows and personal projects, gave her an emotional depth that few contemporary artists could match. On this particular night, she reached deeper than ever before, drawing from that spiritual well in a way that felt as personal as it was profound.
The performance of “Softly and Tenderly” was chosen as part of the “In Memoriam” segment, honoring country music artists and notable figures who had passed away over the year. But in 2017, that list included not just beloved musicians—it also included the victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas, a tragedy that left 60 dead and hundreds wounded. The timing was sensitive, the emotions raw, and Underwood—who had headlined that same festival just a year prior—understood the gravity of the moment. She chose to deliver this 19th-century gospel hymn not as a performer, but as a mourner, a witness, and a vessel for collective grief.
“Softly and Tenderly,” written in 1880 by Will L. Thompson, has long held a sacred place in American hymnals. Its message—offering comfort to the weary and the grieving—has made it a fixture at funerals, church services, and revival meetings for over a century. Underwood, no stranger to sacred music, brought a stillness and reverence to the stage that night. Dressed in a flowing white gown, framed by soft lighting, she stood center stage with minimal accompaniment—no glitter, no spectacle—just a voice, a piano, and a nation in mourning.
The arrangement was sparse, designed to highlight the aching simplicity of the melody. A lone piano and a subtle orchestral swell gave Underwood’s voice room to rise and fall with each verse. There were no vocal acrobatics—only restraint, reverence, and raw emotion. Her voice quivered at times, and by the final chorus, she was visibly crying, her voice cracking under the emotional weight. This vulnerability was not rehearsed or staged—it was real, and that made it all the more powerful.
The reaction in the room was immediate. The Bridgestone Arena, typically loud with applause and celebration, was utterly still. Artists and fans alike sat in silence, many visibly moved, some wiping tears. And as the final note faded, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation—not just out of respect for Underwood’s vocal talent, but for the courage and sincerity she had shown in channeling so much sorrow into something so beautiful.
Though the performance was not tied to a chart release or album promotion, its cultural impact was immense. Clips of the moment spread rapidly across social media and news outlets, with viewers praising Underwood for delivering a moment of unity and healing. Many called it one of the greatest performances of her career. Others said it was among the most moving in CMA history. For many viewers, especially those directly affected by the Las Vegas shooting, it offered a moment of solace that words alone could not provide.
The performance also served to remind audiences of country music’s deep ties to gospel and its capacity for spiritual storytelling. In a genre often associated with honky-tonk barrooms and road-weary tales, “Softly and Tenderly” brought the focus back to themes of faith, redemption, and community. Underwood’s choice to sing this hymn wasn’t a nod to nostalgia—it was a reaffirmation of the emotional power that faith-based music still holds in times of crisis.
For Underwood, the moment became a turning point in how audiences perceived her artistry. While she had always been respected for her technical skill and commanding stage presence, this performance highlighted a depth of soul that transcended the spotlight. It showed that she was not just a voice—but a voice with purpose, empathy, and the courage to stand still in a storm of pain.
In the months and years following the performance, “Softly and Tenderly” became a mainstay in Underwood’s live sets and was later included in her 2021 gospel album My Savior. Though recorded under different circumstances, the studio version carries the emotional DNA of that night at the CMAs. It’s a quiet but enduring tribute to the lives lost and the power of music to hold space for collective grief.
The 2017 CMA performance also influenced a wider return to traditional and gospel roots in country music. Other artists, inspired by Underwood’s bold sincerity, began to incorporate more spiritual themes and stripped-down performances into their shows and recordings. It served as a quiet reminder that, amid the glitz of the modern country industry, there is still room for grace.
While Underwood has performed many show-stopping numbers throughout her career, “Softly and Tenderly” stands apart as one of her most meaningful. It wasn’t crafted for radio, nor was it designed to go viral. It was simply a moment of honesty—of grief, of remembrance, and of healing—and that is why it will be remembered for generations to come.
In the end, Carrie Underwood didn’t just perform a song that night. She created a sacred space—one where sorrow could be shared, where healing could begin, and where the music reminded us that we are never alone in our pain. “Softly and Tenderly” wasn’t a performance for the stage. It was a prayer for a hurting world—and Carrie carried it with grace, strength, and unshakable faith.
