Carrie Underwood tells Christian artists 'you don't have to sell your soul’ to succeed in music

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Saturday, April 04, 2026

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Since shooting to fame in 2005 as the winner of “American Idol,” Carrie Underwood has become one of the most successful artists in country music, but one thing she’s never compromised is her outspoken Christian faith.

More than two decades after her breakout moment, the Grammy-winning singer returned to the “Idol” stage this week for a second year as a judge, helping shape the next generation and serving as a central voice in one of the show’s most overtly faith-filled episodes.

“You don’t have to … sell your soul to make it in the entertainment industry,” the 43-year-old Oklahoma native told The Christian Post following the show’s second annual “Songs of Faith” episode. “You are going to have to stand strong in your faith and remember who got you here, because it wasn’t you.”

Underwood, who shares two sons with her husband, Mike Fisher, has won multiple Grammy Awards and scored dozens of No. 1 hits and global tours. Songs like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and her gospel album My Savior have made her one of the most visible Christians in mainstream country music, even as she’s maintained widespread commercial success.

On Monday night, that identity was on full display. The Nashville resident performed a rousing rendition of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” alongside former “Idol” contestants Filo, Canaan and Kolbi, while judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan opened with the overtly Christian song “Jesus Is Love.”

The episode, timed during Easter week, also featured contestants performing songs centered on faith, alongside moments of prayer and worship, including prayers from viral child pastor Luke Tillman.

“I love that we were able to … just be joyful and, you know, kind of have some moments of just worship in front of the world,” Underwood said. “I love that we had a little kid praying for us, Pastor Luke, it was just no fear.”

“There were a lot of moments,” she said. “I feel like I’m still downloading all that we just experienced.”

Underwood, who has been credited for the show’s renewed emphasis on faith-themed programming, praised the show for leaning into something she said is often difficult to embrace in the entertainment industry.

“I mean, what’s not to love [about this night],” she said. “I respect ABC and ‘American Idol’ so much for being bold in this theme, because it’s not easy. I feel like in the world of entertainment in general … it’s not easy.”

“But I also love that it was a gentle way,” she added. “It’s songs of faith, and it was kind of what that means to you as hopeful. So it’s not like we were making everybody sing about Jesus. It’s kind of like you could take that and sing something inspirational that means something to you.”

Still, the night included unmistakably Christian elements, including performances from contestants who openly expressed their faith. Keyla Richardson, a pastor’s daughter, performed Maverick City Music’s “Jireh,” while mother-of-three Hannah Harper, who recently told CP that contestants pray for one another before the show, performed Chris Tomlin’s “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” and Kyndal sang an indie version of “Nothing but the Blood.”

“I feel like Keyla … she’s always been very vocal about her faith since her day one audition,” Underwood said. “It was a great way to open the show.”

Following Harper’s performance, Underwood told the aspiring artist, “From the beginning, you’ve been one of my absolute favorites. I loved your version of that. I could feel your heart in it, and I was right there with ya.”

Underwood reiterated to CP that she “loves” Harper, adding: “Even when … they were playing the Bruno Mars song … she said, ‘Hot dang’ or ‘Hot darn.’ I was like, ‘OK, girl, I love you even more now.’”

Asked whether she felt a spiritual shift in the room during the broadcast, Underwood said there were several moments that stood out.

“I mean, there were several times,” she said, describing an atmosphere that, at times, felt less like a competition and more like a worship service.

Now sitting on the judges’ panel, Underwood said she hopes her journey from contestant to global star offers encouragement to aspiring artists navigating the industry while holding onto their faith.

“Remember where your gifts come from, because it's not from you,” she said. “Everybody kind of has to make their own way, but it is possible.”