Who sung it best?

It’s a debate we have over hundreds of songs, and a church hymn is among them.

“How Great Thou Art” is a 19th-century piece of Swedish origin. It wasn’t even translated into English until 1925 and didn’t become popular as an American church hymn in the 1960s.

How, it’s largely considered second to only “Amazing Grace” when it comes to church favorites.

And the popular worship song has been covered by hundreds of singers over the decades, from Elvis Presley the Dolly Parton.

But these days, many people will point you to Carrie Underwood’s version of the song to have you hear it at its best.

Now the question is just WHICH of her many versions is the best?

Her 2008 performance at the Grand Ole Opry that was eventually turned into an entire show called How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry starring Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, and more?

Her 2019 cover of Elvis’ version in the NBC special Elvis Presley All-Star Tribute 2019 Show? That seems like a pretty big deal.

But in fact, the consensus seems to be that among her many performances of the hymn, her 2011 duet with Vince Gill is the best.

That one comes from the 2011 “ACM Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country” concert, which aired on CBS. First, Gill performed Underwood’s award-winning song “Jesus takes the Wheel,” and then the two followed it up with “How Great Thou Art.”

Gill joined Underwood for the chorus and played a guitar solo in place of verses 2 and 3 of the original hymn.

Many fans felt that there was no need for the lyrics to resonate with the listener in order to enjoy the performance.

“I am in no way religious. This is by far, one of the best performances I’ve EVER seen. The emotion absolutely floored me…” said a YouTube viewer.

Decked out in a short silver sequined dress, Underwood belts the song out as if her life depended on it.

Meanwhile, Vince Gill has a bit of a “cool dad” vibe going on with the glasses and suit. But he’s really just there for the guitar – Underwood’s vocals take front and center.

Even when he’s joining in on the chorus he’s simply there to prop up her big, bold vocals on this particular number.

Of course, we know Gill can hold his own, but this is her time to shine.

Besides, all eyes are on him during the guitar solos. He’s considered to be one of the best guitarists in country music with a collection to die for, so no doubt he’s getting plenty out of this even if the solos aren’t that complicated.

Together they make a beautiful team – two different generations of country music, both their own audiences that can still appreciate the other’s contributions to the genre.

For some people, ANY Carrie Underwood version of the song is OK by them.

“I cry every time I watch her sing this. It’s the most powerful song sung by anyone I can remember and I listen to music constantly… She’s just simply amazing!!” gushed a commenter.

Be sure to scroll down below to see their beautiful performance!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: YouTube – Wei H., Country Thang Daily, YouTube – Mr. Misunderstood, CMT News