Carrie Underwood has never shied away from leaning on her faith.
During Monday’s episode of « American Idol, » the « Jesus Take the Wheel » songstress shared a heartfelt testimony after contestants Rylee and Breanna went head-to-head during a performance of Brandon Lake’s « Gratitude » – a song dedicated to worshiping God.
« I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you, » Underwood said while getting emotional. « It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that. »
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Carrie Underwood told contestants Rylee and Breanna that their faith-based performance was a « brave thing to do. » (‘American Idol’; Disney)
The country star is no stranger to facing public opinion.
Earlier this year, the « All American Girl » singer caught heat from fans for agreeing to sing at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
« I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event, » Underwood, who was joined by the Armed Forces Choir and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, said in a statement. « I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future. »
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Carrie Underwood has often faced criticism for her political and religious beliefs. (Tammie Arroyo/Variety via Getty Images)
With a widespread fan base, Underwood’s political beliefs have often been at the center of debate.
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« There is someone I do support, but I don’t support publicly, » the country star told TV Guide in 2008. « I lose all respect for celebrities when they back a candidate. It’s saying that the American public isn’t smart enough to make their own decisions. I would never want anybody to vote for anything or anybody just because I told them to. »
Carrie Underwood, who performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year, has been open about the challenges of fame. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool via REUTERS)
In 2012, Underwood faced both backlash and praise after seemingly speaking out in support of gay marriage.
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« As a married person myself, I don’t know what it’s like to be told I can’t marry somebody I love, and want to marry, » she told The Independent in 2012. « I can’t imagine how that must feel. I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love. »
« Above all, God wanted us to love others. It’s not about setting rules, or [saying] ‘Everyone has to be like me’. No. We’re all different, » she added. « That’s what makes us special. We have to love each other and get on with each other. It’s not up to me to judge anybody. »
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As one of the most popular singers in country music, the eight-time Grammy Award-winner knows that she cannot please everyone.
« The role-model word is really scary to me, because no matter what happens in your life, something you do, wear, say, sing, whatever — somebody somewhere is probably not going to like it too well, » she told the Associated Press in 2012. « I just really try hard to do what I do and try to be nice to people and make great music, and if people think they can look up to that, that’s wonderful. If not, that’s OK, too. »
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