Carrie Underwood honored the Vegas victims during her heartbreaking ‘in memoriam’ performance at the 51st Country Music Awards held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The 34-year-old singer gave a somber rendition of the hymn “Softly and Tenderly,” paying tribute to the legendary country music performers who were lost this year.
Wow, @CarrieUnderwood. Just wow.
Beautiful way to remember all those we lost this year. #CMAawards pic.twitter.com/gFbQCBqK3i
— CMT (@CMT) November 9, 2017
“This has been a year marked by tragedy, impacting countless lives, including so many in our country music family. So tonight, we’re going to do what families do: come together, pray together, cry together, and sing together, too,” Underwood said during their monologue.
Towards the end of the performance, the faces of the 58 victims who were killed in the mass shooting at the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival were shown in the background.
Rest in peace to the beautiful people we lost in Las Vegas…#CMAawards pic.twitter.com/pXahzNM8Q7
— Good Morning America (@GMA) November 9, 2017
Underwood was so overcome with emotion that she tearfully wrapped up the song. By then, there was no dry eye in the entire Bridgestone Arena.
Aside from performing, Underwood also hosted the event with Brad Paisley, who said, “The way we see it, the best way to honor our fans is to play our music — loud and proud.”
“Our music lifts people up and that’s what we’re here to do tonight. So this year’s show is dedicated to all of those we’ve lost and to all of those who are still healing. We love you and we will never forget you.”