CARRIE UNDERWOOD TOOK THE DOVE AWARDS BY STORM WITH BEN FULLER.
The crowd didn’t know what hit them — her voice soared, every note packed with emotion, and together with Ben Fuller, they delivered a performance fans are still talking about. Don’t miss this unforgettable moment. Watch below ⬇️
Carrie Underwood’s Surprise Duet with Ben Fuller at the 2025 Dove Awards: A Faith-Filled Moment of Pure Inspiration
The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, held on October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and broadcast on TBN, delivered countless memorable performances celebrating Christian and gospel music. But one unannounced moment stole the show: country superstar Carrie Underwood joining rising Christian artist Ben Fuller onstage for a powerful live rendition of their duet “If It Was Up To Me.” The surprise appearance left the audience in stunned silence before erupting into thunderous applause, turning the night into a profound celebration of faith and redemption.
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Ben Fuller, a former addict whose testimony of overcoming hardship through faith has resonated widely, began the performance solo. His raw, gravelly voice set a vulnerable tone as he sang the opening lines of the song—a deeply personal track he co-wrote about gratitude that life’s outcomes aren’t solely in human hands. Then, without warning, Underwood emerged from the wings in an elegant white strapless gown, drawing gasps and cheers from the crowd. The two shared the stage seamlessly, their voices blending in perfect harmony: Fuller’s rugged sincerity complementing Underwood’s soaring, crystalline power.
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“If It Was Up To Me,” featured on Fuller’s 2025 deluxe album Walk Through Fire: Songs From The Smoke, reflects on personal struggles and divine grace. Lyrics like “If it was up to me, I’d probably be dead right now” stem from Fuller’s own journey, making the song a testament to surrender and hope. Underwood, whose faith has long been central to her music—from hymns like “How Great Thou Art” to her gospel album My Savior—brought an uplifting lightness, her belts elevating the chorus into an anthemic declaration of joy in redemption. As the final notes faded, Underwood clasped Fuller’s hand, smiled warmly, and pointed upward—a subtle, heartfelt gesture acknowledging a higher power that drew a standing ovation.
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The collaboration’s origins add to its charm. Fuller credits Underwood’s husband, retired NHL player Mike Fisher, for connecting them. The song, which sat on a shelf for over three years, earned a nomination for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year at the 2025 Doves (though it ultimately went to Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah”). Underwood has spoken glowingly of the partnership: “Ben is such a talented singer and songwriter, and I love the joy he brings to singing about his faith, which we have in common. I was honored when he asked me to sing with him.” Fuller echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for sharing “his love for Jesus” through the track.
This wasn’t Underwood’s only tie to the Christian music world that night—country acts like Jelly Roll also performed and won—but her surprise entrance elevated Fuller’s moment into one of the evening’s highlights. Social media exploded with clips, fans praising the “spiritual jolt” and “no gimmicks, just two voices and one message.” The performance aired during the Dove Awards broadcast, with an encore presentation on October 17, 2025, ensuring wider audiences experienced the magic.
Underwood’s appearance underscores her seamless blend of country and Christian genres. From her early American Idol victory to gospel projects and Opry performances, she consistently honors her roots in faith-based music. For Fuller, whose hits like “Who I Am” and “If I Got Jesus” have topped Christian charts, sharing the stage with an icon like Underwood was a career milestone, amplifying his message of hope to new listeners.
In a night full of celebrations, this duet stood out for its authenticity—no elaborate production, just raw emotion and shared belief. It reminded everyone why music in this space endures: it heals, uplifts, and connects souls. As clips continue circulating, the performance serves as a beautiful testament that sometimes, the most stirring moments are the unexpected ones, guided by something greater.
