In an emotional tribute, Underwood performed one of Travis’s most beloved hits, leaving the legendary artist visibly moved. The duet was a heartfelt moment that showcased Carrie’s powerhouse vocals and her deep respect for Randy’s enduring influence on country music. Witnessing this union of two country icons was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left fans and Travis himself in awe.

Gaining the spotlight when she won season four of American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood continues to entertain audiences all over the world. Since 2005, the country singer released several studio albums and headlined numerous tours. The voice behind hit songs like “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, Underwood continues to expand her stardom within country music. But looking back over her ongoing career, Underwood once joined forces with Randy Travis to perform “I Told You So” on American Idol.

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While fans of American Idol are thrilled Underwood is returning as a judge, the country decided to take a trip back to the show years ago. With her career taking off, it seemed like a full-circle moment as Underwood took the stage with Travis. Taking place in 2009, the duo gifted the audience a special performance of the 1988 classic song.

Carrie Underwood Listened To Randy Travis As A Child

Looking at the comments, fans continue to gush over the performance even though it happened over 15 years ago. “I’m 70 years old and tear up every time I watch this because she had her entire career in front of her and Randy is very near the end.” Another person added, “Such a good performance. Massive respect for Randy Travis here. So many performers would have tried to match her to show their talent. He just stands back, lets the young star have their moment, and enjoys it. It doesn’t hurt that she has an amazing voice.”

While soaking in her return to American Idol, Underwood getting the chance to perform with Travis, an artist she considers one of her music heroes, was a childhood dream. Speaking with People, she said, “Randy Travis is somebody that, I remember my sister had a cassette tape of his. I would listen to it probably way more than she did, and I just loved not just his voice, because he has such a distinct voice, but his songs … it was such an amazing thing getting to meet him through that, and getting to be able to talk to him through that.”

Randy Travis Sings Carrie Underwood’s Praises

The appreciation most certainly goes both ways, as Underwood’s vocal performance on the track “I Told You So,” truly blew Travis away.

“My wife and I, we’re on the road, we hear this played to me over the phone. And, the only thing I could think to say when we hear it is ‘That was far more suited for her voice than mine.’ I mean, what a performance,” Travis said, via Country Rebel. “There’s not that many people that can go out and sing live and nail a performance regardless of the sound.  I’ve worked in venues where Carrie was singing and I know how bad the room sounded. I sat back and I’m listening to her go out, and it’s like ‘You’re not right.’”

Continuing his praise, Travis noted “Everything you do, you sing the fire out of.  You sing a country ballad so great. I hope you continue to do some of that on every album you do, because I love the country stuff and I love to hear you sing.”