It only took one song to turn the Dove Awards into a revival.
Carrie Underwood, country music royalty and powerhouse vocalist, stunned the 2025 Dove Awards audience when she stepped out unannounced to perform a surprise duet with Christian artist Ben Fuller. The crowd’s reaction was nothing short of thunderous as the two joined voices for their faith-filled hit “If It Was Up To Me.”
Fuller began the song solo, standing in a single spotlight as the first verse echoed through the room. Then the audience gasped when Carrie emerged from the side of the stage, microphone in hand, smiling as she joined in. The atmosphere shifted immediately. People stood, cheered, and cried as the two voices blended in a moment that felt straight out of Sunday morning worship.
This was not just a performance. It was a spiritual jolt wrapped in melody.
The collaboration between Underwood and Fuller was nominated for Bluegrass, Country, and Roots Recorded Song of the Year, and while they did not take home the trophy that night, they easily won the crowd’s hearts. The performance marked one of the most talked about moments of the evening, with fans and fellow artists flooding social media to share clips and praise.
Underwood later said she loved how Fuller’s message spoke to her own faith. “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,” she shared. “I was honored when he asked me to sing with him on ‘If It Was Up To Me,’ and I love how our voices blend on such a positive and uplifting song.”
Fuller, who co-wrote the song, said it came from a deeply personal place. “When I wrote this song, I kept thinking about how difficult life can be and that if I was in control, I would make it a lot easier on myself,” he explained. “But I would never know then how good God’s plans can be. I am so grateful Carrie wanted to share her love for Jesus on this song with me.”
The connection between the two artists runs deeper than music. Fuller revealed that he first met Underwood’s husband, Mike Fisher, through a Bible study group. The two men became friends long before Fuller realized who Fisher was married to. It was Fisher who introduced the song to Carrie, who instantly loved it and wanted to be part of the message.
“She is incredible, and she really elevated the song to another level,” Fuller said. “Their whole family loves Jesus, and you can feel that light when you are around them.”
Released in April as the lead single from Fuller’s album Walk Through Fire, “If It Was Up To Me” quickly became a fan favorite for its raw honesty and hopeful message. It reminds listeners that sometimes the hardest moments are the ones that lead to the greatest blessings, a message that resonates deeply with both artists and their audiences.
Underwood, whose own career has always carried threads of faith, continues to bridge the worlds of country and gospel. From “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to “Something in the Water,” she has never shied away from singing about belief, redemption, and grace. Her surprise appearance at the Dove Awards only reinforced what fans have known for years, that her faith is as real as her voice is powerful.
When the final notes faded and the applause filled the room, Carrie smiled at Fuller, clasped his hand, and pointed upward. It was a quiet reminder of what the night was truly about.
No theatrics, no gimmicks, just two voices, one song, and one message.
If anyone had doubted that faith and country could still move mountains when mixed together, Carrie Underwood and Ben Fuller proved otherwise. It was not just a duet, it was a testimony.
