‘Softly and Tenderly’: Carrie Underwood’s Tribute to Vegas Victims

Every year, the CMA honors singers and musicians, together with industry representatives who have passed on since the former year’s awards ceremony. These moments are always unforgettable, but it’s believed that no memorial performance will ever be more notable than the one Carrie Underwood performed at the 51st CMA Awards, held November 8, 2017. Prior to the awards night, Underwood, together with Brad Paisley, had been identified as a key performer as well as an event host, and as the day drew nearer, Paisley had indicated that her performance would be one of the evening’s highlights.

Fans watching the awards show at home began learning that Underwood would be the artist performing the memorial portion. At the event itself, all audience members were provided with a candle at their seat to hold high during her performance. The lights dimmed, and Underwood was escorted to the center circular stage as a hush came over the room.

Standing there, in the midst of the crowd, surrounded by guests and glowing candles, Underwood appeared bedazzling in her long white gown. But, beyond a measure of beauty was the sound of her voice as she sang “Softly and Tenderly” to an audience with barely a dry eye. Witness this most memorable performance here now.

As she sang, the images of not only musical talents such as Tom Petty, Gregg Allman, Glen Campbell, Troy Gentry, and Texas-born Don Williams flashed across a screen in black and white, but also those of the 58 victims of the senseless Las Vegas shooting. The moment was not lost on those in attendance, those watching at home, or on Underwood, who clearly was emotional. A moment of composure came; following the tears, she wept during the performance, which ended quietly, with the singer’s hand held to her face. After more than a week following the performance, the CMA has now released an official video of her emotional tribute. And, there are no misgivings that this will long be a memory those watching at home, as well as live, will keep with them forever.